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  • Coalition raises alarm over TB, HIV, malaria burden

    Coalition raises alarm over TB, HIV, malaria burden

    • Activists push for stronger community health systems

    Civil society groups in Lagos under the banner of the ATM Networks have called for urgent government and private sector action to address the rising health burden of tuberculosis (TB), malaria, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

    Speaking during a media meeting in Lagos, Mrs. Meg Aipoh, the Lagos State Coordinator of the TB Network and team lead for ATM coordinators, said Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries most affected by TB and TB-HIV co-infections.

    The country also has the highest malaria incidence globally and ranks second in HIV/AIDS prevalence in Africa.

    “These three illnesses do not just stand alone; when they co-occur, they worsen one another and increase the risk of transmission,” Aipoh warned.

    “They thrive in poverty and marginalisation, making it both a public health and ethical issue that requires urgent collective response.”

    According to the group, socio-economic inequalities play a major role in sustaining high infection rates.

    Families in poor communities often lack access to healthcare, quality education, and preventive tools.

    Even when treatment is free, as in the case of TB, hidden costs such as transport to clinics discourage patients, particularly those in rural areas.

    Aipoh explained that malaria continues to kill Nigerian children under five largely because parents cannot afford hospital bills.

    “If we do not address the underlying economic barriers, we will continue to lose lives needlessly.”

    The ATM Networks, comprising TB Network, NEPWHAN, and ACOMIN, are currently working with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (C19RM) Grant, supported by the Global Fund.

    The initiative is being implemented in 21 states, 105 local government areas, and 315 health facilities nationwide.

    It uses a Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) strategy to empower local stakeholders to identify service delivery gaps, push for improvements, and strengthen accountability in HIV, TB, and malaria responses.

    As part of the ongoing Community-Led Monitoring initiative in Lagos, several primary healthcare centres (PHCs) have received upgrades to improve service delivery and patient experience.

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    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Epe, facilities were renovated with new tents, toilet facilities, and restored water supply, while PHCs in Apapa, Oshodi-Isolo, and Ojo benefited from donations of consumables, mattresses, and digital blood pressure monitors.

    The project also addressed basic infrastructure gaps across different localities. Ceiling fans were installed, electricity restored, and overgrown weeds cleared in PHCs within Kosofe, Apapa, and Oshodi-Isolo, while new perimeter fences and signposts were constructed to boost security and visibility of facilities.

    “These are modest but impactful changes that show what community-driven action can achieve when supported,” said Mrs. Meg Aipoh, Lagos State Coordinator of the TB Network.

    Despite these gains, civil society leaders say progress is hampered by poor coordination, limited resources, and over-dependence on donor funding.

    They called for the establishment of a National Community System Strengthening Framework to unify and empower community actors while ensuring sustainable collaboration with government and the private sector.

    They also stressed the need for increased domestic funding for TB, HIV, and malaria programs to reduce reliance on external donors and integrate services into national health insurance schemes.

    “Resource mobilisation is not just about money—it’s about ownership,” Aipoh emphasised.

    “Nigeria must take full responsibility for its TB and HIV programs if we are serious about elimination.”

    The groups also linked the fight against infectious diseases with the battle against gender-based violence (GBV), which they described as “a silent epidemic undermining health and human rights.”

    Forms of GBV in Nigeria, they noted, include domestic violence, rape, child marriage, incest, acid attacks, and female genital mutilation. These, they argued, worsen health vulnerabilities, especially among women and children.

    “We cannot end HIV, TB, and malaria without addressing GBV, because abuse directly fuels infections and hinders access to care,” the network stated.

    The civil society coalition urged the government and key stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s health system by prioritising inclusive and transparent policies.

    They called for the expansion of the national health insurance scheme to cover all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable, while also ensuring that primary healthcare funds are transparently planned, properly managed, and safeguarded from misappropriation.

    They further recommended intensifying awareness campaigns to encourage testing, treatment, and preventive practices across communities.

    In addition, the coalition emphasised the need to mobilise resources and forge strong partnerships for effective execution of health interventions, as well as the creation of a centralised Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) data platform to guide health planning and accountability at all levels.

    The groups called on federal and state health authorities, including the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and local governments, to provide policy support for the CLM project and align community interventions with national health goals.

    “The fight against TB, HIV, malaria, and GBV is not just a medical issue—it is a fight for equity and justice,” Aipoh said.

    “If you see something, speak up. Communities must rise to protect their own health.”

