ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has commended Nigeria for its groundbreaking efforts in public health, highlighting its adoption for innovative strategies and advancements in local manufacturing.
Speaking at the National Tuberculosis (TB) Conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Dr Jean Kaseya, the Director-General, Africa CDC, described Nigeria as a model for Africa.
Kaseya commended the country’s leadership in tackling health challenges and strengthening health systems.
“Nigeria’s public health innovations are making the entire continent proud.
“However, we must address persistent inequities that make diseases like tuberculosis (TB) a major concern.
“The solutions to end TB exist, but they must be supported by equitable resource allocation,” he said.
Kaseya further called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise domestic resource mobilisation for TB control, while complementing this with external funding to achieve a TB-free Nigeria.
He commended the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for championing the course of eradicating the menace of TB in Nigeria and Africa at large.
He further gave an open invitation to Mrs Tinubu to address African heads of state at a high-level meeting in February 2025, to advocate for sustainable health financing for children and public health initiatives.
Speaking on progress in TB advocacy and innovation, Dr Bethrand Odume, Executive Director of the KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria, said that the conference was imperative to driving collaboration and evidence-based policies.
“This year’s conference recorded over 6,000 participants and 364 abstract submissions, reflecting the growing interest in TB eradication.
“Ending TB requires robust research, advanced diagnostic tools, and integrated efforts across healthcare services.
“We must also address vulnerable populations, comorbidities, and drug-resistant TB,” he said
Odume stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and sustained political commitment.
Speaking of government leadership and commitment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle-Salako, the Minister of State for Health, commended Mrs Tinubu for her advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts, including one billion Naira donation to her foundation.
Salako revealed that part of these funds had been used to procure WHO-approved rapid diagnostic tools, which have significantly expanded TB diagnostics and treatment services for underserved populations.
“TB disproportionately affects society’s most vulnerable populations, linking it to poverty and inequality.
“Addressing this issue aligns with Nigeria’s universal health coverage goals and sustainable development priorities,” he said.
Dr Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, said that despite advancements in genetic research and healthcare systems, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in addressing its high TB burden.
“Stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare hinder efforts to combat TB.
“Community trust and public-private collaboration are essential to improving healthcare outcomes,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that stakeholders at the conference, included political leaders, NGOs, and private sector representatives.
They stressed the need for sustained partnerships, innovative approaches, and strong political will to end TB and HIV in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues its public health journey, experts were optimistic that ongoing collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities will pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future.
Meanwhile, In 2021, the estimated TB incidence in Nigeria was 467,000; an estimated 125,000 people died from the disease that year.
Nigeria notified 204,725 incident TB cases in 2021, and 76.55 per cent of notified bacteriologically confirmed individuals with TB were tested for rifampicin resistance (RR-TB).(NAN)
