Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to achieving global tuberculosis (TB) targets by 2035, emphasizing that the success of this goal hinges on sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on eliminating barriers to care.
Speaking at the 2024 National TB Conference held at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, Tinubu acknowledged the progress made in tackling TB but noted that the global burden of the disease remains alarmingly high, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The conference, organized by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was themed “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria.”
Despite significant strides in the fight against TB, the First Lady expressed concern over the continued prevalence of the disease, particularly its impact on vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. According to the 2024 World Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, with 1.6 million losing their lives. Nigeria, ranked the sixth highest burden country globally and the highest in Africa, recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023.
However, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of the Tinubu administration, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and international partners, which have led to a steady increase in TB diagnoses and treatments. “Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far,” she said, adding that the government remains committed to reaching the global TB targets by 2035.
The First Lady emphasized that achieving these targets will require continuous efforts, particularly in addressing barriers that hinder access to care. She reiterated her commitment to the collective fight against TB, highlighting her role as the Global and National Stop TB Champion. “The solution to ending TB lies in the strength of our partnerships both public and private and in the integrated delivery of services that leave no one behind,” she stated.
Tinubu also highlighted her donation earlier this year, which was used to procure additional TB diagnostic tools to enhance diagnosis and case finding in the country. She expressed confidence that the outcomes of the conference, including new strategies and partnerships, would lay the groundwork for future actions in the fight against TB.
In conclusion, the First Lady thanked the health workers, community leaders, activists, and TB survivors who have been at the forefront of the battle. She also commended the unwavering commitment of the Ministry of Health, the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and international partners like USAID and the Global Fund. “United in our efforts, we can and will end TB in Nigeria and contribute to the global fight to eradicate this devastating disease,” she assured.