The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to take tuberculosis (TB) seriously and seek early medical intervention, warning that delay in treatment continues to cost lives unnecessarily.
Speaking in a statement to mark the World Tuberculosis Day 2025, the First Lady emphasised that TB is both preventable and curable, but only if diagnosed early and treated promptly.
“If you have a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever, please visit the nearest health facility for free TB testing and treatment,” she said. “TB is curable, and early treatment saves lives.”
Senator Tinubu, who serves as the National and Global Stop TB Champion, described the fight against tuberculosis as personal, revealing that she once lost a close friend to the disease.
“This is a painful reminder that TB remains a major health threat, especially when it goes undiagnosed and untreated,” she said.
The First Lady made her remarks under this year’s theme: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, stressing that winning the fight against the disease requires strong political will, investment in proven solutions, and access to life-saving interventions.
She called on Nigerians to unite behind the national TB response, saying: “Together, Yes! We Can End TB. Let us commit, invest, and deliver on this promise for a healthier and TB-free Nigeria.”
The World Tuberculosis Day is marked annually on March 24 to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global epidemic.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, despite being curable and preventable.
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