FG pledges increased funding for Tuberculosis control

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, pledging increased funding for TB control.

This declaration was made by Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, at a community outreach event held in commemoration of the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day in Sauka Community, Abuja.

The event, which aimed to raise awareness about TB and mobilize support for TB control efforts, brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including healthcare, community leaders, and representatives from civil society organisations.

Salako’s pledge of increased funding for TB control is a significant step towards achieving the global End TB targets in Nigeria.

According to Salako, “Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge across the globe, with Nigeria contributing 4.6% of the global burden.”

He attributed the country’s progress in TB eradication to the tenacious implementation of WHO-recommended strategies and the collaboration between the National TB & Leprosy Control Programme and its partners.

Salako also highlighted some of the government’s achievements, including the highest-ever TB notification of over 400,000 cases in 2024, translating to a case detection rate of 79%.

He also noted the remarkable improvement in TB notification among children, rising from 8,293 in 2018 to about 43,000 in 2024, saying, “We have intensified efforts to further strengthen TB screening, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive services across the country.”

He also announced the deployment of almost 400 portable digital x-ray equipment to communities and health facilities nationwide to facilitate prompt screening and early diagnosis of TB.

Salako, therefore, called on traditional rulers, leaders, and community members to join hands with the government to eliminate TB, emphasizing the need for collective action.

He quoted the 2025 World TB Day theme, “Yes! We can end TB – Commit. Invest. Deliver,” and the slogan ‘We fit do am’ as a clarion call to unite in the fight against TB.

The Minister also acknowledged the critical role played by health workers and partners in the fight against TB, saying, “I request all of us to give a resounding round of applause to all those gallant health workers and our partners for this remarkable achievement.

“In addition to increasing funding for TB control, the government is also working to strengthen community engagement and provide enhanced social protection packages for TB patients and their families.”

Salako noted that the use of digital tools, mobile technology, and artificial intelligence is being expanded to enhance surveillance, case management, and adherence to TB treatment.

The Minister expressed his solidarity and empathy to individuals and families affected by TB, saying, “We recognize your struggles and reaffirm our commitment to ease your pains by providing the needed treatment and social support.”

Salako also appreciated the support of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the fight against TB, saying, “Her Excellency has helped us communicate unambiguously that TB is not a death sentence, it can be prevented, it can be treated.

“With the government’s renewed commitment and collective action from all stakeholders, Nigeria is poised to make significant progress in the fight against TB.”

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE