The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on Nigeria to address critical funding gaps and systemic challenges in its fight against Tuberculosis (TB).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National TB Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in TB control while underscoring the urgent need for increased investment and comprehensive strategies to tackle the disease.
Dr. Mulombo noted that despite some gains, Nigeria faces significant public health challenges due to undiagnosed and untreated TB cases, a 60% funding gap in 2023, and rising multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
These issues, compounded by stigma and socio-economic barriers such as poverty and limited healthcare access, continue to hinder efforts to eliminate the disease.
He commended the Federal Government for increasing TB treatment coverage from 59% in 2022 to 74% in 2023 and improving treatment success rates. However, he emphasized the need for more inclusive approaches to address the dual burden of TB and HIV and the increasing complexities of MDR-TB treatment.
Dr. Mulombo assured that the WHO remains steadfast in its support for Nigeria, pledging continued technical assistance and advocacy for more significant investments. “Together, through our collective resolve, we can make TB a disease of the past,” he affirmed.
“With only six years remaining to meet the 2030 goal of eradicating the Tuberculosis epidemic, Nigeria must take immediate and decisive measures to prioritize inclusive strategies that cater to the needs of all population segments and secure sufficient funding,” said Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative.
As the 2030 deadline for ending the TB epidemic approaches, stakeholders are urged to intensify efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and community-based TB care systems, ensuring that no population group is left behind.
