Tuberculosis (TB), one of the deadliest infectious diseases, has long plagued Nigeria, ranking the country first in Africa and sixth globally among high-burden TB nations. However, recent efforts by the Nigerian government and stakeholders have reignited hope for a TB-free future. With ambitious goals and innovative strategies, Nigeria is making strides to eliminate TB by 2030.
During the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach, held on March 24, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized the urgency of tackling TB. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare, with over 10,000 centers being upgraded and 120,000 health workers undergoing advanced training. Dr. Salako stated, “The high prevalence of TB in Nigeria is unacceptable, and all hands must be on deck to fight this treatable and curable airborne disease.”
Adding momentum to the fight, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu pledged ₦1 billion through her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to strengthen TB control efforts nationwide. She passionately declared, “In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. This is unacceptable. I will continue to advocate for increased funding and policy reforms to strengthen TB control efforts.”
The government has deployed 370 portable digital X-ray machines to communities and health facilities, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment. TB services are being integrated into reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programs, ensuring comprehensive care. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being scaled up in schools and communities to reduce stigma and encourage testing.
Despite progress, gaps remain. Thousands of TB cases go undiagnosed, fueling transmission. Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) cases are also a concern, with suboptimal treatment enrollment over the past five years. Dr. Salako acknowledged these challenges, urging collective action to bridge the gaps.