The director of public health in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike has reported that, for the first time, Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis (TB) Programme has surpassed its targets.
This remarkable achievement is attributed to scaling up evidence-based diagnostic innovations.
Anyaike highlighted the programme’s journey and the challenges ahead in an interview with journalists in Abuja. Science Nigeria reports that Nigeria launched the Private Sector Strategy to End Tuberculosis, organised by StopTB Nigeria in Lagos. The call to action was clear: the private sector must join the fight against tuberculosis.
Despite progress in case identification and governmental efforts, significant challenges remain, impacting the country’s poorest and most vulnerable populations. The strategy calls for private sector involvement to raise $25 million for TB initiatives, matched by government and development partners.
Anyaike emphasised that at this critical juncture, combined efforts from the public and private sectors, along with international partners, are crucial for securing a TB-free future for Nigeria. However, this unprecedented success is now threatened by a dire shortage of diagnostic cartridges and TB medicines, potentially rolling back all achievements and risking the interruption of essential programming by September 2024.
He detailed how the programme’s increased efforts and ambition led to scaling up interventions and coverage. “Through several evidence-based diagnostic innovations, we were able to reach and exceed our targets. This is a first in the history of TB response in Nigeria,” he said. The success has brought hope and momentum to the fight against TB, showcasing what can be achieved with dedicated effort and strategic innovation.
Despite these gains, Anyaike expressed grave concerns over the current shortage of diagnostic cartridges and TB medicines. “We are facing a critical shortage that threatens to undo our progress. If not addressed, essential programming may be interrupted by September 2024,” he warned. This shortage underlines the fragility of health gains in the face of supply chain disruptions and funding gaps.
In response to the crisis, the National TB Programme has launched a Private Sector Strategy, anticipating a crucial role for private sector contributions in sustaining and enhancing the TB response. “This strategy aligns with SDG 17, which emphasises strong partnerships. Without such collaboration, achieving the remaining 16 SDGs will be difficult,” he noted. The strategy aims to create a robust health system through private sector engagement, ensuring the continuity and expansion of TB control measures.
Anyaike stated that the fight against TB is not just a health issue but also a social and economic one. “Investing in TB control saves lives and contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the nation,” he said. Effective TB control can alleviate the economic burden on families and communities, fostering social stability and growth.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate for his unwavering support in the fight against TB. He also appreciated the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria for leading the private sector engagement strategy and Prof. Peter Piot for his valuable contributions to TB and HIV programmes in Nigeria.
“We also thank the Global Fund, USAID, WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Agbami Partners, along with all implementing partners, civil society organisations, TB survivors, community gatekeepers, national and sub-national programme managers, media, academia and other stakeholders. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in reaching this point,” he said.
Anyaike emphasised the global nature of TB, highlighting the interconnectedness of health security. “TB Anywhere is TB Everywhere,” he remarked, calling for increased investment and sustained support to ensure Nigeria does not lose its hard-won gains. He urged for continued support and enhanced collaboration to maintain and build on the progress made. “We can achieve our goal of ending TB in Nigeria with your continued support. Let’s not let this momentum falter,” he appealed.
Recall that Nigeria is among the 30 high-burden countries for TB. In 2020, the estimated incidence of TB in Nigeria was 452,000 TB cases; out of which, 138,591 were diagnosed and notified. This gap in TB case identification is a major area of focus for the national TB programme. A major issue with TB in the country is the low TB case finding for both adults and children.
