The Federal Government has committed N700 billion to the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and immunization efforts, according to Dr. Amobi Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Speaking at the 2025 Pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja, Dr. Ogah praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing public health and ensuring adequate funding for these critical diseases.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, raises awareness about tuberculosis and mobilizes resources for its eradication. This year’s theme, “Yes! We can end TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” underscores the need for increased funding and stronger political commitment.
Tuberculosis, an airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and remains a major health challenge in Nigeria. The country ranks first in Africa and sixth globally in TB burden, with approximately 467,000 cases recorded in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Ogah acknowledged the government’s substantial investment, particularly following the withdrawal of U.S. financial support for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programs in Nigeria. He emphasized the House Committee’s role in ensuring legislative support, accountability, and transparency in the disbursement of funds.
“We will continue to push for increased domestic funding and ensure that every naira allocated is used effectively. Our goal is to eliminate TB and related diseases while protecting affected individuals from discrimination and stigma,” he stated.
Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, highlighted ongoing efforts to combat TB, including advocacy for policy reforms, enhanced diagnostic tools, and shorter treatment regimens. She called for greater collaboration between stakeholders to accelerate progress in TB prevention and treatment.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through its National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, has made notable strides in increasing TB detection and treatment. In 2024, over 400,000 TB cases were identified, achieving a 79% treatment coverage rate. Additionally, the number of children receiving TB treatment rose significantly from 8,293 in 2018 to about 43,000 in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Ministry, stressed the need to address the gap in undiagnosed TB cases. “One untreated TB patient can infect up to 15 others in a year. We must enhance screening, diagnosis, and community engagement to curb transmission,” he warned.
The government has pledged to expand TB services nationwide, integrate treatment into maternal and child health programs, and leverage digital health solutions to improve outcomes. With sustained efforts and increased funding, Nigeria is determined to meet the WHO’s End TB targets and reduce the disease burden across the country.
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