First Lady Reiterates Nigeria’s Resolve to Eradicate Tuberculosis By 2030

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the country’s strong commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 through deliberate and sustained actions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen domestic systems and reduce reliance on donor funding to ensure steady progress toward eliminating TB.

Addressing more than 180 delegates from 47 countries, the First Lady — who also serves as both the Global and National Stop TB Champion — noted that TB remains the world’s leading infectious killer and an airborne threat that demands collective global attention.

She emphasised that the sustainability of TB control efforts cannot depend solely on international aid, but must be driven by national leadership, community involvement, and coordinated strategic efforts.

“Despite temporary shifts in support from some funding partners, Nigeria’s fight against TB has remained resolute. Through steadfast leadership and community engagement, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 has stabilised — a clear sign of national ownership and commitment,” she stated.

Mrs. Tinubu stressed that health initiatives begin within communities and that the ongoing Stop TB Partnership meetings serve as a reminder that the battle against tuberculosis is far from over.

Highlighting the human cost of the disease, she noted that TB claims approximately 1.3 million lives each year worldwide. “In Nigeria, we are among the eight countries responsible for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded. These are not just statistics — they represent real lives that inspire us to act urgently and compassionately,” she said.

The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Stop TB Partnership, and related agencies for their transparency and commitment in utilising funds to expand access to testing, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as integrating TB care into primary healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board and Philippines Secretary of Health, Teodoro Herbosa, described TB as not just a public health issue but a major development challenge requiring continued global determination.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, underscored the importance of integrating national data systems to accelerate progress toward the 2030 target. She noted that in just two months, new grant facilities in five countries enabled the screening of 8,000 individuals, diagnosis of 5,000, and preventive treatment for 3,000.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also attended the meeting. The previous edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was hosted in Abuja in 2024.