  • Experts advocate community action, strong political will to end TB

    Experts advocate community action, strong political will to end TB

    Public health experts have emphasized the critical role of community-driven efforts and the government’s strong political will in achieving the 2030 goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as a public health threat.

    This was highlighted on Wednesday in Abuja during the TB Affected Community and Civil Society Dialogue at the ongoing National TB Conference.  

    The session convened grantees of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society under the Stop TB Partnership to exchange experiences and strategies.  

    Representatives from Stop TB Partnership, Geneva also participated, aligning with their global board meeting held in Nigeria.

    This emerged in Abuja on Wednesday at the TB Affected Community and Civil Society Dialogue during the ongoing National TB Conference.

    The session brought together grantees of the Challenge Facility for Civil Society from the Stop TB Partnership to share experiences and strategies. 

    Representatives from Stop TB Partnership Geneva also attended, coinciding with their global board meeting in Nigeria. 

    Ibrahim Umoru, the National Coordinator of the African Coalition on Tuberculosis in Nigeria, described the gathering as a platform for learning and collaboration. 

    “This is about sharing experiences and building on the value that civil society organizations bring to the TB response,” he explained.

    Umoru, who chaired the Community Connect initiative that organized the Community sessions of the Conference, underscored the critical role of grassroots engagement in TB response.

    “TB is not just a hospital issue; it’s a community issue. When someone has TB, they come from a home, a family, and a community. Addressing it requires a strong community component,” he said.

    When asked about achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030, Umoru emphasized the need for resources and commitment, pointing out Nigeria’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of what can be achieved. 

    “Despite the pandemic, Nigeria exceeded its TB response targets by 15%. With the right diagnostics, resources, and support, we can achieve the 2030 goal,” he said.

    He also praised contributions from government and private sector partners, citing the First Lady’s organization, which recently donated one billion to the TB response. 

    “If major corporations and individuals prioritized TB as they do other causes, we could transform the fight against the disease,” Umoru noted, calling for broader involvement and realignment of priorities.

    On her part, Deborah Ike, the Executive Director of the Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), outlined the challenges Nigeria faces in its fight against TB while emphasizing the importance of overcoming barriers to meet the 2030 target for TB eradication.  

    “There’s still a gap in awareness creation, and much more needs to be done. Stigma and discrimination remain major barriers. Even though testing and treatment are free in Nigeria, many still die because they’re afraid to access these services,” Ike said. 

    She explained that stigma takes many forms, including self-stigma and fear of discrimination from health facilities or communities, saying, “Some people avoid seeking treatment because they fear being judged. 

    “Others have lost jobs due to TB, which not only worsens their economic situation but can also lead to further psychological and physical decline.”  

    Ike stressed the critical need for information dissemination to combat stigma, saying, “It’s important to share that a person on treatment can no longer spread the disease. 

    “This knowledge will reduce fear, encourage treatment, and help cut the chain of transmission.” 

    She also highlighted funding as a major obstacle, with a significant portion of Nigeria’s TB response reliant on international donors. 

    “Only about 20% of the funding is domestic, leaving a massive gap. Many transformative interventions remain uncovered due to a lack of resources,” she said.  

    She, however, expressed optimism about the possibility of achieving the goal with increased political will and funding, noting, “We have seen encouraging support, including a N1 billion contribution from the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative. But we need more than talk, we need action, policies, and integration.”  

    She also called on the private sector to step up its corporate social responsibility efforts, “Investing in TB is investing in health system strengthening. Everyone needs to play their part to end this disease,” Ike noted.

  • Wanted: Private sector-led initiative to close TB funding gap

    Wanted: Private sector-led initiative to close TB funding gap

    In Lagos, a high-powered gathering set the stage for a bold, private sector-led initiative aimed at closing Nigeria’s critical tuberculosis (TB) funding gap. This event marked a significant milestone in the country’s fight against TB, mobilising resources, expertise and commitment from both the public and private sectors to accelerate efforts to combat this devastating disease, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    In the heart of Lagos, within the elegant confines of Eko Hotel and Suites’ Red Restaurant, a formidable gathering convened with a singular mission: to wage war against tuberculosis (TB). The atmosphere buzzed with palpable determination as participants, embodying soldiers of a crucial cause, prepared to dismantle the barriers that have long plagued Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. Faces etched with resolve and eyes gleaming with purpose filled the room, each individual ready to contribute their expertise and money in the battle against this formidable foe. The air was thick with the sense of urgency and commitment, setting the stage for a powerful, united effort to combat TB and transform the nation’s health.

    Organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the occasion marked a significant stride in the country’s battle against TB, propelled by a ground-breaking joint contribution deal between the Federal Government and the private sector—a staggering $50 million commitment aimed at bridging critical funding gaps in TB services across the nation. This initiative, crucial to achieving the ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2030, underscored the urgency and collaborative spirit needed to combat one of Nigeria’s most persistent public health challenges. At the forefront of this gathering stood representatives from diverse sectors—healthcare professionals, government officials, captains of industry and advocates—all aligned in their dedication to eradicating TB. Their presence symbolised a unified front against a disease that continues to afflict millions globally, with Nigeria bearing the weight of being Africa’s TB epicentre and ranking sixth worldwide in TB burden.

    The event was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a strategic mobilisation of resources, knowledge and commitment. Amid the plush setting of Eko Hotel and Suites, discussions reverberated on the critical importance of public-private partnerships in bolstering TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts. Participants shared insights on innovative approaches and technological advancements poised to revolutionise TB care delivery, ensuring that even the most remote communities receive essential services.

    Throughout the proceedings, a palpable sense of urgency permeated the air—a collective acknowledgment that the time to act decisively against TB is now.  In her welcome address, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, the Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, highlighted the historical importance of the event. “Today, we gather to celebrate a significant step forward in our relentless fight against TB, a disease that is curable but has affected and destroyed countless lives across our nation,” she remarked.

    Dr. Ogbuji-Ladipo acknowledged the persistent challenge TB poses to Nigeria, despite being a curable disease, and emphasised the progress made through relentless advocacy and collaboration with various stakeholders. “Over the years, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria has witnessed incredible progress through unwavering advocacy efforts and collaboration with state and non-state actors. We will continue to advocate for increased resources, health policy reforms, and service integration for TB in Nigeria,” she said.

    She outlined the journey of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, noting the organisation’s dedication to alliance-building and innovative approaches that mobilise critical stakeholders. “Our journey has been marked by steadfast dedication, alliance-building, and innovative approaches aimed at mobilizing critical stakeholders for increased domestic resources to support TB prevention, access to diagnosis, adherence to treatment and care, and reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with TB,” Dr. Ogbuji-Ladipo stated.

    She further elaborated, “We will engage with the private sector as a powerful force that can drive innovation, expand access to services that will reach the underserved populations most affected by TB. This strategy embodies our conviction that a multi-sectoral approach is crucial to eradicating TB in Nigeria.”

    The strategy seeks to identify committed private sector organisations willing to invest in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By leveraging local resources, innovations, and influence, she said these organisations can accelerate progress towards a TB-free Nigeria. “As we embark on this new chapter, we hope to identify committed private sector organisations within and beyond this room, that will strengthen our advocacy for sustainable investment in TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment as a national priority,” Dr. Ogbuji-Ladipo said. In closing, she urged all private sector organisations present to remain steadfast in their commitment. “I urge every private sector organisation represented here today to remain steadfast in their commitment to this cause. Let us continue to advocate, innovate, collaborate and invest our resources in TB, knowing that every step will bring us closer to a TB-free Nigeria,” she concluded.

    Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, delivered a compelling address during the launch. He highlighted the critical role of the private sector in combating TB and emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to leverage private sector resources, expertise and reach. “Today is remarkable in laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient partnership between the public and private sectors towards addressing the scourge of TB in our dear country. As the Director of Public Health, I have witnessed the devastating impact that TB has on individuals, families and communities. Despite the progress we have made in recent years, TB remains a major health issue that requires our unwavering commitment and innovative approaches to combat it effectively,” Dr. Anyaike stated.

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    While underscoring the critical role of the private sector in the fight against TB, Dr. Anyaike said, “The private sector’s involvement is crucial in this drive. The strategy we are launching today represents a comprehensive and collaborative approach to leveraging the private sector’s resources, expertise, and reach to enhance our TB control efforts.” He called on private sector organisations to leverage their resources, expertise, and innovative ideas to improve TB case detection, treatment adherence, and ultimately reduce the TB burden in Nigeria. “By engaging private healthcare providers, businesses, and other stakeholders, we aim to mobilise resources to improve TB case detection and treatment adherence and, ultimately, reduce the TB burden in Nigeria. Therefore, this is a call to action for private sector organizations to leverage their resources, expertise, and innovative ideas to significantly improve the fight against tuberculosis,” Dr. Anyaike urged.

    Key figures such as Dr. Walter Molumbo, Country Representative of the World Health Organisation in Nigeria, emphasised the critical role of sustained investment and comprehensive engagement of the private sector in achieving universal TB coverage. He underscored the need for robust governance and public health resources to drive effective TB control programmes, highlighting the WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in these endeavours. Amid these deliberations, the event also celebrated milestones and recognised challenges. Dr. Amos Omoniyi, National Programme Officer for TB at WHO, provided a sobering overview of Nigeria’s TB landscape—its staggering burden, the persistent funding gaps, and the urgent need for expanded diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

    TB burden and funding gaps in Nigeria

    Tuberculosis, a disease that stealthily claims lives and sews despair, has entrenched itself deeply within the fabric of the nation. Sadly, Nigeria stands at the forefront of Africa’s TB crisis, burdened with the highest number of cases on the continent. In 2022 alone, an alarming 479,000 individuals were diagnosed with tuberculosis, constituting a staggering 19 per cent of Africa’s total burden. Every passing minute heralds a new case, while every five minutes, a life succumbs to this preventable and treatable disease. Yearly, 97,900 died from TB in Nigeria, representing 23 per % of TB death in Africa

    Despite these daunting statistics, Nigeria has not been idle in its fight against TB. Over 22,000 health facilities, spanning both public and private sectors, now offer crucial TB services—a lifeline for those in desperate need. The notification of TB cases saw a significant 30% surge from 2021 to 2023, a testament to improved detection efforts and growing collaboration between government and private entities. Yet, amid these strides forward, critical gaps persist like fault lines in the nation’s healthcare landscape. Thirty percent of TB cases evade detection, silently propagating within communities ill-equipped to confront their presence. Many local government areas lack essential molecular diagnostic tools, thwarting early and accurate diagnoses that could save lives.

    Public awareness about TB remains alarmingly deficient, with only a quarter of the population possessing accurate knowledge about the disease’s symptoms and transmission. This ignorance perpetuates myths and delays critical interventions, allowing TB to thrive unchecked. Moreover, access to TB services remains uneven, with half of all health facilities unable to provide necessary care. This disparity plunges patients into a quagmire of financial despair, as a staggering 71% face catastrophic costs associated with treatment—pushing families deeper into poverty with each diagnosis. Compounding these challenges is the spectre of imminent stock-outs of diagnostic materials and essential medicines. The surge in diagnosed cases exceeds projections, straining already stretched budgets and threatening the continuity of lifesaving treatments.

    Central to these struggles lies a chasm of funding—a stark reality where only 6% of the TB budget derives from domestic sources, leaving a cavernous 70% shortfall. This funding deficit stifles the expansion of innovative interventions and undermines the full execution of Nigeria’s National Strategic Plan for TB.

    What the private sector can do to salvage the situation

    The solution lies in urgent support from the private sector—a rallying call to mobilise domestic resources and invest in state-of-the-art diagnostic tools recommended by the WHO. Ensuring uninterrupted supplies of diagnostics and medicines is paramount to fortifying TB control efforts across the nation. Equally vital are innovative awareness campaigns, targeted workplace interventions, and robust social support systems that uplift and empower TB patients. Each investment in TB carries profound dividends. For every dollar injected into TB control, up to $43 can be reaped in societal benefits—from enhanced health outcomes to bolstered economic productivity. Lessons gleaned from successful private sector collaborations in Nigerian healthcare facilities serve as beacons of hope and strategic blueprints in the battle against TB.

    Guided by lessons gleaned from previous private sector investments, 15 facilities supported by the Agbami Consortium stand as testament to what can be achieved with focused commitment and adequate resources. In 2023 alone, these 15 facilities became islands of resilience, detecting 3,492 cases of TB and averting 879 deaths. These numbers are not mere statistics but tangible proof of the impact that strategic investment and targeted interventions could yield in the fight against tuberculosis; it also underscores the potential for transformative change when public and private sectors join forces in pursuit of a common goal.

    Behind these achievements lay a strategic plan anchored in a clear budgetary framework. To sustain and expand upon these gains, stakeholders said a robust financial commitment is deemed necessary—a total requirement of $1,211,745,000 spread over three years. This financial blueprint outlined the allocation of resources: $392,800,000 earmarked for 2024, $407,120,000 for 2025, and $411,825,000 for 2026. These funds were not merely figures on paper but represented a lifeline for scaling up TB services, ensuring uninterrupted access to diagnostic tools, medicines, and comprehensive care. They symbolised a commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure, enhancing public awareness, and alleviating the economic burdens that TB imposed on affected communities.

  • Nigeria renews fight against HIV, TB, malaria with Global Fund’s $933 grant

    Nigeria renews fight against HIV, TB, malaria with Global Fund’s $933 grant

    Nigeria is bolstering its fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria with a new grant of $933 million from the Global Fund, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said.

