Global Health Experts Gather in Abuja to Tackle Nigeria’s Tuberculosis Challenge

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO), KNCV Nigeria, and other experts convened a press conference in Abuja, emphasizing the imperative for increased investments in tuberculosis (TB) to realize Nigeria’s goal of eradicating the disease by 2030, ahead of the 2024 World Tuberculosis Day.

Highlighting the persistently low awareness levels, particularly in rural areas, the experts underscored the significant threat it poses to TB eradication efforts.

TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affects the lungs and stands as the leading infectious killer globally, ranking among the top 10 causes of death worldwide.

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It spreads through the air, person to person.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, ranks sixth globally among 30 countries with the highest TB burden, leading in the number of undetected cases.

World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about the disease’s impact.

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The 2024 theme, “Yes, we can end TB,” with Nigeria’s slogan “No gree for TB, check am o,” underscores the collective effort needed to combat TB.

Dr. Amos Omoniyi from WHO noted the alarming global death toll due to TB, with Nigeria contributing significantly to Africa’s caseload and deaths.

Despite being curable, TB claims a life every five minutes in Nigeria.

Dr. Omoniyi highlighted Nigeria’s substantial funding gap in TB despite the disease’s high burden, stressing the urgent need for increased government investment to combat TB effectively.

Dr. Bertrand Odume, Executive Director of KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria, emphasized the urgency conveyed by this year’s theme in intensifying the fight against TB.

He reiterated the importance of collective efforts to achieve the UN’s 2030 goal of ending TB.

Dr. Odume outlined progress in TB research and development, emphasizing the need to accelerate efforts toward TB eradication, sustain progress in TB case detection, and advocate for increased funding from the government and private sector.

He also highlighted KNCV’s collaboration with national and state TB control programs to enhance TB case detection under the USAID-supported TB Local Organization Network project.