RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE (RHI) DONATES N1BN TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST TB
…as First Lady Oluremi Tinubu declares TB a health emergency requiring urgent attention
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to get tested and know their tuberculosis (TB) status.
She made this call at the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach held at Sauka Village, Airport Road, Abuja.
According to her, ending TB by 2030 is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of the government, traditional and religious leaders, legislators, youth, healthcare workers, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and international partners.
“The statistics from the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global TB Report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. This means that in the short time we will spend at this event, many more lives will be lost if we do not act swiftly and decisively.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that the high prevalence of TB in Nigeria is unacceptable, stressing the need for collective action to combat the treatable and curable airborne disease.
“At this juncture, I would like to pledge an additional sum of One Billion Naira from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) towards the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria.”
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, she reaffirmed her commitmentto tackling TB by advocating for increased funding, policy reforms, and resource mobilization to support awareness and treatment programs.
“I will continue to advocate for increased funding and policy reforms to strengthen TB control efforts, mobilize resources and partnerships to support TB awareness and treatment programs, and amplify the voices of TB survivors. Furthermore, I will fight against stigma and discrimination and ensure that women, children, and marginalized groups have equal access to TB care.”
The First Lady highlighted the government’s ongoing effortsto expand TB testing and treatment centers nationwide, ensuring that treatment remains free and accessible to all. She also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare systemsto reach vulnerable populations while enhancing funding and partnerships to scale up TB control programs.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that eradicating TB in Nigeria by 2030 is achievable, especially as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the ministry a mandate to improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.
In response to the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga Kupi’s request for a Primary Health Centre in Sauka Community, the First Lady assured the community that the issue would be addressed, noting that she had a quick discussion with the Minister on the matter.
The event also featured a health talk on the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis, as well as on-site TB testing for attendees.
Theme for 2025 World TB Day
The theme for World TB Day 2025 is:
“Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver”
With the local slogan: “We Fit Do Am.”
SIGNED
Busola Kukoyi
SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Monday, 24th March 2025
