First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said Nigeria will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking barriers to care and support to achieve the global tuberculosis (TB) targets by 2035.
A statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, First Lady Tinubu stated this on Tuesday during her keynote address at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja.
The First Lady highlighted the progress Nigeria has made in its fight against TB but cautioned against complacency.
She emphasized the importance of building on existing successes and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating the disease in alignment with global targets.
Acknowledging the critical role of frontline workers, community leaders, activists, and TB survivors, Tinubu described them as the “true heroes” in the fight against TB.
She praised their dedication and tireless efforts in tackling the disease at the grassroots level and ensuring that those affected receive necessary care and support.
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She called for innovative approaches to address challenges such as stigma, limited healthcare access, and insufficient funding, which continue to hinder progress in eradicating the disease.
“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.
“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”, she said.
The First Lady however decried the global burden of TB, which remains highly alarming, particularly in low and middle income countries.
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.
“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”, she said.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Pate, urged the private sector to join efforts with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and government as a whole especially as they are resolute to end TB in Nigeria before 2030.
On his part, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Dr Iziak Salako, pointed out that TB is not just a health issue but a development challenge which government is addressing with all the seriousness it deserves.
Partners, including the Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership Global, Geneva, Dr Lucica Ditiu and Director General, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jean Gibisi Kaseya, commended Nigeria for the successes recorded in ramping up identification, reporting and treating TB especially within the last 5 years.
“We are pleased to support Nigeria and the progress already made in addressing the disease is amazing.
“Nigeria needs to teach the rest of us how she was able to achieve this in just 5 years. I am making a passionate appeal to the First Lady to please address the gathering of African Head of States in February in Addis so they can also support this cause as passionately as she has”, the said.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was made the Global and National Stop TB Champion on 28th of March, 2024 also commissioned the TB – LAMPS for the testing for the disease.