The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s position as the 6th highest country in the world and the leading country in Africa for tuberculosis (TB cases). 

 Speaking at the ongoing 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu noted that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, an estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, with 1.6 million lives lost and 12% of the global burden affecting vulnerable groups, including children and young adolescents.

 The First Lady Tinubu however acknowledged progress in tackling TB, attributing the strides to the collective efforts of the President Tinubu administration, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and international partners.

In his remarks, WHO’s country representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, highlighted Nigeria’s achievement in reducing TB-related deaths by over 50% between 2015 and 2023, by the 2024 report. He commended the government for establishing a TB matching fund with the private sector, describing it as “a demonstration of innovative thinking and a shared commitment to accessible TB care.

Also the Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, acknowledged a 24% decline in TB incidence rates over the same period but stressed the persistent challenges.

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