Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has recommitted to leading advocacy against tuberculosis, saying she is still pained that she lost one of her trusted staff to the cold hands of death because he won’t disclose that he was suffering from the disease due to fear of stigmatization.
She made the recommitment at a High-Level Event: Political Leadership to End TB, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The First Lady stressed the urgent need to eradicate the disease that has killed many.
Mrs Tinubu stated that ignorance and fear especially on the part of the ordinary man remains a major setback in tackling the disease.
She expressed regret over not being part of the health committee during her 12 years in the Senate so she could do more in the sector.
While reflecting on a painful experience involving her staff member who concealed his health status due to fear of stigma, she said: “I could have helped him get treatment, but he kept it from me.”
The First Lady, who referred to TB as “the world’s deadliest infectious disease,” noted that funding shortage and low awareness, as hurdles that must be scaled.
She, therefore, appealed for collective action to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against TB and HIV.
“I urge us to re-commit ourselves to collective action, for TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. And as citizens of the world, of Africa and Nigeria, we have the power, the responsibility, and the duty to act now.
“As we move forward, let us acknowledge that the data on Tuberculosis are not just numbers; they represent real people, their struggles, and the profound impact of this disease. While the statistics are disturbing, it should also propel our hope, commitment and determination to eradicate this global health crisis,” she said.
The First Lady pointed out that Nigeria is among the countries most affected by TB, with approximately 467,000 cases reported in 2023.
She recalled that during the days HIV/AIDs was prevalent, the public was thoroughly enlightened and called for collective action to address this public health crisis and protect future generations with a warning.
“Our children are most vulnerable because we are not talking about this issue enough,” Mrs Tinubu stated.
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