The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) through collaborative efforts with the Private Sector and international partners. During the 2024 National Tuberculosis Conference in Abuja, the government highlighted its strategic approach to addressing the disease as a major Public Health concern. The conference, which had the theme “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery—Panacea to End TB in Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors. The Nigerian government’s dedication to combating it aligns with global goals to eliminate the disease by 2035, including reducing tuberculosis deaths by 95% and its incidence by 90%, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
During the conference, private sector players announced $25 million in investments. This funding aims to strengthen its control measures by integrating workplace health programs, improving health Insurance coverage, and supporting case detection initiatives. Organisations like the Dangote Foundation have taken the lead in expanding healthcare access for employees, setting an example for others in the private sector. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised the importance of inclusive and rights-based approaches to its control. The government aims to leverage private sector networks to effectively identify and treat tuberculosis cases by involving factories, banks, and oil industries. He also called on state governments to prioritise tuberculosis in their budgets to complement federal efforts.
Focus on gender-responsive and global inclusive strategies.
TB disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women, children, and marginalised communities. To address these inequities, the Federal Government has adopted a gender-responsive and inclusive approach to tuberculosis prevention and treatment. The First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative has played a pivotal role in this effort, injecting ₦2 billion into programs and enhancing access to diagnostic tools. The First Lady reiterated her commitment to integrating public-private partnerships and ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against the disease. This approach has helped Nigeria make notable progress in its detection, with case detection rates improving from 36% to 80% in recent years.
Nigeria’s tuberculosis response has also benefited from partnerships with global organisations like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Global Fund and WHO. These collaborations have provided technical and financial support, enabling the country to implement innovative strategies for its control. Learning exchanges with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and the Philippines have enriched local knowledge and practices. The Stop TB Partnership’s Executive Director, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, praised Nigeria’s progress in the fight against it. She emphasised the crucial roles of healthcare workers, community members, and its survivors, recognising them as the backbone of the country’s success.
Current tuberculosis burden and international targets.
Ditiu underscored the need for sustained financing and stronger stakeholder collaboration to eradicate TB. The disease remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, which ranks sixth globally and first in Africa for TB cases; according to the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, the country reported about 467,000 tuberculosis cases in 2023. The disease continues to disproportionately affect children and young adolescents, underscoring the urgency for innovative solutions and increased Investment across the country.
Globally, an estimated 10.8 million people developed tuberculosis in 2023, with 1.6 million deaths. In the WHO African Region, 2.5 million people fell ill with it in 2021, accounting for 23% of new cases worldwide. Despite progress, the region’s high burden of the disease and HIV remains a challenge, with 20% of new cases reported among people living with HIV. The conference emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovative approaches to combat the disease.
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Key discussions focused on health financing, community engagement, and integrating advanced treatments into Nigeria’s healthcare system. Participants expressed optimism that ongoing collaborations between government agencies, international partners, and local communities would drive significant progress. The government’s strategic commitment, private sector involvement, and international collaboration position the nation as a potential leader in Africa’s fight against the disease. By addressing funding gaps, stigma, and limited healthcare access, stakeholders aim to lead the way for a TB-free Nigeria and contribute to global health efforts.