Oluremi Tinubu commits Nigeria to meeting global target of eradicating TB by 2035

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu's wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu has committed Nigeria to meeting the global tuberculosis target of eradicating the disease by 2035 as part of the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the 2024 National TB Conference holding at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre, Senator Tinubu said, however, that for Nigeria to achieve the feat, the country would require a sustained investment, innovative strategies and renewed focus. Organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the conference was themed Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria.

Senator Tinubu regretted that despite the progress Nigeria has made in the fight against the disease, the global burden of tuberculosis remains alarming, particularly in low and middle-income countries. She commended the leadership of the minister of health and social welfare, Professor  Muhammad Ali Pate, on his commitment to President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are here today because despite the progress we have all made in the fight against the disease, the global burden of TB remains alarming, particularly in low and middle-income countries like ours. Globally, and according to the 2024 World Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization, WHO, an estimated 10.8m people developed TB in 2023, with 1.6m people losing their lives and 12% of the global burden affecting the most vulnerable – the children and young adolescents.

“Tuberculosis is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria. The country ranks as the sixth highest burden country across the world and first in Africa. The World Health Organisation Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 also reveals that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023,” Senator Tinubu added.

She reiterated that as the global and national Stop TB champion, she was committed to the collective fight against TB. Senator Tinubu explained that the conference provided Nigerians with the platform not only to share experiences and knowledge but also to recommit themselves to the common goal of ending tuberculosis.

Senator Tinubu added: “Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far. Thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and international partners. Subsequently, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB.

“However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. We cannot afford to be complacent and I assure you that the federal government remains fully committed to achieving the global TB targets by 2035.

“To achieve this, we will require sustained investment, innovative strategies and a renewed focus on breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing the care and support that they desperately need. I believe that the solution to ending TB lies in the strength of our partnerships both public and private, and in the integrated delivery of services that leave no one behind."

She thanked the health minister, his team, including the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme, for their unwavering commitment towards ending tuberculosis in Nigeria. Senator Tinubu also praised the global partners such as Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Stop TB Partnership Global, the United States Agency for International Development and the Global Fund, for their continued support.