The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has sounded the alarm over Nigeria’s rising cases of childhood tuberculosis (TB) and has highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to save lives and mitigate the threat to public health.
Director of public health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,Dr. Anyaike Chukwuma delivered this message at the conclusion of the National Childhood TB Steering Committee (NCTSC)’s first quarter review in Abuja.
The meeting focused on updating stakeholders on the latest developments in childhood TB control and finalising national guidelines for integrating TB care with reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services.
Despite efforts to combat TB, Nigeria faces a critical gap in detection and treatment, with childhood TB cases vastly underdiagnosed and underreported. This gap not only jeopardises the health of affected children but also contributes to the nation’s high under-5 mortality rate.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the ministry has established the National Childhood TB Steering Committee (NCTSC) to advise on effective control strategies. However, Chukwuma stressed that sustained commitment and collaboration across sectors are essential to ensure timely detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of TB in the country.
In response to this call to action, stakeholders from government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and the private sector are joining forces to develop comprehensive approaches to childhood TB control. These efforts include integrating TB care with RMNCAH+N services and implementing innovative, people-centered approaches. Chukwuma emphasised the importance of finding missing children with TB through integrated services aligned with national health sector priorities.
Director and national coordinator of the NTBLCP, Dr. Shehu Labaran echoed the need for collaborative, evidence-based interventions to address the childhood TB crisis effectively. As Nigeria grapples with the dual challenges of childhood TB and the broader TB epidemic, stakeholders are united in their determination to forge ahead with renewed vigour.
By working together and prioritising the health and well-being of the country’s children, stakeholders aim to turn the tide on childhood TB, ultimately saving lives and securing a healthier future for all. Through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, Nigeria can overcome the challenges posed by childhood TB and ensure that every child receives timely diagnosis, treatment and care, thus laying the foundation for a healthier nation.
