First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Advocates for National Effort to Eliminate Tuberculosis
In a powerful message commemorating World Tuberculosis Day 2026, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a clarion call for renewed national commitment and collective action to eradicate tuberculosis, a disease she describes as both preventable and treatable yet still posing a significant public health challenge. The theme for this year, 'Yes! We Can End TB', highlights the critical need for robust leadership, sustained political will, and active community involvement in combating the epidemic.
Senator Tinubu acknowledged that while Nigeria has made measurable progress in reducing new TB cases, the burden remains high, affecting thousands of families nationwide. She stressed that ending TB requires intensified efforts in key areas, including increased domestic funding, expanded public awareness campaigns, improved early detection mechanisms, and broader access to quality treatment services. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma and discrimination associated with TB, which often deters individuals from seeking timely diagnosis and care.
"TB remains a preventable and curable disease, yet it continues to impact countless lives. We must strengthen our response by investing more resources, supporting our health workers, and empowering communities with accurate information," the First Lady stated.She commended healthcare professionals, development partners, and TB survivors for their pivotal roles in the national response and urged all stakeholders to maintain momentum in the fight against the disease.
Funding Crisis Threatens TB Progress in Nigeria
Speaking in Kaduna, Isiah Danssaallah, the North-West Zonal Coordinator for Nigeria's TB programme, expressed deep concern that the country's TB response is at a decisive juncture. He lamented that over 70 percent of the national TB funding gap remains unfilled, with heavy reliance on external donors making the system increasingly fragile as global support declines.
Danssaallah attributed part of this challenge to policy shifts initiated during the administration of Donald Trump, which triggered reductions in global health financing, with ripple effects still impacting countries like Nigeria. He called on state governments to take responsibility for procuring essential TB medicines and laboratory commodities, including first-line and second-line TB drugs, GeneXpert cartridges, diagnostic consumables, microscopy reagents, and logistics support.
"No TB programme can function without these essentials," he warned, urging Nigeria to urgently assume full financial responsibility for its TB response.Niger State Faces Imminent TB Crisis Without Urgent Funding
In Minna, Dr. Hananiya Dauda, the World Health Organisation National Professional Officer for TB in the North Central Zone, issued a stark warning during a press briefing. He revealed that only eight percent of the expected 18 percent funding has been accessed in Niger State, cautioning that failure to release funds could lead to a major gap in TB testing and treatment by June.
Dr. Dauda stated, "By June, we may not have commodities in the state if they fail to provide funds for drugs and testing," highlighting the potential impact on TB control efforts. Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Abdullahi Usman, identified declining international donor funding since 2025 as a major obstacle to eliminating TB globally by 2030.
Bagana disclosed that as of 2025, the state recorded 127,410 presumptive TB cases, with 126,228 tested and 14,908 confirmed. He noted that 8,629 patients have been successfully treated using advanced diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert, Truenat, T-LAMP, and PDX machines. Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director of Public Health, added that while the state has adequate clinical personnel, low uptake of BCG vaccination among newborns could lead to future TB cases if not addressed, stressing the need to strengthen immunization coverage.
Global Fund Calls for Sustained Investment and Innovation
The Global Fund has urged the Federal Government to ensure uninterrupted funding for TB, warning that without it, Nigeria risks reversing the progress made in combating the infectious disease. At the official launch of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention and the unveiling of the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB application in Abuja, GF Team Lead in Nigeria, Jean-Thomas Nouboussi, highlighted Nigeria's impressive achievements.
Nouboussi noted that treatment coverage increased from 100,000 cases in 2019 to 458 cases in 2025, reaching 90 percent with most cases successfully treated, describing it as one of the highest-performing programmes supported by the Global Fund. He emphasized that with sustained investment, healthcare system strengthening, and continued innovation, Nigeria can end TB as a public health concern. The Global Fund also promised Nigeria 179,700 doses of Lenacapavir by 2028 to support prevention efforts.
World Tuberculosis Day is observed globally on March 24 to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of TB and to accelerate efforts to end the epidemic. The calls from Nigerian leaders and health officials underscore the urgent need for action to address funding gaps, reduce stigma, and ensure a TB-free future for the nation.
