The Federal Government has earmarked ₦700 billion to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and immunisation efforts across Nigeria. This was disclosed by Dr. Amobi Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2025 World TB Day.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness and mobilize resources to eliminate tuberculosis. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” underscores the importance of sustained investment and policy support in tackling the disease.
Nigeria ranks as the sixth-highest TB-burdened country globally and the highest in Africa, with approximately 467,000 cases recorded in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). TB, an airborne bacterial infection, remains a leading cause of death in the country, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Dr. Ogah praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to public health, especially in light of the recent withdrawal of financial support for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programs by the United States government. He assured that the House Committee would continue to advocate for increased domestic funding and ensure transparency in the disbursement of the allocated funds.
“We have also concluded plans to pass a law that will protect persons affected by TB from discrimination and stigmatisation,” he added, emphasizing the need for policy-driven interventions.
Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, reaffirmed that despite challenges, progress has been made in combating TB through improved diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies. She called for stronger policies and increased domestic funding to sustain these efforts.
Meanwhile, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health, revealed that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever TB detection rate in 2024, identifying over 400,000 cases out of an estimated 506,000 infections. However, he stressed the need for more proactive measures, highlighting that an untreated TB patient could infect up to 15 people annually.
The Federal Government has pledged to expand TB screening and treatment services, integrate them with maternal and child healthcare programs, and leverage digital health solutions to enhance accessibility. These efforts align with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the TB National Strategic Plan 2021–2026 to achieve WHO’s global End TB targets.
As Nigeria continues its fight against infectious diseases, stakeholders urge sustained funding, policy reforms, and community engagement to ensure that the country makes significant strides in disease elimination.
