Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to end tuberculosis by 2030 through sustainable, homegrown strategies.
In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Wednesday, Mrs. Tinubu pledged this while addressing delegates at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Manila, Philippines. The meeting drew over 180 participants from 47 countries.
Mrs. Tinubu, the Global and National Stop TB Champion, further said Nigeria is strengthening its health system and reducing donor dependence. She described tuberculosis as the world’s deadliest infectious disease, posing a universal threat due to its airborne nature.
“The sustainability of TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance,” she said. “It must come from within; through leadership, community participation, and national coordination. Despite temporary shifts in donor support, Nigeria’s efforts have remained strong, ensuring that the number of diagnosed and treated cases has not increased in 2025.”
She added that this resilience reflects the strength of local ownership and the commitment of Nigerians leading the charge against the disease. “Health for all begins in our communities. These board meetings remind us that the fight against tuberculosis is far from over,” the first lady said.
Highlighting the urgency of the global TB crisis, Mrs. Tinubu noted that the disease claims approximately 1.3 million lives annually. “In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries responsible for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 new infections and over 150,000 deaths in 2023,” she stated. “These are not just figures; they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. Their lives compel us to act with compassion and urgency.”
The First Lady also praised the Health Ministry, Stop TB Partnership, and agencies for promoting transparency and TB care nationwide.
The Stop TB Partnership Board Chair, Teodoro Herbosa, said TB is a health and development challenge needing global cooperation. The Partnership’s Executive Director, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, stressed stronger data integration with governments and noted progress in TB prevention.
Nigeria’s Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also attended the event, reaffirming the nation’s role in fighting TB globally. The previous edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was hosted in Abuja in 2024.
