Sustained Investment, Innovative Strategies Key to Eradicating Tuberculosis – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for sustained investment, innovative strategies, and renewed focus in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria. Speaking at the 2024 National TB Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, December 10, she commended the progress made so far, which has resulted in a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for the disease.
Despite these strides, Senator Tinubu expressed concern over the global TB burden, which remains alarmingly high, particularly in low and middle-income countries. She highlighted that Nigeria ranks as the sixth-highest TB-burden country globally and the first in Africa. According to the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report, Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for action.
“Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress made so far,” she said. “Thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international partners, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB.”
The First Lady reaffirmed her dedication to eradicating TB from Nigeria by 2035. “We cannot afford to be complacent. The Federal Government remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035. To achieve this, we require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing care.”
She also praised health workers, community leaders, activists, and TB survivors, calling them the “true heroes” in the fight against the disease.
During the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, urged private sector collaboration to complement government efforts to eliminate TB in Nigeria by 2030. Similarly, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Salako, emphasized that TB is not just a health issue but also a developmental challenge requiring serious attention.
International partners, including the Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, and the Director General of the Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, commended Nigeria for its achievements in TB control, particularly over the last five years.
“Nigeria needs to teach the rest of us how she achieved this remarkable progress in just five years,” Dr. Ditiu said, adding that she hopes Senator Tinubu will address African Heads of State in February to inspire greater commitment across the continent.
As part of her efforts, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was named the Global and National Stop TB Champion earlier this year, commissioned the TB-LAMP technology for improved testing and diagnosis of the disease.
The 2024 National TB Conference serves as a platform to reflect on progress, address challenges, and chart the way forward in the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Signed
Busola Kukoyi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
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