Nigeria has achieved a historic feat in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), as it diagnosed over 300,000 cases of the disease in 2023, according to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
This is the first time in the country’s history that such a high number of TB cases has been recorded, indicating a significant improvement in the detection and treatment of the deadly infection.
Pate made this announcement at the 37th STOP TB Partnership Board Meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, on Tuesday, where he also highlighted the country’s progress in reaching its 2025 National Strategic Plan targets for TB control.
He said that Nigeria reached about 70 per cent of its cumulative target and approximately 90 per cent of the 2022 target at the 2023 UN High-level Meeting (UN HLM) on Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He attributed the remarkable achievement to the country’s commitment to tackling the disease head-on and implementing innovative strategies, such as data-driven interventions, evidence-based approaches, and technologically enhanced activities.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate also acknowledged the support of partners such as USAID, GFATM, WHO, Stop TB Partnership, CDC, DoD, and Civil Society Organisations, as well as the dedication of the programme staff, especially the front-line workers, who provided TB services even during emergencies and crises.
He said that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s TB programme demonstrated resilience and adaptability, ensuring that TB services continued to be provided to those in need.
Pate added that the country remained committed to reaching a 100 per cent treatment coverage rate and increasing TB preventive therapy (TPT) coverage, as well as documenting strategic initiatives and best practices to address case-finding challenges in a high-burden country.
He expressed optimism that with continued support from partners and stakeholders, the country was well-positioned to build upon this achievement and make further strides in its fight against TB.
TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and can cause serious complications if left untreated. It is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has the highest TB burden in Africa and the sixth highest in the world, with an estimated 440,000 new cases and 157,000 deaths in 2022.
