First Lady Pledges N1bn, Rallies States To Intensify Fight Against TB

The First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has made a donation of N1 billion as part of her commitment to the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Mrs Tinubu also advocated for a renewed commitment, especially at the state level to the fight against the disease in the country.

The nation’s First Lady stated this on Thursday while speaking during her investiture as the “Global and National Stop TB Champion” at the State House in Abuja.

In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady applauded the role of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in raising awareness which has led to a significant improvement in case finding and treatment coverage of the disease.

“Let me acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels towards addressing the TB epidemic, following the adoption of the Political Declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting held in New York in September 2023.

“Building on this commitment, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to the fight against tuberculosis and achieving the goals outlined in the Political Declaration, alongside other national goals towards ensuring a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria,” the First Lady said.

Mrs Tinubu also charged the wives of state governors whom she also decorated as “TB Champions” for their respective states to further raise awareness towards ensuring that the treatable disease is brought to the barest minimum.

“This designation is not just a title, but carries with it, the power to make a difference.

“I kindly appeal that you all use your exalted positions to amplify awareness about Tuberculosis, to end the stigma associated with it, and to help patients in your respective states access the available treatments and support,” Tinubu said.

She dedicated the honour to one of her staff simply identified as Daniel who died as a result of the disease.as well as other like him.

“I dedicate this investiture to Daniel, one of my staff, who unfortunately lost his life to the disease, and to others who we have lost just like him by remaining silent.

“Starting from now, let us work together by showing compassion, and understanding to end stigma and discrimination,” she charged.

Earlier, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate attributed the success recorded so far in the fight against the disease to a collective effort of not only the healthcare sector but all Nigerians.

He noted that this should be sustained in view of the evidence of the great political will demonstrated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Executive Director of Global Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Dr Lucica Ditiu appealed to Nigeria to mobilize domestic resources to address the scourge.

“If it does not happen in Nigeria, it will not happen in Africa. If does not happen in Africa, it will not happen in the world,” Dr Ditiu asserted.

She commended the leadership role of the First Lady, especially for taking the lead in health-related issues.

Ditiu also commended the leadership of the Health Ministry in the country, saying the men at the helm of affairs are the appropriate ones for the job.

After her investiture of the First Lady, the Executive Director also decorated the wives of state governors as State Champions of Stop TB.

Also present at the event were former First Ladies and wives of former Vice Presidents among others.