The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that disruptions in tuberculosis (TB) services due to funding cuts could have fatal consequences for thousands of Nigerians affected by the disease.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, gave the warning on Monday at the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day Community Outreach in Sauka, Abuja.
Dr. Mulombo, stressed the urgent need to sustain progress in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Over the past five years, Nigeria has recorded a remarkable 300 per cent increase in TB case detection, from 138,583 cases in 2020 to 418,198 cases in 2024.
This surge, driven by innovative strategies and increased awareness, has brought hope in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
However, Dr. Mulombo warned that if funding gaps are not urgently addressed, these gains could be reversed, putting thousands of lives at risk.
He emphasised the need for strong collaboration with civil society organisations and affected communities to prevent service disruptions and ensure equitable healthcare access.
This year’s World TB Day theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” alongside Nigeria’s local slogan “We fit do am,” reflects the urgency of action needed from governments, donors, and stakeholders to eliminate TB.
Dr. Mulombo reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s TB response, pledging continued collaboration with public and private sector partners, NGOs, professional bodies, donors, and affected communities to mitigate the impact of funding cuts.
Dr. Mulombo urged community leaders to continue championing essential healthcare services, including vaccination for childhood illnesses.
He emphasized that „BCG vaccination at birth helps prevent severe TB in children. Malaria vaccines for children aged 5 to 15 months are now available and being rolled out by the NPHCDA, WHO, and partners.“
He also reiterated that TB is preventable, treatable, and curable, urging anyone coughing for two weeks or more to get tested at a nearest health facility.
Dr. Mulombo called on all stakeholders, including donors, private sector players, civil society, academia, and the media, to join forces in the fight against TB.
“Yes! We can end TB. We fit do am!” he declared, expressing confidence that with sustained commitment and investment, Nigeria can defeat TB once and for all.
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