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The Federal Government has earmarked N700 billion for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and immunization, according to Dr. Amobi Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria.
Dr. Ogah made the announcement on Tuesday at a Pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja, ahead of the annual World TB Day on March 24, which raises awareness and mobilizes resources for TB eradication. The 2025 theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver.”
TB, an airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, remains one of the leading causes of death in Nigeria. The country has the sixth-highest TB burden globally and the highest in Africa. According to the 2024 WHO Global TB Report, Nigeria recorded 467,000 TB cases in 2023 and remains among the 30 high-burden countries for TB, HIV-associated TB, and drug-resistant TB.
FG’s Commitment Amidst US Funding Withdrawal
Dr. Ogah commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing healthcare financing despite the withdrawal of U.S. financial support for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria programs in Nigeria.
“I must commend the Federal Government for injecting N700bn into the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and immunization. This was made possible through the efforts of our Minister, who is deeply committed to this cause,” he said.
He also revealed that the House Committee on HIV, AIDS, TB, and Malaria Control is working to secure additional funding from the Global Fund, advocating for an increase in TB funding from 18 percent to 30 percent.
Legislative Efforts to Strengthen TB Response
Dr. Ogah disclosed that the committee is working on a new law to protect TB patients from discrimination and stigma.
“We will also ensure strong oversight of ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholders involved in implementing TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria programs,” he added.
The committee also pledged transparency and accountability in the disbursement of funds, ensuring they are utilized effectively.
Call for Increased Domestic Funding
Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, highlighted the urgent need for domestic funding to sustain TB control efforts, especially as donor support declines.
“Despite advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, TB remains prevalent, especially among vulnerable populations. However, with continued commitment from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers, we are closer than ever to eliminating TB,” she stated.
She emphasized the importance of advocacy, policy reforms, and partnerships in strengthening Nigeria’s TB response.
Progress in TB Detection and Treatment
Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever TB notification in 2024, identifying over 400,000 cases out of an estimated 506,000. This achievement translates to a 79 percent treatment coverage rate.
He also highlighted significant progress in TB diagnosis and treatment among children, with cases increasing from 8,293 in 2018 to 43,000 in 2024.
However, he warned that many TB cases remain undetected, leading to continued transmission.
“One untreated TB patient can infect up to 15 people in a year. A major concern is the low enrollment of drug-resistant TB patients for treatment over the past five years,” he noted.
Government’s Strategy to End TB
Dr. Ntadom reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving the WHO’s End TB targets through:
- Expanding TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment services
- Strengthening community engagement and awareness campaigns
- Reducing stigma and integrating TB services with maternal and child health programs
- Leveraging digital health solutions to enhance TB detection and treatment
“Under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the TB National Strategic Plan (2021-2026), we are intensifying efforts to strengthen TB control nationwide,” he added.
The government urged stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to support the fight against TB through increased domestic funding, stronger policies, and collective action to eliminate the disease in Nigeria.
