Eliminating Tuberculosis Is A Fight For Justice – FG

The federal government has assured of its commitment to eliminating tuberculosis in the country, in line with its policy of health for all citizens.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said eliminating tuberculosis is a fight for justice and human dignity for patients.

He stated this while addressing the National TB Conference 2024, themed ‘Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria’, on Tuesday.

He said the conference underscores Nigeria’s commitment, under the leadership of the government to eliminating tuberculosis, a disease that continues to impact millions of lives.

The Minister of Health noted that Nigeria must commit all efforts to ensure that its global ranking comes down.

According to him, 371,000 cases of TB were reported in 2023. He explained that addressing the challenge requires a partnership of all stakeholders, noting that the federal government aims to mobilize $25 million through partnership.

“A significant milestone is the private-sector TB initiative launched in July 2024, aimed at mobilizing pledges of up to $25 million from key industries, including banking, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

“These partnerships are pivotal for expanding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services—particularly for vulnerable populations—and for embedding TB interventions into workplaces and communities.

“Nigeria continues to face a significant TB burden, ranking as the country with the highest number of TB cases in Africa and the sixth globally.

“In 2023 alone, an estimated 371,000 cases were notified—our highest ever recorded—marking substantial progress in detection while highlighting the scale of the challenge. Through frameworks such as the Sector-Wide Approach and the National Compact, we are fostering accountability, mobilizing domestic resources, and aligning with global best practices.

“These include shorter drug regimens for drug-resistant TB. Specific innovations, such as the expansion of GeneXpert machines from 1,032 in 2012 to 5,113 in 2023, the use of mobile X-rays for active case finding, and the integration of TB and HIV services, have been instrumental in improving outcomes. In 2023, 98% of TB patients were tested for HIV, reflecting a comprehensive approach to care,” he said.

Professor Pate emphasized the need for community mobilization and enlightenment, active engagement of Nigerian youths and researchers in advancing TB detection and treatment.

“Their contributions, alongside strengthened public-private collaborations, are driving the momentum needed to achieve our goals. The fight against TB is not just a health priority—it is a developmental and moral imperative. Eliminating TB is a fight for justice, equity, and human dignity, and it demands decisive action from all of us.

“Together, we are building the structures, partnerships, and momentum needed to end TB in Nigeria and lead Africa’s charge in the global fight against this disease. A TB-free Nigeria is not just a goal; it is an achievable reality, and we must act decisively to make it happen,” he added.