Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has called for a renewed focus on public-private partnerships and integrated service delivery to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.
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Speaking at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, she emphasized the urgency of addressing the disease burden, describing it as “a leading cause of death in Nigeria.”
While highlighting the country’s status as the sixth highest TB-burdened nation globally and the first in Africa, Mrs. Tinubu pointed out that approximately 467,000 TB cases were recorded in 2023, according to the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report. “Despite the progress we have made, the burden of TB remains alarming, particularly in low and middle-income countries like ours”. She remarked.
The First Lady lauded the efforts of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as the work of civil society organizations and international partners. “Thanks to these partnerships, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB”. She said.
Mrs. Tinubu stressed the importance of collective action and innovation to close the gaps in TB care and support. “To achieve the global TB targets by 2030, we will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a commitment to breaking barriers that prevent access to care”. She added.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, the First Lady also acknowledged her personal contributions, which included funding for diagnostic tools. “I am glad that the money I donated earlier this year has been used judiciously to procure more TB diagnostic tools, which will help to increase TB diagnosis and case finding,” she noted.
The First Lady also used the platform to commend health workers and TB survivors for their courage and dedication. “To the health workers, community leaders, and TB survivors working tirelessly on the frontlines, you are the true heroes of this fight,” she said, further thanking development partners like USAID and the Global Fund for their unwavering support.
During his keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB) through inclusive and collaborative strategies.
Prof. Pate highlighted the significant efforts of health workers, development partners, and the private sector in combating TB, describing health as a unifying element capable of healing and inspiring the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Prof. Pate noted the adoption of innovative strategies, including the launch of a private-sector partnership in July 2024, which secured commitments of up to $25 million from private organizations to support TB initiatives. He emphasized the pivotal role of industries such as banking, oil, and manufacturing in expanding health insurance, diagnosing cases, and providing treatment.
“Notably, the Aliko Dangote Foundation was commended for its example of health insurance expansion for employees, with a call for more private sector actors to join the fight”. He said.
While celebrating progress, including advancements in drug-resistant TB treatments and resource mobilization, Prof. Pate underscored the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders.
He praised civil society, researchers, and international partners like USAID, WHO, and the Global Fund for their ongoing contributions. He also acknowledged the First Lady’s remarkable investment of ₦1 billion into TB initiatives, describing it as a catalyst for further action.
The minister highlighted the importance of state-level accountability, urging governors to complement federal efforts under the sector-wide approach. He also encouraged knowledge exchange during the conference, emphasizing that insights from Nigerian researchers and international delegates would shape future interventions
Prof. Pate called for a united front to ensure increased domestic resource allocation, accountability, and sustained efforts to eliminate TB by 2030.
According to the Chair of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Bertrand Odume, the conference aims to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration, share knowledge, and showcase innovative strategies for eradicating TB. “This year’s theme, Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery to End Tuberculosis in Nigeria, underscores the importance of synergy among stakeholders, including government agencies, funding partners, civil society organizations, and individuals affected by TB”. He said.
The conference highlights ten thematic areas critical to TB control, such as political commitment, private sector engagement, childhood TB, drug-resistant TB, and innovation in diagnostics and treatment.
Dr. Odume noted an unprecedented number of 364 abstracts submitted, of which 60 were selected for oral presentations, and 146 were presented as posters. These contributions reflect the growing interest and technological advancements in TB research and control, further fueled by sustained advocacy and increased public and political commitment.
Dr. Odume emphasized the conference’s six objectives, including fostering evidence-based policies, driving home-grown research, and improving integration between TB and other healthcare services.
He lauded the support from stakeholders and noted that the overwhelming enthusiasm for this year’s event is a testament to the collective resolve to end TB in Nigeria.
“With increased partnership and support, we can work together to achieve Nigeria’s 2035 global TB control targets”. He added.
The WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, praised Nigeria’s progress in combating the disease. He highlighted the country’s significant achievements, including a 50% reduction in TB-related deaths between 2015 and 2023, as noted in the 2024 WHO Global TB Report.
Dr. Mulombo commended the Nigerian government for innovative measures, such as the establishment of a TB matching fund with the private sector in 2024.
“This initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the private sector accounted for 29% of TB cases notified in 2023”. He added, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing health challenges.
Despite these advancements, Dr. Mulombo acknowledged the persistent challenges, including a 60% funding gap in 2023, undiagnosed cases, and the rising burden of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
He urged stakeholders to prioritize inclusive strategies, strengthen primary healthcare, and invest in innovative technologies to accelerate progress. Addressing socio-economic barriers such as poverty and malnutrition, he said, is critical to building a sustainable TB response.
Dr. Mulombo called for urgent, bold actions and pledged WHO’s continued technical and advocacy support to Nigeria, stating that the conference theme aligns with Nigeria’s vision for eliminating TB. “Together, through advanced technology and community-led strategies, supported by adequate domestic funding, we can transform Nigeria’s TB response and make TB a disease of the past”. He said.
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