By Jane Okafor, Abuja
ABUJA: Nigeria is making giant dtrides in the fight to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) in allignment with global efforts to eliminate the disease.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated this on Monday at Asuke community in Abuja while giving his remarks during an outreach programme to mark this year edition of the World Tuberculosis Day.
Describing TB as a significant public health challenge across the world with Nigeria as one of the high burden countries contributing 4.6% of the global burden, Salako said that the challenge posed by the disease is worsened in the country by stigma and discrimination against those affected by it, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and inadequate access to quality healthcare services.
The Minister, however, commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for her commitment to ending scourge of TB in the country.
He said, “Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge across the globe with Nigeria, one of the high burden countries contributing 4.6% of the global burden. This challenge is further exacerbated in our country by factors such as stigma and discrimination against those affected by TB, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and inadequate access to quality healthcare services.
“Despite these challenges, Nigeria is making giant strides in her TB eradication drive. With the tenacious implementation of WHO-recommended strategies, the National TB & Leprosy Control Programme in collaboration with it’s esteemed partners have made significant improvement in Nigeria’s TB response. It will interest you to know that we recorded our highest-ever TB notification of over 400,000 cases in 2024, translating to a case detection rate of 79%.
“Additionally, TB notification among children has seen remarkable improvement, rising from 8,293 in 2018 to about 43,000 in 2024. Your Excellency, with your permission, may I request all of us to give a resounding round of applause to all those gallant health workers and our partners for this remarkable achievement.
“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, remains committed to achieving the global End TB targets. In line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative; the strategic blueprint for the health sector and the TB National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2021 – 2026, we have intensified efforts to further strengthen TB screening, diagnosis, treatment and preventive services across the country.
“The President has directed and provided the enabling environment for primary healthcare revitalization with over 10,000 primary healthcare centres currently being upgraded and 120,000 healthcare workers at the PHC levels being exposed to ongoing training. We are expanding TB screening, diagnostic and treatment services in both public and private health facilities in line with the universal health coverage agenda of the government. We are strengthening community engagement, providing enhanced social protection packages for TB patients and their families.
“The use of digital tools, mobile technology, and artificial intelligence is being expanded to enhance surveillance, case management, and adherence to TB treatment. Almost 400 Potable digital x-ray equipments are currently being deployed to communities and health facilities nation-wide to facilitate prompt screening and early diagnosis of TB especially in underserved communities. I can assure you that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria will NOT slow the world down in the end TB by 2030 agenda.”
