The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has joined forces with the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR) to refurbish and equip 10 tuberculosis (TB) facilities across Nigeria.
The revitalised centres, strategically situated in Lagos, Anambra, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Bauchi and Katsina states, are poised to offer crucial services for TB screening and treatment.
Nigeria grapples with a formidable health challenge, contending with a triple burden of TB, drug-resistant TB and HIV-associated TB. This places the nation among the top 10 countries globally with the highest number of undetected TB cases. Ranking first in Africa and sixth worldwide, Nigeria bears 4.6 per cent of the global TB burden, witnessing approximately 11 deaths every hour due to TB.
In 2022, USAID responded to Nigeria’s TB care needs by accepting a $500,000 contribution from ASR Africa, focusing on TB control and gender-based violence (GBV). This contribution aligns with USAID’s broader $78 million, five-year TB Local Organisation Network Activity, aimed at detecting, treating and reporting TB cases. Leveraging ASR Africa’s funding, USAID provided 11 TB Lamp diagnostic machines, along with laboratory supplies. ASR Africa renovated 10 tuberculosis directly observed therapy (DOT) centres and distributed over 2,000 dignity kits to GBV survivors across seven selected Nigerian states.
The TB-LAMP diagnostic machines have significantly enhanced the diagnostic capabilities of facilities, leading to effective TB diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Individuals diagnosed with these machines have been promptly placed on treatment at the TB DOT centres renovated by ASR Africa. The provision of dignity kits has further bolstered services for GBV survivors, aligning with USAID’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme.
USAID has been actively engaged in a partnership with the Government of Nigeria and the private sector on TB response since 2003. Through these sustained efforts, USAID has played a pivotal role in reducing tuberculosis-related deaths by nearly 50 per cent.
During the handover ceremony at the newly renovated Akinyele Primary Health Centre in Alimosho, Lagos, USAID/Nigeria deputy director for HIV/AIDS and TB Office, Omosalewa Oyelaran highlighted the significance of the private sector in catalysing sustainable results. Oyelaran emphasised USAID’s commitment to actively collaborating with private sector partners in Nigeria to mobilise resources for countering public health issues such as TB and enhancing the quality of life for affected populations.
Managing director of ASR, Dr. Ubon Udoh delivered remarks at the ceremony, applauding the USAID team for their intervention and partnership with the Nigerian government in the fight against tuberculosis. Udoh underscored ASR Africa’s dedication to investing resources in addressing critical developmental challenges in health, education and social development across Africa. With the installation of TB machines and the ongoing efforts, over 22,100 samples have already been taken in the combined centres and confirmed positive cases are receiving expert treatment, reflecting the tangible impact of this collaborative initiative.
