WHO, Stakeholders State The Urgency To End TB In Nigeria
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health threat, and in Nigeria, the battle against the disease has intensified.
With significant progress made in the past five years, the country has seen a 300% increase in TB case notifications.
However, looming funding cuts now pose a serious risk to these gains.
As the world marks World TB Day 2025, stakeholders in Nigeria are coming together with a renewed commitment to the fight, rallying behind the theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver.”
The football field of Sauka Community in Abuja became a focal point for Nigeria’s fight against tuberculosis as key stakeholders gathered to commemorate World TB Day 2025.
Led by the First Lady of Nigeria and Global/National Stop TB Champion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the event underscored the urgency of sustaining TB services amidst financial uncertainties.
In his address, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to combating TB. “Any disruption to TB services will have fatal consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for sustained funding and community involvement.
The statistics paint a compelling picture—TB case notifications in Nigeria have surged from 138,583 in 2020 to 418,198 in 2024, a testament to strengthened detection and treatment programmes.
Experts however, caution that without continued investment, these achievements could be reversed.
Representatives from the WHO, Civil Society Organisations, and affected communities echoed the call for collaboration.
“TB is curable and treatable,” a WHO official stated, urging anyone with a persistent cough to seek testing.
The event also highlighted the importance of BCG vaccination at birth and the introduction of the malaria vaccine for children aged 5 to 15 months.
With strong leadership from government, partners, and communities, Nigeria is determined to sustain its progress.
