Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has decried the global burden of Tuberculosis which remains alarmingly high particularly in low and middle income countries.
She, however, stated that the progress so far made in the fight against TB in the country is commendable which has led to the steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB.
Speaking Tuesday at the 2024 National TB conference held in Abuja, the First Lady declared that Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria.
According to her: “The country ranks as the sixth highest burden country across the world and first in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 also reveals that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023.
“Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far. Thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, and international partners. Subsequently, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB”.
Mrs Tinubu restated her commitment to the fight against the disease which in her opinion should be out of Nigeria before 2035, giving the concerted efforts by government and other stakeholders.
“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We cannot afford to be complacent, and I assure you that the Federal Government remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035.
She said: “To achieve this, we will require sustained investment, innovative strategies, and a renewed focus on breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and support that they desperately need”.
“To the health workers, community leaders, activists and TB survivors who are tirelessly working on the frontlines, you are the true heroes of this fight, and we are grateful for your dedication”.
Earlier in his remarks, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Pate urged the private sector to join efforts with President Bola Tinubu and government as a whole especially as they are resolute to end TB in Nigeria before 2030.
On his part, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Dr Iziak Salako pointed out that TB is not just a health issue but a development challenge which the government is addressing with all the seriousness it deserves.
Partners including the Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership Global, Geneva Dr Lucica Ditiu and Director General, Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jean Gibisi Kaseya commended Nigeria for the successes recorded in ramping up identification, reporting and treating TB especially within the last 5 years.
“We are pleased to support Nigeria and the progress already made in addressing the disease is amazing”.
“Nigeria needs to teach the rest of us how she was able to achieve this in just 5 years. I am making a passionate appeal to the First Lady to please address the gathering of African Head of States in February in Addis so they can also support this cause as passionately as she has”.
Deji Elumoye
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