     Of the latest three-year grant, otherwise known as the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) that runs from 2024 to 2026, $340,095,438 is dedicated to the HIV grant, while the NACA is receiving $10,663,394 to lead the coordination of the multi sectoral response to HIV.

    According to a statement on Friday, the Head of Public Relations and Protocol at the agency, Toyin Aderibigbe,  the formation of a new Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) was anchored on the need to enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability.

    Temitope Ilori, the Director General (DG) of NACA, emphasized that this development is crucial for achieving a domestically driven HIV response aimed at ending AIDS and its associated conditions as a public health threat in an effective, efficient, and sustainable manner.

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    Speaking at a four-day retreat, which was designed to familiarise new team members with their roles, reflect on past successes, identify areas for improvement, and discuss actionable strategies for future endeavours, the DG highlighted the importance of building on past successes in addressing HIV challenges.

    The significant accomplishments of the last grant, GC6, according to the DG, include training healthcare personnel, equipping laboratories, and meaningfully engaging communities. 

    “While we celebrate these remarkable achievements, we must task ourselves to improve upon our past efforts by being efficient and intentional in sustainably addressing the public health challenges of HIV through the use of reliable data for effective decision-making. 

    “My vision for the HIV response under my leadership is to foster a domestically driven HIV response that ends AIDS and its associated conditions as a public health threat in an effective, efficient, and sustainable manner.”

    She, however, urged the new team to focus on the shared goal of eliminating the disease by the target date, saying, “I urge you to reflect on how our work can ensure that we eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in collaboration with the National HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Control Programme (NASCP). 

    “Contribute meaningfully to the sector-wide approach of the Ministry of Health, further strengthen the health response to become more resilient and sustainable, ensure that we can respond to any public health emergency, and end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030″. 

    The implementation of the GC 7 is expected to witness several notable activities that include the scale-up of HIV and TB Gender and Human Rights interventions both at the national and sub-national levels.

     Also, the country is expected to accomplish the development of 36+1 States’ strategic plans leveraging the HIV National Strategic Plan 2023-2027, in addition to the implementation of medically assisted treatment among persons who inject drugs using methadone or buprenorphine.

  • N1b boost for campaign against TB

    N1b boost for campaign against TB

    • First Lady named Global and National Stop TB Champion

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for a renewed commitment, especially at the state level, in the fight against tuberculosis.

    A statement yesterday by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi said the First Lady spoke during her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion at the State House in Abuja.

    Senator Tinubu applauded the role of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in raising awareness about the disease, which has led to a significant improvement in case finding and treatment coverage of the disease.

    “Let me acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels towards addressing the TB epidemic, following the adoption of the Political Declaration at the United Nations High-Level meeting held in New York, September last year.

     “Building on this commitment, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to the fight against tuberculosis and achieving the goals set forth in the Political Declaration, alongside other national goals towards ensuring a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria,” she said.

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    Mrs. Tinubu urged the wives of governors, who she in turn decorated as TB Champions for their states, to raise the awareness further and ensure that the treatable disease is brought to the barest minimum.

    “This designation is not just a title but carries with it the power to make a difference. I kindly appeal that you all use your exalted positions to amplify awareness about tuberculosis to end the stigma associated with it and to help patients in your respective states access the available treatments and support,” she said.

    The First Lady donated N1 billion, through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to further drive home her commitment to the fight against TB.

    “I dedicate this investiture to Daniel, one of my staff members who unfortunately lost his life to the disease, and to others who we have lost just like him by remaining silent.

    “Starting from now, let us work together by showing compassion, understanding to end stigma and discrimination,” she said.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, noted that the success recorded so far in the fight against the disease was a collective effort of all Nigerians, especially those in the health sector.

    The minister said this should be sustained because of the evidence of the great political will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated.

  • Fed Govt tackles HIV, malaria, TB with $933m from Global Fund

    Fed Govt tackles HIV, malaria, TB with $933m from Global Fund

    The Federal Government yesterday said it had taken steps to further reinvigorate the nation’s healthcare service delivery with the disbursement of Global Fund’s $933 million to relevant agencies to tackle human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), Malaria, and Tuberculosis (TB).

    The fund is expected to be utilised by the implementing agencies between this year and 2026.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced this while disbursing the funds to the agencies yesterday in Abuja.

