By Timothy Choji
The Wife of Nigeria’s President, Oluremi Tinubu has expressed her unwavering commitment to the fight against tuberculosis.
She made this known on Wednesday at a side event of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The event was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Stop TB Partnership.
The First Lady expressed optimism that with concerted effort, tuberculosis can become a thing of the past.
She said; “Today, I bring a message of hope and determination. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the expertise to end TB and AMR by 2030.
“Addressing TB and AMR together is not just the smart way—it is the best and only way.”
Mrs Tinubu, who decried the high burden of TB in Nigeria which is one of the highest in the world, pointed out sadly that countless lives are affected, and about 125,000 lives are lost annually.
“TB does not discriminate; it affects men, women, and children, cutting across all social and economic backgrounds, with the poor being the most vulnerable.
“As a Global and National Stop TB Champion, advocating for joint efforts in addressing TB and AMR is crucial. Tuberculosis is a disease that has plagued our communities for so long and the response to the disease has experienced AMR in all its dimensions,” the First Lady said.
Mrs Tinubu noted that Drug- Resistant Tuberculosis was also posing threat globally because it is an airborne disease.
She said; “Despite substantial progress in the fight against TB, Drug-Resistant TB has been a challenge for decades and presently still remains a major cause for concern.
“Due to its airborne nature of spread, it is today a threat to global health security.”
The First Lady emphasised that all stakeholders must collaborate to tackle the dreaded disease.
“Therefore, I call upon all stakeholders to develop innovative approaches to fight both TB and AMR in a strategic and integrated manner.
“Our methods must include preventing new infections, improving awareness, education on the dangers of Drug-Resistant TB, and promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics.
“We must also prioritize research in order to develop new tools, treatments and new vaccines that can outpace the evolving threat of AMR,” Mrs Tinubu said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu urged all those present to build on each other’s strengths as individual countries to fight TB.
“We are struggling but we are still making significant impact with amazing results,” she said.
The event had in attendance Wives of the Kwara and Imo State Governors, Amb Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and Ministers from other countries.
Its theme was, “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB together for a Healthy Future.”
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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