First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has recommitted to leading advocacy against tuberculosis, saying she was still agonised losing one of her trusted staff to death because he won’t disclose that he was suffering from the disease due to fear of stigmatisation.
According to a statement by her media aide , Busola Kukoyi, she made the recommitment at the Political Leadership to End TB 38th board meeting, stressing the urgency of eradicating the disease.
She stated that ignorance and fear, especially on the part of the ordinary man, remained a major setback.
“Most of us don’t even know we still have TB,” she said.
She expressed regret for not being part of the health committee during her 12 years in the Senate to enable her do more in the sector.
Senator Tinubu while reflecting on a painful experience involving the trusted staff member who concealed his health status due to fear of stigma, lamented, “I could have helped him get treatment, but he kept it from me.”
Stressing the urgency of eradicating TB, which she referred to as “the world’s deadliest infectious disease”, Mrs Tinubu highlighted persistent challenges, including funding shortages and low awareness, and appealed for collective action to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against TB and HIV.
“Therefore, at this crucial board meeting, I urge us to re-commit ourselves to collective action, for TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
“And as citizens of the world, of Africa and of Nigeria, we have the power, the responsibility, and the duty to act now. As we move forward, let us acknowledge that the data on Tuberculosis are not just numbers; they represent real people, their struggles, and the profound impact of this disease.
“While the statistics are disturbing, it should also propel our hope, commitment and determination to eradicate this global health crisis,” she said.
The first lady pointed out that Nigeria is among countries most affected by TB, with approximately 467,000 cases reported in 2023.
She recalled that during the days HIV/AIDs was prevalent, the public was thoroughly enlightened and called for collective action to address this public health crisis and protect future generations with a warning.
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