    Recipients of the Global Fund grant include: the National Agency for the Control of AIDS – $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)- Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) – $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis); Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant); the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria); the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme-FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH); and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, $4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

    The minister said the Global Fund resources were meant to boost Nigeria’s efforts at meeting the Global 95-95-95 by 2025 for notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

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    A statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, reads: “The Coordinating Minister of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) 2024-2026 implementation period in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

    “Speaking at the official launch of Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the minister stated that the allocated resources of $933 million to Nigeria for the 2024-2026 implementation period would help mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

    He said: “In approving the sector-wide programme, the President essentially directed that the health outcomes of Nigerians should be better than what it is and that we should all collaborate, Federal Government with state government alongside development partners.”

    Pate assured Nigerians that the resources donated would be used judiciously.

    Recipients of the Global Fund grant include: the National Agency for the Control of AIDS – $10,663,394.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP)- Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) – $30,038,555.00 (HIV/AIDS); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP)-FMOH, $122,390,772.00 (Tuberculosis); Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), $340,095,438.00 (HIV/TB (C-Grant); the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)-FMOH, $80,877,025.00 (Malaria); the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), $315, 933,900.00 (Malaria); the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme-FMOH, $42,557,406.00 (RSSH); and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, $4,100,440.00 (RSSH).

    According to Pate, the expected results, which all the principal recipients are committing to, is to achieve the 95, 95, 95 by 2025, notable improvement in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

  • Stakeholders praise Chevron, Agbami on fight against TB

    Stakeholders in the health sector have commended the efforts of Star Deepwater Petroleum Limited (a Chevron Company) and its parties in the Agbami field – Famfa Oil Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Equinor, and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Limited, in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

    The stakeholders made the commendation at the National Tuberculosis Conference that held at Abuja. The theme of the conference, organised by Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, was “Building Stronger Partnerships to End TB in Nigeria.”

    In his presentation on the “Role of the Private Sector in Health Systems Improvement: Agbami Parties Experience on TB”, Medical Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Paul Areyenka, who represented the Agbami parties stated that in its over 50 years of operations in Nigeria, Chevron and the parties have been supporting the government in strengthening health systems targeting the triad of HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis (TB).

    He noted that the Agbami parties have deployed a social health investment programme targeting TB disease, which covers building of infrastructures such as chest clinics, conducting awareness and advocacy campaigns and assisting in protecting TB health care workers in order to contribute towards the National Tuberculosis programme goals.

    “Through the construction and equipping of 28 Chest Clinics across the country, we have contributed to strengthening health systems and supporting the treatment and care of tuberculosis patients in Nigeria. The chest clinics were built in close collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTLCP) of the Ministry of Health, in existing  government hospitals and handed over to the States in which they are located for management, and the facilities are fully-equipped with standard X- Ray machines, male and female wards, treatment rooms, laboratories and Gene Xpert Machines,” he stated.

    He noted that since 2008, the Agbami parties have spent a total sum of N2.7billion about $16.6million to build and equip the chest clinics which have been donated to government hospitals across the country, adding that between 2015 and 2017, over 48,000 presumptive TB cases have been registered in these facilities, with over 11,000 cases detected. “The chest clinics have contributed to about 3% of the national presumptive TB cases registered and three per cent to the National aggregate of TB cases, while the awareness campaigns have reached over 100,000 community folks and tested over 8000 presumptive cases with about 2000 cases detected,” he said.

    A critical element in the Nigerian national response strategy on TB, he said, is finding missing TB cases. He said the Agbami parties in close collaboration with the NTLCP and specialized Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have conducted TB awareness and advocacy campaigns in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

    Areyenka also mentioned that in recognition of the increased risk of TB infection faced by health care workers (HCWs), in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Agbami parties sponsored health worker training and the publication and distribution of the National Biosafety Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the National Standard Operating Procedures for Tuberculosis Laboratory Diagnosis. He noted that the Agbami parties remain unwavering in their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people in their areas of operation, especially the most vulnerable groups.

  • WHO seeks financial, technical support to end TB

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), has called for continued financial and technical support from its international partners to enable the organisation end the Tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030.

    WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, in her message to mark the “World Tuberculosis Day” said with increased global attention on the disease in recent years, the burden was falling in all WHO regions.

    She said the development was however not fast enough to reach the first milestone of the End TB Strategy in 2020.

    Moeti said to achieve the 2030 goal of ending TB therefore, current levels of investment by national governments must be increased as they fall short of levels required to end the epidemic.

    She said: “TB is at long last gaining a higher profile on the global political agenda, this should create more momentum to reach the targets we have set for 2020 and beyond.

    “We look to our international partners for continued technical and financial support in the fight against TB and related conditions.

