Nigerian TB Deaths Reach Alarming Rate; First Lady Remi Tinubu Sounds the Alarm

by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, illness, infectious diseases, news

…Commits an additional one billion naira

ABUJA

— The First Lady of Nigeria and Senator Oluremi Tinubu has raised an alert about the country’s tuberculosis (TB) emergency, stating that someone succumbs to TB every seven minutes, even though the illness can be both prevented and treated.

At the World TB Day 2025 Community Outreach event held in Sauka village on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu referred to the circumstances as a national crisis demanding immediate and firm measures to preserve life.

“In the brief period we’ve been here, numerous additional lives could be lost unless we take immediate and firm action,” she cautioned, referencing startling data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Even though there have been global improvements in treating tuberculosis, Nigeria continues to be among the eight nations with the highest incidence of the disease globally. Tinubu expressed concern that numerous Nigerians still endure silently because of stigma, insufficient knowledge, and procrastination in getting medical help.

“It is intolerable that numerous men and women keep losing their lives to a condition that can be prevented and treated,” she said.

As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aims to increase tuberculosis testing and treatment facilities throughout Nigeria, ensuring that free and readily available care is provided to those who require it.

She praised Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his dedication to eliminating tuberculosis via enhanced diagnostic methods, treatment plans, and preventive measures.

The First Lady additionally highlighted that the government cannot conquer the battle against TB single-handedly, urging traditional chiefs, religious figures, young organizations, businesses, and global allies to aid in raising public consciousness and promoting prompt diagnosis.

Tinubu pledged ₦1 billion via her Renewed Hope Initiative aimed at bolstering tuberculosis control initiatives and enhancing medical infrastructure in underprivileged areas.

Moreover, she verified that the Minister of State for Health has sanctioned the creation of a primary healthcare facility within the community, thereby enhancing accessibility to TB diagnostics and treatments.

Promoting personal accountability for health among residents, Tinubu highlighted the significance of timely diagnosis and care.

“If your cough lasts for over two weeks, don’t dismiss it; get medical assistance right away,” she emphasized.

She made a commitment to push for more funds, gather necessary resources, and combat stigmas so that women, children, and underrepresented communities can receive equitable TB treatment.

As Nigeria aims for its 2030 target of eliminating TB, Tinubu’s stance stays firm: “Each life is significant. We have to take action immediately to halt this stealthy threat.”

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, indicated that the federal government has stepped up its initiatives to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. This includes upgrading more than 10,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and training 120,000 healthcare personnel.

Salako reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to making sure Nigeria plays a significant role in the worldwide effort against tuberculosis. He highlighted that the administration is broadening TB screening, diagnostic capabilities, and treatment options within both public and private medical centers as part of the universal health coverage initiative. Furthermore, the government aims to boost community involvement and offer improved social support for individuals affected by TB and their households to lessen the impact of the illness.

Salako expressed his appreciation for the dedicated healthcare professionals who continue to serve diligently amidst Nigeria’s economic difficulties, encouraging citizens to acknowledge their significant contribution in fighting tuberculosis. He further lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her substantial financial backing and efforts in raising awareness, noting how these have been instrumental in motivating people across the nation to get diagnosed promptly and follow through with treatments. “Tuberculosis is neither an inevitable fate nor terminal—it can be prevented and cured,” he emphasized, offering reassurance to those impacted by the illness that the federal government stands steadfastly behind them, ensuring they receive all required medical care and assistance.

Previously, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, the Chairperson of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, advocated for enhanced local financial support to fight tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, highlighting that international funds are dwindling. Through Hon. Dominic Okafo, he stressed the importance of securing additional resources as vital for addressing TB effectively within the nation. He disclosed that the House of Representatives has encouraged the private sector to establish a dedicated TB fund akin to those created for HIV and malaria, aiming at long-term sustainability. Additionally, he praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for committing an extraordinary ₦700 billion towards improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, indicating that this step signifies the country’s capacity to address public health issues independently from substantial external assistance.

Ogah likewise denounced the stigmatization and discrimination faced by individuals with tuberculosis, stating that the House Committee would shortly enact legislation to ban such practices. He emphasized the importance of expandingTB screening programs, enhancing training for health care providers, and launching more effective public awareness campaigns to underscore that TB is both preventable and treatable. “To eradicate TB by 2030, we have to make commitments, allocate resources, and take action,” he asserted, calling upon all parties involved—including businesses and non-governmental organizations—to step up their contributions towards combating TB.

