Bukola Afeni
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has emphasized the crucial role of partnerships and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving the global TB targets by 2035. She stressed that a united effort is necessary to combat tuberculosis and effectively meet global goals.
The First Lady stated this at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja.
Senator Remi added that as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she is committed to the fight against TB.
“I believe that the solution to ending TB lies in the strength of our partnerships, both public and private, and in the integrated delivery of services that leave no one behind.”
She further highlighted that the country requires 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.
While noting a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB, Senator Remi urged the stakeholders not to relent in their efforts. “As we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We cannot afford to be complacent.”
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, said the Nigerian private sector has committed up to $25 million over time to support TB-related activities.
According to him, private sector engagement is critical to the fight against TB.
“One of our key strategies was the launch of the Private Sector TB Initiative in July 2024, in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria. This initiative, led by Dr. Bawa and supported by other partners, has mobilized resources to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
“By integrating TB control into workplace health programs and expanding health insurance coverage, the private sector is playing a pivotal role in the fight against TB.”
He also implored all stakeholders, governments, development partners, private sector actors, civil society, researchers, and academia, to unite in the fight against TB.
“No single institution can tackle TB alone. We need a collaborative, multisectoral approach to ensure that every Nigerian has access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.”
The WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, commended the government’s efforts, stating that Nigeria has made significant progress in TB control, with a 50% reduction in TB deaths between 2015 and 2023.
He also acknowledged the government’s decisive action in establishing a TB matching fund with the private sector.
Despite the progress, Dr. Mulombo noted that TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with large numbers of undiagnosed and untreated cases, huge funding gaps, and the dual burden of TB and HIV.
“There is a need for inclusive strategies, adequate funding, and strengthened primary healthcare and community-based TB care.”
He also highlighted the importance of addressing the social determinants of TB, such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to health services.
Dr. Mulombo reaffirmed the World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to end TB.
“Together, through our collective resolve, we can make TB a disease of the past,” he said.
