By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The wife of President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, revealed that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000, Tuberculosis, TB, cases in 2023. Oluremi stated this while declaring open the three days 2024 National conference on TB, organized by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria’in Abuja.

She lamented that TB still remains the leading cause of death, as Nigeria ranks 6th highest burden globally and there has been a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB. The theme is ‘Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria.’According to her, “I want to appreciate the organizers of this event especially Stop TB Partnership Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare under the leadership of the Honourable Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON. Your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, especially the health and well-being of Nigerians is commendable.”We are here today because despite the progress we have all made in the fight against the disease, the global burden of TB still remains alarming, particularly in low and middle-income countries like ours.”Globally, and 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 people losing their lives, and 12% of the global burden affecting the most vulnerable – the children and young adolescents”.She lamented, “Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria. The country ranks as the sixth highest burden country across the world and first in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 also reveals that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023”.She said, “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.”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.”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”.Mrs Tinubu, noted that, as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she is committed the collective fight against TB.” I believe that 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.”I am glad that the money I donated earlier this year has been used judiciously to procure more TB diagnostics tools which will help to increase TB diagnosis and case finding”.She stressed that the conference will provide the platform not only to share experiences and knowledge but also to recommit to the common goal of ending TB. “The discussions, the partnerships, and the strategies that will emerge from this conference will serve as the foundation for the actions we must take in the coming years”, she noted.She commended all the stakeholders for their unwavering commitment towards ending TB in Nigeria, “I also appreciate the efforts of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Stop TB Partnership Global, and our development partners especially the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Global Fund, for your continued support.”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.”I am confident that, united in our efforts, we can and will end TB in Nigeria and contribute to the global fight to eradicate this devastating disease”.In his keynote address the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said yes, Tuberculosis affects millions in Nigeria , especially the vulnerable populations, including women, mothers, and grandmothers and tackling the disease requires an inclusive, rights-based, and gender-responsive approach that leaves no one behind.”Through this initiative, the Nigerian private sector has committed up to $25 million over time to support TB-related activities. Private sector engagement is critical, as these organizations employ large numbers of workers in industries such as banking, oil and gas, cement production, and telecommunications. By integrating TB control into workplace health programs and expanding health insurance coverage, the private sector is playing a pivotal role in our fight against TB”, he said .In his goodwill message at the occasion Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo the World Health Organisation,WHO, Country Representative (WR) to Nigeria, lamented the 60% funding gap in the country, which has affected undiagnosed and untreated cases.He said though Nigeria is one of the 13 countries estimated to have achieved a reduction of 50% or more in number of deaths caused by TB between 2015 and 2023. He added that Nigeria has seen an increase in TB case detection and treatment success rates with TB treatment coverage increasing from 59% in 2022 to 74% in 2023. He said, “Despite advancements, TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria. The TB burden in Nigeria is characterized by large numbers of undiagnosed and untreated cases and huge funding gaps (60% gap in 2023). The dual burden of TB and HIV further complicates our response, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) continues to rise, requiring more complex and resource-intensive treatment strategies. Additionally, stigma and socio-economic barriers—such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to health services continue to worsen the burden of TB in the country”.