In 2023, an estimated 499,000 Nigerians developed TB, primarily among the productive age group (25–44 years), leading to economic hardships.”
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has raised alarm over the high tuberculosis (TB) mortality rate in the country, revealing that one person dies of the disease every seven minutes despite it being both preventable and curable.
She made this known on Monday, March 24, 2025, at a community outreach in Sauka, Abuja, to mark the 2025 World TB Day with the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” and the slogan, “We fit do am.”
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness and mobilise esources, political commitment, and healthcare financing to eliminate the disease.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu described TB as a “national emergency” that demands urgent intervention.
“The statistics from the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global TB Report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. This means that in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost if we do not act swiftly and decisively,” she said.
Despite being curable, Nigeria remains among the top eight countries globally with the highest TB burden. Tinubu expressed concern that many Nigerians continue to suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and failure to seek timely medical help.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating TB through strategic investments in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, while calling on traditional and religious leaders, legislators, youth, healthcare workers, private sector organisations, NGOs, and international partners to intensify efforts in the fight against TB.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, Tinubu pledged to advocate for increased funding, policy reforms, and resource mobilisation to enhance TB awareness and treatment. She also vowed to amplify the voices of TB survivors, combat stigma and discrimination, and ensure equal access to TB care for vulnerable groups, including women and children.
“I encourage every Nigerian to join in this fight. TB is curable, and early detection saves lives. Let us work together to remove the stigma surrounding TB, encourage testing, and support those affected,” she urged.
Given that TB is airborne and highly contagious, she advised Nigerians to get tested, know their TB status, and encourage their loved ones to do the same.
“If you have a persistent cough for more than two weeks, do not ignore it. Seek medical help immediately,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, highlighted the challenges in TB diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote communities.
“Today’s community outreach aims to bring TB information and services closer to the people of Sauka so that no one is left behind in the fight against TB. It will provide a platform for residents to learn about TB, ask questions, get tested, and spread the message that TB can be defeated,” she said.
She emphasised the need for increased resource mobilisation and funding, stating that strong advocacy and collaboration with various stakeholders have already led to significant progress.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described TB as a major public health challenge in Nigeria, which ranks first in Africa and sixth globally among high-burden TB countries.
“In 2023, an estimated 499,000 Nigerians developed TB, primarily among the productive age group (25–44 years), leading to economic hardships. The situation is worsened by stigma, poverty, malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to quality healthcare,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in TB control through WHO-recommended strategies.
The World Health Organisation’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Molumbo, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to accelerating the TB response in Nigeria.
“We will continue working with our partners to mobilise the domestic and international resources required to end TB in Nigeria. TB is curable and treatable; I implore anyone coughing for two weeks or more to get tested at the nearest health facility,” he urged.
The Sa’Peyi of Garki, Usman Nga Kupi, underscored the importance of sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
“Awareness programmes like this are crucial to translating commitment and investment into tangible results that directly benefit those at risk and those already affected,” he said.
With TB continuing to claim lives at an alarming rate, stakeholders at the event emphasised the need for urgent action, increased funding, and collective commitment to eliminate the disease in Nigeria.