YES, WE CAN END TB!

FG rolls out 1,000 new machines as Nigeria battles 510,000 cases, stigma, funding gaps

By Queen Kunde

Nigeria has renewed its war against tuberculosis with bold promises, new technology, and a strong call for public action as health leaders, global partners, and survivors gathered in Abuja ahead of this year’s World TB Day.

At a high-level press briefing, Director of Public Health, Dr. Charles Nzelu, declared that Nigeria is entering a decisive phase in the fight against TB, backed by innovation and community power.

He revealed that the country is rolling out over 1,000 Pluslife Mini Dock diagnostic machines, a breakthrough technology that will take accurate TB testing closer to rural and underserved communities.

“No Nigerian should be left behind because of where they live,” Nzelu said, stressing that TB testing and treatment remain completely free in government-approved facilities.

Despite progress, the numbers remain alarming. Nigeria still ranks among the top TB-burdened countries globally, with over 510,000 cases recorded in 2025, according to health officials.

Presenting an overview, Acting National Coordinator of the TB programme, Dr. Clement Adesigbin, warned that Nigeria is still 6th highest in the world for TB cases, with an incidence rate of 219 per 100,000 people.

He noted that while thousands of testing centres and modern diagnostic machines have been deployed nationwide, major gaps persist — including stigma, funding shortages, and uneven quality of care.

“We must sustain resources and ensure quality services across all communities,” he cautioned.

In her welcome address, Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji, highlighted the power of partnerships in pushing back the disease. She praised the growing involvement of government, private sector, and communities, but warned that declining global funding poses a serious threat.

“Ending TB is not just a health issue — it is an economic and development priority,” she said, calling for increased domestic funding and stronger political commitment.

Speaking on the 2026 theme, Executive Secretary Mr. Mayowa Joel described it as a message of both hope and urgency.

“Ending TB is possible, but only if governments lead and communities take ownership,” he said, emphasizing that action must move beyond promises to real delivery of services, especially at the primary healthcare level.

Adding a global perspective, Dr. Pavel Ursu of the World Health Organization painted a sobering picture: over 1.23 million deaths worldwide in 2024, with thousands dying daily from a disease that is both preventable and curable.

He warned that about 175,000 TB cases in Nigeria remain undetected, fueling ongoing transmission, while many patients face severe financial hardship — with 71% suffering catastrophic costs.

Still, he expressed optimism, citing new WHO-recommended testing methods and ongoing support for Nigeria’s TB response, including plans for a new national strategy beyond 2026.

Perhaps the most emotional moment came from TB survivor Mr. Ejiga Francis, who recounted losing his job due to stigma even after completing treatment.

“I survived TB, but stigma almost destroyed my life,” he said, urging Nigerians to seek help early and support those affected.

Health officials ended the briefing with a united message:
Anyone with a cough lasting two weeks or more should get tested immediately.

With the theme “Yes! We Can End TB – Led by Government, Powered by Communities,” stakeholders say the country now stands at a critical turning point.

The message is clear the tools exist, treatment is free, and the will is growing.

The fight is far from over, but Nigeria is pushing forward determined to end TB.