Nigeria urged to increase funding, community engagement in fight against TB

• National President, Police Officers Wives Association, Mrs Olufumilola Disu (middle), with the members of POWA management team, Mrs. Angela Olaiya; Mrs. Judith Clement Robert, Mrs. Ada Ene Alonyenu, Mrs. Bessie Dantawaye, Mrs. Rashidat Bello during the International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria to increase domestic funding and strengthen community involvement to sustain gains in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), highlighting ongoing gaps in detection, treatment, and awareness. Dr. Mya Ngon, WHO Nigeria’s Cluster Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of World TB Day 2026. She emphasised that while Nigeria has made progress in TB control, millions of people remain at risk, particularly in underserved communities. “Ending TB is achievable with sustained investment, accountability, and collective action,” Ngon said. “We must stand together with millions affected by TB and remember those who have lost their lives. Strong leadership and active community involvement are key.”

According to Ngon, TB is not only a health issue but also a socio-economic concern. Patients and their families often face financial barriers to care, including transportation costs and lost wages, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. “Without financial risk protection, many people will continue to face obstacles in accessing timely care,” she said.

Ngon warned that Nigeria cannot rely solely on external funding, noting that contributions from the Global Fund and other international partners may decline in future cycles. “Nigeria is already preparing proposals for the next funding round while strengthening internal financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable TB programmes,” she said. She added that WHO continues to support Nigeria with technical guidance, policy development, and global best practices. “We regularly update TB treatment and prevention guidelines based on emerging scientific evidence to ensure better care and effectiveness,” Ngon said.

Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) reports significant improvements in TB detection and treatment. Dr. Adesigbin Olufemi, Acting National Coordinator, said in an interview that in 2025, about 489,000 TB cases were diagnosed and placed on treatment. “Diagnosing people is very difficult, and finding large numbers of undiagnosed cases is even harder,” Olufemi said. “But today, with advanced diagnostic tools and digital platforms, we can identify more patients efficiently.”

He noted that Nigeria now detects roughly 30 per cent of estimated TB cases, an increase from 20–25 per cent in previous years. While substantial numbers remain undiagnosed, Olufemi said, this demonstrates that efforts to strengthen detection are beginning to pay off. To improve case-finding, NTBLCP has integrated digital tools to track patients and monitor treatment adherence. Point-of-care services have also been expanded to bring testing and treatment closer to communities. “Embedding TB services within primary healthcare systems reduces barriers and allows patients to access care without travelling long distances,” Olufemi said.

Despite improvements, drug-resistant TB remains a serious concern. According to health officials, resistant strains emerge when patients do not complete treatment or lack access to appropriate medications. To address this, Nigerian authorities are working with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure the availability of quality-assured medicines and monitor drug adherence through data-driven tracking systems. “Drug resistance develops when patients cannot access or complete their medication,” Olufemi said. “We are closing that gap with better surveillance and wider availability of TB drugs.”

Children, particularly those under five, remain a key focus of the TB response. In 2025, more than 100,000 children were screened, highlighting increased attention to early detection among vulnerable populations. Routine immunisation with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine continues to protect children from severe forms of TB. However, health experts stress the need for broader strategies to reduce transmission in communities. Ongoing research into new TB vaccines for adults is also considered crucial. “While BCG protects children, adults remain at risk,” Ngon said. “Developing effective vaccines for adults is critical to achieving our goal of ending TB.”

WHO and NTBLCP officials emphasised the role of communities in TB control. Under the campaign theme, “Yes, we can end TB: led by the Federal Ministry of Health and powered by communities,” stakeholders are working to increase awareness, identify suspected cases, and support patients throughout treatment. “Communities and civil society organisations are closer to the people and can help ensure health messages reach every household,” Ngon said. “They play a vital role in reducing stigma and encouraging early care-seeking.”

Stigma remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s fight against TB. Misconceptions about transmission and fear of discrimination often discourage people from seeking care. Health officials say education and public awareness are essential to overcoming these barriers. “When people understand how TB is transmitted, tested, and treated, stigma reduces, and more people are encouraged to seek care,” Ngon said. The media is also being called on to simplify technical health information and amplify accurate messages to ensure public understanding and encourage timely treatment.

The fight against TB in Nigeria is being strengthened by collaborations with private sector and civil society organisations. According to Mr. Mayowa Joel, Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership, partners are contributing through advocacy, service delivery, and awareness campaigns. “Many partners may not provide financial support directly, but they bring expertise and resources that strengthen TB interventions,” Joel said. “Coordinated action ensures that the impact is greater than individual efforts.”

Nigeria is preparing to conduct a national TB prevalence survey in mid-2026—the first in nearly two decades. The survey will collect data on TB prevalence and drug resistance, providing policymakers with evidence to guide interventions. “This survey will give us the most accurate picture of TB in Nigeria in decades,” Olufemi said. “It will guide policy, resource allocation, and programme design, ensuring strategies are responsive to realities on the ground.”

While Nigeria has made measurable progress—improved detection, better treatment systems, digital innovation, and strengthened partnerships—challenges remain. Funding gaps, undiagnosed cases, drug resistance, and stigma continue to limit the country’s response. Ngon said the fight against TB requires a collective effort. “Ending TB requires responsibility from governments, communities, healthcare providers, and individuals,” she said. “With sustained investment, strong leadership, and community-driven action, Nigeria can turn the tide against tuberculosis and save millions of lives.” As World TB Day 2026 approaches, health authorities are urging Nigerians to participate actively in awareness campaigns, use available health services, and support efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.

Advertisement