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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has praised the progress made in combating tuberculosis during the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja on December 10.
She highlighted the increase in diagnoses and treatments as commendable achievements. Mrs. Tinubu, who serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, emphasised the need for continued efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to eradicate TB by 2030.
She noted that despite advancements, Nigeria still faces significant challenges, ranking sixth globally in TB cases, necessitating innovative strategies and sustained investment to overcome barriers to care.
She decried the global burden of TB which remains highly alarming particularly in low and middle income countries.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, ranking as the sixth highest burden country globally and the highest in Africa. According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report, Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023. The report highlights that Nigeria accounts for about 23% of TB-related deaths in Africa, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced detection and treatment efforts to combat this preventable and curable disease.
“Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far. Thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international partners. Subsequently, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB”.
Mrs. Tinubu restated her commitment to the fight against the disease which in her opinion should be out of Nigeria before 2035, giving the concerted efforts by government and other stakeholders.
“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We cannot afford to be complacent, and I assure you that the Federal Government, remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035.
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“To achieve this, we will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and support that they desperately need.
“To the health workers, community leaders, activists and TB survivors who are tirelessly working on the frontlines, you are the true heroes of this fight, and we are grateful for your dedication”, she assure.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate urged the private sector to join efforts with President Bola Tinubu and the government as a whole especially as they are resolute to end TB in Nigeria before 2030.
On his part, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Iziak Salako, pointed out that TB is not just a health issue but a development challenge which government is addressing with all the seriousness it deserves.
Partners including the Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership Global, Geneva, Lucica Ditiu and Director General, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Gibisi Kaseya commended Nigeria for the successes recorded in ramping up identification, reporting and treating TB especially within the last five years.
“We are pleased to support Nigeria and the progress already made in addressing the disease is amazing.
“Nigeria needs to teach the rest of us how she was able to achieve this in just five years. I am making a passionate appeal to the First Lady to please address the gathering of African Head of States in February in Addis so they can also support this cause as passionately as she has”.
The First Lady, who was made the Global and National Stop TB Champion on 28th of March, 2024 also commissioned the TB – LAMPS for the testing for the disease.
