MANILA, Philippines (FN) — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the country’s determination to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, calling for stronger national ownership and community-driven solutions during the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.
Addressing over 180 delegates from 47 countries, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is reducing its reliance on donor funding and building resilient health systems to sustain progress. “Despite temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts have remained strong,” she said. “We ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not increase.”
Tinubu, who serves as both Global and National Stop TB Champion, described TB as the world’s deadliest infectious disease and a development challenge. “In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases,” she said. “An estimated 479,000 Nigerians developed TB in 2023, with more than 150,000 deaths. These are not just numbers — they are lives that compel us to act with urgency and compassion.”
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, echoed the First Lady’s message, stating that the country is committed to integrating TB services into primary healthcare and expanding access to diagnostics and treatment. “We are aligning our national health strategy with the global TB response,” Pate said. “Our focus is on sustainability, data-driven interventions, and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against TB.”
Pate also highlighted the importance of domestic financing and inter-agency collaboration. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Finance and development partners to ensure that TB programs are not only funded but also efficiently implemented,” he added.
The First Lady commended the Ministry of Health, the Stop TB Partnership, and affiliated agencies for their transparency and dedication. She stressed that “health for all begins in our communities,” and called for continued global solidarity.
Philippines Secretary of Health and Stop TB Partnership Board Chair, Teodoro Herbosa, described TB as a development crisis that demands relentless global action. Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, reported that new grant facilities in five countries had screened 8,000 people, diagnosed 5,000, and enrolled 3,000 in preventive treatment in just two months.
The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. Tinubu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, stating, “The fight against tuberculosis is not finished — and neither are we.”
