Leveraging Partnerships, Innovation To End Tuberculosis In Nigeria

Despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.

According to the 2024 World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report, approximately 10.8 million people worldwide developed TB in 2023, with 1.6 million deaths recorded. Nigeria, unfortunately, ranks sixth globally and first in Africa for TB burden.

The report also revealed that Nigeria recorded over 360,000 TB cases in 2023, marking a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year.

While this rise indicates improved case detection, it also highlights the scale of the challenge in combating TB, particularly as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases continue to grow.

Speaking during the 2024 National Tuberculosis (TB) Conference,  with the theme “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria”, held recently in Abuja, the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who also serves as the Global and National TB Champion, emphasised the need for renewed efforts to combat TB. “Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria,” she stated.

While progress has been made, evidenced by increased diagnosis and treatment, the scale of the challenge remains daunting, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and people living with HIV.

A key highlight of the conference was the recognition of partnerships as the cornerstone for ending TB in the country. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, reiterated the government’s commitment to TB elimination through collaborative, innovative, and inclusive approaches.

One notable initiative is the Private Sector TB Initiative, launched in July 2024. This program mobilised $25 million from private sector leaders to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, the minister stated.

He underscored the importance of integrating TB care into workplace health programs, particularly in sectors like telecommunications, oil and gas, and manufacturing. “The private sector is a critical ally, providing resources and expanding access to TB care for millions,” he said.

The WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, applauded these efforts, highlighting Nigeria’s remarkable achievement in increasing TB treatment coverage from 59 percent in 2022 to 74 percent in 2023.

However, he cautioned that significant challenges, including a 60 percent funding gap, stigma, and socio-economic barriers, must still be overcome.

He emphasised that urgent investments were required to address critical gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. “With only six years left to achieve the 2030 target of ending TB, closing this funding gap is crucial to sustain progress, scale up interventions, and ensure no one is left behind,” he added.

Dr. Mulombo further noted that socio-economic factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and stigma exacerbate Nigeria’s TB burden, making it imperative to adopt innovative approaches and integrated solutions.

“Addressing funding gaps, investing in new technologies, and tackling social determinants of TB will be key to overcoming these challenges,” he said.

The conference underscored the role of innovation in transforming TB care. Advances such as next-generation diagnostic tools, genomic sequencing, and shorter treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) are making significant strides.

Integrated service delivery models were presented as a “panacea” to address the complex TB burden. These models prioritise community-based interventions and ensure equitable access to healthcare, particularly for marginalised populations.

“Health touches us all. And through integrated services, we can address TB while strengthening the overall health system,“ Prof. Pate emphasised.

With strengthened partnerships, sustained investment, and innovative, integrated service delivery, Nigeria can turn the tide against TB.