    “As Regional Director of WHO in Africa, I re-affirm the commitment of my office and that of all my technical staff across the region to work with governments, other partners and communities to support the actions towards ending the TB epidemic by 2030, if not earlier.

    “The 2018 WHO Global Report indicates that the disease burden caused by TB is falling globally in all WHO regions and in most countries but not fast enough to reach the first milestones of the End TB Strategy in 2020.

    “In the WHO African Region, declining cases of TB which is four per cent yearly placed it second among all WHO regions over the period between 2013 and 2017.

    “Also, particularly impressive reductions of four to eight per cent yearly have occurred in southern Africa like Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, following a peak in the HIV epidemic and the expansion of TB and HIV prevention and care.

    “To sustain these advances, current levels of investment by national governments towards TB care and prevention must be increased as they currently fall far short of levels required to end the epidemic by the end date of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “Likewise, efforts must be made to identify and remove the challenges that are slowing down progress as well as adopt and roll out the most cost-effective policy options and interventions.”

  • ‘My battle with TB’

    Tuberculosis (TB) is preventable and curable. But it has become a scourge because of the huge number of undetected cases, which has led to its spread. A survivor, Mrs Oluwafunke Racheal Dosumu, tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-Mustapha at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly’s high-level meeting on TB (Stop TB partnership) in New York that everybody is at the risk of contracting TB, as each undetected case has the potential of infecting 10 to 15 persons in a year. With the right orientation, she says, Nigeria can win the TB war.

    Thirty-year-old Oluwafunke Racheal Dosumu is determined that nobody, especially a Nigerian, contracts tuberculosis (TB), a deadly but preventable and curable disease. Her determination is borne out of her over nine-month heart-rendering experience of being treated for the disease she contracted unknowingly. She doesn’t want another person to walk that road.

    Mrs Dosumu’s desire may be far- fetched  – at the moment, but like her, the country can stamp out TB.

    Her commitment is hindered at the moment because Nigeria is among the 10 countries that account for 64 percent of the global gap in “missing TB cases” that have not been reported leading to very low TB case finding. Nigeria, India and Indonesia account for almost half the total gap, according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global TB Report of 2017.

    The report said Nigeria is one of the countries with the high burden of the disease globally. According to the 2017 Global TB Report, Nigeria is among the 14 high burden countries for TB, TB/HIV and MDR-TB. It ranked seventh among the 30 high TB burden countries and second in Africa. One of the major challenges of TB response in Nigeria is low TB case findings, both in adult and children. This is attributed partly to low TB treatment coverage and poor knowledge of TB that influence the health seeking behaviour of people. Nigeria is said to have contributed eight percent of missing TB cases globally about 310,000 TB cases in 2016.

    Yet, Mrs Dosumu is undaunted, and is creating awareness on mode of transmission, and importantly where to seek free medical help in treating TB, “because TB is a lone journey, plummeted by stigma. Yet, everybody is at a risk of contracting it just as I did”.

    Narrating her experience, Mrs Dosumu said nobody in her family had the disease, “the closest experience of contracting same was my being in the market place buying plantain from a woman who was coughing, and inhaling her expelled sneeze droplets in an open space in the market. And later I coughed for over two weeks. As a B.Sc Health Education holder, I browsed on possible causes of prolonged cough. My search suggested TB. I told my husband. And we headed to Garki Hospital, Abuja.”

    Mrs Dosumu won’t forget the public stigma and discrimination she lived with for the duration of the one year course of the standard treatment, “it was my husband, family, especially my mother that stood by me as I took the drugs-Isonaziad- which is an injection for both latent and active TB. Isoniazid injection is used when oral therapy is not possible, at the same dose and schedule as oral formulations.”

    “I won the fight against TB, stigma, discrimination because my family showed me all the love and support I needed during the time, and I never felt the ignorance that comes through misconception or feel inferior because I knew it can happen to anybody. My family- husband, parents, and siblings will offer to take me to the hospital, remind me when to take the drugs. This is despite my being secluded from my family, and friends so as not to spread the disease to them. I was unable to attend the usual functions I normally do, like going to church, market, I was even relieved of my job.”

    At the moment, Mrs Dosumu wants the government to create more awareness because most people do not know the implications of coughing for more than two weeks, without proper treatment. She explained: “The government should also ensure cleaner environment in all local government areas. This is because if the environment is clean, the atmosphere will be free from bacteria, and disease infections will be limited.”

