The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has stated that the progress so far made in the fight against TB in the country is commendable, noting that this has led to the steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for the disease, reports TheGazelleNews.com.
She stated this at the 2024 National TB conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, 10 December, 2024.
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,” the First Lady said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu restated her commitment to the fight against the disease which in her opinion should be out of Nigeria before 2035, giving the concerted efforts by government and other stakeholders.
“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.
In the remarks of 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 the 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 five 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,” they said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was appointed the Global and National Stop TB Champion on 28 March, 2024, also commissioned the TB – LAMPS for the testing for the disease.
