STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR INCREASED FUNDING, AWARENESS TO COMBAT TB IN NIGERIA

Ahead of this year’s World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, public health experts have called for increased government funding, wider access to diagnosis, and stronger community engagement to curb the spread of TB in Nigeria.

Speaking at a pre-World TB Day press briefing organised by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, the Board Chair, described TB as a major public health challenge. She said Nigeria continues to account for a large share of the global TB burden, with about 510,000 cases recorded in 2025.

“The 2026 theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB’, along with the national slogan, ‘Led by the Federal Ministry of Health, Powered by the Communities’, highlights the critical role of government leadership and community involvement in ending this disease,” she said.

Dr. Ogbuji-Ladipo acknowledged progress through partnerships and advocacy but warned that declining donor support threatens ongoing efforts. “Domestic funding is now more important than ever as global financing becomes tighter,” she added.

Charles Nzelu, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said the government is prioritising TB control, noting improvements in case notification and diagnosis. He highlighted the deployment of new tools like the Pluslife Mini Dock, which brings molecular testing closer to underserved communities.

“This technology allows us to diagnose more Nigerians early, regardless of location,” he said, urging citizens with persistent coughs to seek testing at government-approved facilities, where treatment is free.

Clement Adesigbin, Acting National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, revealed that about 175,000 TB cases go undetected each year. He cited stigma, funding gaps, and quality of care as major hurdles, but noted opportunities exist in strengthening the health system and expanding private sector engagement.

Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative to Nigeria, represented by Mya Ngon, reminded stakeholders that TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with 1.23 million deaths reported in 2024. He stressed the importance of early detection and treatment coverage to reduce transmission in Nigeria.

Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, said the fight against TB is a shared responsibility. “Governments must provide policies and funding, but communities are central to raising awareness and ensuring treatment adherence,” he said. Joel also called for scaling up primary healthcare and community-based services as domestic support becomes increasingly crucial.