    And for those who are at the brink of giving up on TB or its treatment, Mrs Dosunmu said: ”The advice I will give to people suffering from TB is never to give up on life-life is beautiful. Challenges can come in any form but they must never give up on hope. The most important thing is to ensure they never miss taking their drugs for one day, they should eat healthily, pray, dispose their sputum neatly, and never miss medical check-ups, and advice.”

    She is ensuring no one else lives with TB, “because, honestly, TB is a disease that is not fair. I felt the pain tore through my being. I was at my lowest ebb. I knew the anguish. I don’t wish anybody to contract that disease. From the outset, I got diagnosed properly. I received the right guidance, counsel, courage, support, and full free treatments. Each test result is immediately issued, depending on the stage of the test. Staff took time to remind me by calling me up for my appointments. The government public facility was good enough. It was in good hygienic condition. I saw the laboratory attendants use their gloves, mouth masks, and sanitiser expertly, to forestall transmission or contracting same.”

    How was Mrs Dosumu able to cope with the development? She explained, “The challenge was tough. I did not allow it to break me down. I always tell myself that TB got the wrong lady. I survived TB through adherence to the treatment, and family support. I won. I won’t close my eyes and see other people die or experience the pain of TB when I know the devastating effects of TB.  So, to help my country, and its citizens, I am creating awareness on TB.”

    And for as many that discriminate, Mrs Dosumu advised that everybody is connected by air, “no country can end TB without finding it. Many are dying due to ignorance. If you cough or see someone cough for over two weeks, go to the hospital or ask the person to go. Establish the TB status. If positive, commence treatment, which is absolutely free. The time used for stigmatising or discriminating should be diverted to creating awareness, campaigning against this disease. That way, they will be helping the government to succeed in the TB fight.

    “My past is never a limitation from succeeding, and so I didn’t pay attention to discrimination. I am busy now saving lives through my personal campaign.”

    The artiste, Richard Mofe-Damijo, lent his voice. He said nobody is free from contracting TB. “If you have affluence, and your driver drives you in your car while having TB and you aren’t concerned about treating him, you are at risk too.

    “In today’s world TB is not suffered by poor people alone. There are survivors all over the world. Nobody should be shy in seeking help. TB is beatable. Do not live in silence, and die in silence. There is proper treatment for it in government hospitals, which is totally free.”

    On the menace of the disease, and government’s effort, the National Programme Officer, TB, Dr. Ayodele Awe, said TB is a disease that is preventable and curable but the burden of the disease in Nigeria is further fuelled by the huge number of undetected cases which serves as a reservoir for the continuous transmission of the disease.

    Awe said: “TB is a top infectious killer disease that continues to be a global threat with 11 million people developing the disease yearly. Nigeria is among the 10 countries that accounted for 64 percent of the global gap in “missing TB cases” that have not been reported hence very low TB case finding.

    “Nigeria, India and Indonesia account for almost half the total gap (WHO Global TB Report 2017). Nigeria is one of the countries with the high burden of disease globally. “According to the 2017 Global TB Report, Nigeria is among the 14 high burden countries for TB, TB/HIV. It ranked seventh among the 30 high TB burden countries and second in Africa.

    “One of the major challenges of TB response in Nigeria is attributed to low TB case findings both in adult and children. This is attributed partly to low TB treatment coverage and poor knowledge about TB that influence the health seeking behaviour of people.”

  • WHO calls for urgent action to end TB

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for urgent global action to end Tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease which claims 4000 lives daily.  The call was made at a press conference to launch the 2018 Global Tuberculosis report, held yesterday at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

    The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the TB epidemic, with data on disease trends and response in 205 countries and territories. It also outlined a monitoring framework with data on SDG indicators and a graphic country profiles from the top 30 high-TB-burden countries.

    According to the report, Nigeria’s TB treatment coverage stands at 24 percent with 155 000 deaths, including 35 000 deaths among people with HIV.  Also, 24, 000 people fell ill with drug-resistant TB while 58, 000 people living with HIV fell ill with TB. The TB cases in Nigeria were attributed to five risks namely alcohol, smoking, diabetes, HIV and undernourishment.

    The Director, Global TB Programme, WHO, Dr Tereza Kasaeve, called for urgent actions to close the gaps and reach all people affected with TB worldwide with proper care.

    In a chat with The Nation, Dr Irene Koek, the Deputy Administrator for Global Health, US Agency for International Development (USAID) charged leaders from African countries to recognizeTB as an important issue that demands urgent attention with political commitment which invests in the needs of patients and health systems.

    Heads of State are expected to meet at the first-ever United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on TB on 26 September in New York, to commit to accelerate the TB response.