Dr. Austin Arinze Obiefuna, the Board Vice Chair of the Global Stop TB Partnership in Geneva, highlighted that Nigeria is taking the lead globally in combating tuberculosis (TB). This leadership stems from robust commitments, targeted financial investments, and successful implementation of TB intervention programs. He applauded Nigeria’s significant strides in enhancing its healthcare personnel and addressing TB issues, noting that these endeavors place the nation at the forefront within Africa and garner international acclaim.
“Whenever I find myself among the halls of WHO, the United Nations, or the African Union,” stated Dr. Arinze, “I feel pride in witnessing Nigeria’s achievements.” The doctor further lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her steadfast backing and promotion of anti-TB initiatives, encouraging continued governmental and stakeholder involvement to keep up the current positive trajectory. “In Nigeria, actions speak louder than words; they engage local communities effectively and produce tangible outcomes—a key strategy in battling TB,” he concluded.

In his goodwill address, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria, voiced worries about significant reductions in international health financing, cautioning that the advancements achieved in combating tuberculosis (TB) might be undone unless prompt financial commitments are secured.

He observed that global tuberculosis initiatives have rescued approximately 79 million lives since the year 2000, yet current funding gaps present a significant danger to maintaining this progress. He warned that interruptions in the fight against TB—such as advancements in sophisticated diagnostic tools, treatments, and vaccine development—are endangered because of economic limitations.

In spite of these difficulties, Dr. Mulombo praised Nigeria’s initiative in addressing tuberculosis, pointing out the contribution of TB testing equipment and ₦1 billion from Senator Oluremi Tinubu via her Renewed Hope Initiative. Additionally, he acknowledged the federal government’s extra funding of ₦700 billion aimed at battling HIV, TB, malaria, and vaccination programs. Furthermore, he welcomed the introduction of a $50 million plan by the private sector designed to hasten TB eradication. “Nigeria isn’t standing idle; Nigeria is acting,” he asserted, encouraging stakeholders such as donors, businesses, academic institutions, media outlets, and community groups to unite their efforts against TB. He restated his organization’s pledge to assist Nigeria in achieving its objective of eliminating TB by 2030 and emphasized the necessity of collaborative endeavors to maintain the advancements made thus far.

In a similar vein, HRH Usman Nga Kupi, the Sapeyi of Garki, advocated for the creation of a health center in Sauka, an overcrowded area within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This new facility should be designed specifically to diagnose and treat tuberculosis (TB). Emphasizing the importance of practical steps alongside educational efforts, he highlighted that investing in healthcare facilities is vital for effectively preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB. “As one of the significant yet underserved areas in the FCT lacking a proper medical facility, establishing a specialized TB center in Sauka could significantly aid in controlling this illness and enhancing general healthcare services,” he remarked. Additionally, he praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu and various donors for their dedication to combating TB, encouraging governmental bodies to turn these pledges into enduring improvements in public health care systems.

Mrs. Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was represented by Mr. Akpan who stressed the importance of early detection. He encouraged community members to utilize the provided screening services. “Should you or someone close to you have persistent symptoms like a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, fevers, or excessive sweating during nights, kindly seek out these screenings,” he stated.
Kachollom praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her consistent efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, she recognized international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), The Global Fund, and the Stop TB Partnership for bolstering Nigeria’s approach towards addressing TB challenges. She also urged traditional authorities, local leaderships, and residents to progress from mere acknowledgment to proactive involvement in battling this disease. “Indeed, ending TB is within our reach,” she asserted confidently.

During her welcoming speech, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, the acting board chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, stated that Nigeria continues to have the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in both Africa and ranks as the sixth-highest globally, with 499,000 new cases reported in 2023 and an individual succumbing to the disease every seven minutes. Emphasizing the critical necessity for greater financial commitment towards preventing, diagnosing, and treating TB—especially within isolated regions lacking adequate medical facilities—she praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, for rallying backing and donating equipment necessary for TB diagnostics which enhanced screening capabilities, particularly during their recent community engagement activity held in Sauka, Abuja. Additionally, she underscored the introduction of a $50 million private-sector project aimed at tackling this issue, encouraging all parties involved to persistently advocate and fundraise toward eradicating TB from Nigeria completely. “Collectively, we possess the power to defeat TB,” she affirmed confidently.

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