The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated a record-breaking N700 billion to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and immunization, signaling a renewed commitment to tackling infectious diseases.
Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, disclosed this on Tuesday at a pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja. Themed “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” this year’s World TB Day underscores the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s response to the disease.
“This allocation is a game-changer in our fight against TB and other deadly diseases,” Ogah declared. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing health funding, particularly in the wake of the withdrawal of U.S. financial support for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programs. “This is a wake-up call for us as a nation to take full responsibility for our healthcare system and ensure that funds meant for intervention programs are judiciously utilized,” he added.
Nigeria remains Africa’s highest TB-burdened country, with an estimated 499,000 new cases annually, according to the 2024 Global TB Report. Despite being preventable and curable, the disease continues to claim thousands of lives due to inadequate detection and treatment coverage.
“One untreated TB patient can infect up to 15 others in a year,” Ogah warned, stressing the need for increased screening and treatment initiatives. To strengthen Nigeria’s TB response, he revealed that the House Committee is working to establish a private-sector-driven TB trust fund, similar to existing HIV and malaria funds. Additionally, the committee is advocating for the Global Fund to increase its TB allocation from 18% to at least 30%.
“We will also ensure the passage of a law protecting TB patients from discrimination and stigmatization,” he affirmed.
Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that tuberculosis drives many families into poverty, exacerbated by malnutrition, overcrowding, and poor access to healthcare. Despite progress—with 79% of TB cases identified in 2024 receiving treatment—many cases remain undetected, sustaining transmission.
A particular concern, he noted, is the rise in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases, necessitating targeted screening, better access to diagnostic tools, and stronger preventive strategies, especially among children.
The government is leveraging digital health solutions, including the deployment of over 300 digital X-ray machines powered by artificial intelligence (AI) for TB screening in underserved communities. Additional efforts include nationwide awareness campaigns, social protection programs for TB patients, and increased community engagement through partnerships with traditional and religious leaders.
Dr. Labaran Shehu, National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Program, described Nigeria’s TB crisis as alarming, with 71,000 deaths in 2023 accounting for 18% of TB-related deaths across Africa.
“Every hour, eight Nigerians die from tuberculosis,” he stated, stressing the need for intensified intervention and awareness. Despite efforts, public knowledge of TB remains low, with a national survey revealing that 64% of women and 70% of men either lack TB awareness or hold incorrect beliefs about the disease.
Dr. Shehu highlighted the severe financial burden on TB patients, with 71% spending over 20% of their household income on treatment, and 23% resorting to selling property to cover medical costs.
Funding remains grossly inadequate, with only 30% of the required budget met in 2023. “Relying on international aid is unsustainable,” he cautioned, calling for increased domestic financing.
Nonetheless, he noted progress, citing expanded TB testing facilities and the deployment of 370 portable digital X-ray machines. The country’s TB case detection gap has improved, reducing from 76% in 2017 to 40% in 2022 and 53% in 2023. However, Dr. Shehu urged stakeholders, including the media, to intensify advocacy efforts to bridge the gap and accelerate TB elimination.
In her welcome address, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, called for stronger commitments from policymakers and increased healthcare financing to accelerate TB eradication.
She highlighted recent milestones, including: The investiture of Nigeria’s First Lady as the Global Stop TB Champion; Commitment from governors’ wives as state-level TB champions; $50 million in TB funding pledges from the government and private sector; New TB diagnostic tools secured, including 25 TB LAMP devices from the Nigerian Navy and 50 from private donors; and Increased state-level TB budget allocations, particularly in Kebbi State
“The Pre-World TB Conference is an opportunity to push for policy reforms, service integration, and increased domestic funding,” she emphasized. Calling for collective action, she urged stakeholders to support TB prevention, detection, and treatment efforts.
“Our collective action is the key to making Nigeria TB-free. Yes, we can end TB. We fit do am!” she declared.
Dr. Enang Oyama, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 2025 World TB Day, acknowledged the challenges in organizing this year’s event, particularly due to shifts in U.S. foreign aid policy. However, he assured that critical activities have been secured.
“It is a delight to commemorate this year’s World TB Day under the theme, ‘Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,’” he stated. “This slogan calls for urgency and accountability from everyone.”
Despite financial constraints, several key activities are planned nationwide, including: Community outreach programs! A ministerial press briefing, A parliamentary rally, Interfaith services, and A TB awareness roadshow
Dr. Oyama thanked the National TB and Leprosy Control Program and partners for their efforts in filling funding gaps through donations. He also commended the dedication of subcommittees organizing the event.
“As we prepare for World TB Day on March 24, I encourage all stakeholders to actively participate and sustain the fight against TB,” he urged.
With N700 billion allocated for HIV, TB, malaria, and immunization, Nigeria is taking a major step forward in its health response. However, effective implementation, increased domestic financing, stronger policy action, and public engagement remain crucial to achieving the goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
“If we commit, invest, and deliver, we can end TB in Nigeria. The time to act is now!”
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