Following her investiture as the global and national Stop TB champion by the Global Stop TB Partnership, Senator Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, made a significant contribution of N1 billion towards the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.
The donation aims to support efforts to eradicate TB in the country by 2030, a goal echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
TB, a bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs, remains a significant public health challenge globally. According to the WHO, 1.3 million people lost their lives to TB in 2022, making it the second leading infectious killer worldwide after COVID-19. Nigeria ranks sixth globally and holds the unfortunate distinction of being the country with the highest TB burden in Africa.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030. She called upon stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private partners, healthcare professionals, and communities, to intensify their efforts in ensuring access to quality TB diagnosis and treatment services for all Nigerians.
The Executive Director of the Global Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, commended Nigeria’s progress in combating TB, highlighting the country’s significant improvement in TB notification rates. Dr. Ditiu emphasised the importance of sustained efforts and innovative financing mechanisms, urging all stakeholders to continue their support in the fight against TB.
Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, the acting board chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, reiterated the urgent need for increased advocacy, awareness, and action to eliminate TB. She praised the commitment of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates in addressing TB and improving the lives of affected individuals.
In response, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, outlined the government’s efforts to equip primary healthcare facilities and expand TB treatment services across the country. Prof. Pate highlighted initiatives such as the deployment of GeneXpert equipment and the scaling up of digital X-ray screening for TB.
The government’s approach includes collaborations with the private sector and communities, reflecting an all-of-society strategy in the fight against TB. The concerted efforts of stakeholders, coupled with Senator Tinubu’s generous donation, signal a determined push towards a TB-free Nigeria.
The investiture of Senator Tinubu and the recognition of first ladies from the 36 states as TB champions underscore the importance of leadership and advocacy in mobilising resources and driving action towards ending the TB epidemic in Nigeria.
