Nigeria’s leadership in tuberculosis (TB) management was celebrated at the 2024 TB Conference in Abuja, where experts highlighted the country’s resilience, innovations and the critical role of community involvement in combating the disease.
During the event on Wednesday, the national coordinator of the African Coalition on TB in Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Umoru chaired the community session and underscored the nation’s commitment to addressing TB, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Umoru noted that the country’s achievements serve as a global model for resilience and innovation. “Charity begins at home,” he remarked. “While many countries struggled during the pandemic, Nigeria’s TB programme excelled, showcasing our creativity and determination. Global partners, including the Stork Tree Partnership, came to learn from our successes.”
He emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement, stating that while treatment occurs in hospitals, prevention and awareness must begin within communities. He called for stronger government commitment, private sector involvement and media engagement to ensure widespread public awareness.
“TB is a community issue. The media is instrumental in delivering our message to the masses, dispelling myths and reducing the stigma around TB,” he said.
During the pandemic, Nigeria’s TB programmes adapted with innovative approaches to ensure continued case detection and treatment. Campaigns such as ‘Coughing? Check and More’ and the use of the TB hotline, 3340, educated the public, encouraging individuals to seek testing without fear of stigmatisation.
Umoru also highlighted the dual use of TB diagnostic machines for COVID-19 testing, which helped to increase TB case detection. “This innovation demonstrated how commitment and creativity can yield remarkable results,” he noted.
Deputy project director for tuberculosis at Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Dr. Bolatito Ayedigba identified stigma as a major barrier to TB diagnosis and treatment. Ayedigba stated, “Stigma against TB patients is still high. Just as we fought the stigma of HIV, we need legislation to curb discrimination against TB patients. This would encourage more individuals to seek treatment.”
She stressed the importance of media in educating the public and added, “TB is curable and treatable. With the right information and treatment, patients can fully recover and reclaim their lives.”
Ayedigba further called for increased collaboration between the government and the private sector to address funding gaps in TB management. She noted that campaigns like ‘Cough, Check Am O’ and the innovative adaptation of diagnostic machines were pivotal in sustaining TB programmes during the pandemic.
Science Nigeria reports that the conference, which brought together stakeholders from the government, private sector and civil society, concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing TB challenges in Nigeria. The stakeholders emphasised the need for sustained innovation, increased funding and robust community and media engagement to eliminate TB in the country.
As Nigeria continues to lead by example, the lessons learned from its resilience and innovation serve as an inspiration for other countries in the fight against TB.
Participants at the conference, including political leaders, NGOs and representatives from the private sector, stressed the importance of sustained partnerships, innovative approaches, and strong political will to eradicate TB and HIV in Nigeria.
Experts are optimistic that ongoing collaboration between government agencies, international partners and local communities will pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future as Nigeria progresses on its public health journey.
