Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for a locally driven approach to end tuberculosis (TB) in the country by 2030, emphasizing reduced dependence on donor funding and stronger national leadership.
Speaking at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating TB under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She said the nation is strengthening healthcare systems to ensure sustainable progress in combating the disease.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, the First Lady emphasized that a lasting impact will only be achieved when Nigeria leads its own fight through local ownership, strategic coordination, and active community engagement.
“The sustainability of our TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance but must come from within through leadership, community engagement, and national coordination,” she said.
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Mrs Tinubu noted that despite temporary gaps in international funding, Nigeria has sustained its progress, preventing any increase in TB cases in 2025.
She highlighted that TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, killing 1.3 million people annually, with 479,000 new cases and 150,000 deaths recorded in Nigeria in 2023 alone.
“These are not numbers, they are real people, families, and communities who deserve urgent and compassionate action,” she added.
The First Lady commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Stop TB Partnership, and other partners for their transparency and commitment in expanding access to testing, diagnosis, and treatment across the country.
In his remarks, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board and Secretary of Health of the Philippines, said TB remains both a health and development challenge that requires unwavering dedication.
Also, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, emphasized that integrating national data systems is crucial to achieving the 2030 target.
She revealed that in five countries, including Nigeria, new grant programs recently screened 8,000 people, diagnosed 5,000, and enrolled 3,000 in preventive treatment.
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Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, attended the meeting.
The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was previously held in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2024.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
