According to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria is targeting the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) by 2035.
She made the statement at the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja, where she highlighted the importance of strong collaborations and innovation in addressing the country’s TB challenges.
In her speech, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of various stakeholders but stressed the need for continued dedication to achieving global TB objectives.
Nigeria, which has the highest TB burden in Africa and ranks sixth globally, reported around 467,000 TB cases in 2023, according to the 2024 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report.
This alarming figure reflects the urgent need for collective action against the disease.
Despite the challenges, the First Lady pointed to progress in TB diagnosis and treatment, crediting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, civil society groups, and international organizations like USAID and the Global Fund.
She disclosed that eradicating TB depends on effective public-private partnerships and integrated service delivery that ensure no one is left behind.
Tinubu also reaffirmed her commitment to fighting TB, sharing that her previous donation had been used to acquire diagnostic equipment, enhancing TB case detection.
The conference, she noted, serves as an important venue for sharing strategies and reinforcing the collective resolve to end TB.
