“The sustainability of our TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance” – First Lady Oluremi Tinubu

…Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to End TB by 2030

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has said that through leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, Nigeria has ensured a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis (TB).

She stated this while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

Addressing over 180 participants from 47 countries, the First Lady explained that Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to reduce reliance on donor funding, build resilient health systems, and ensure that no setback—however unexpected—derails the nation’s mission to end TB by 2030.

“I am equally pleased to share that, despite temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong. Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not decline. This stands as proof of the power of country ownership and the commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty,” she said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu emphasized that health for all begins within our communities.

“Coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board Meetings reminds us that the fight against tuberculosis is not over. TB remains the world’s biggest infectious killer disease and a threat to all of us, being airborne,” she noted.

“It claims close to 1.3 million lives each year. In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded. These are not mere numbers; they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion.”

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to ending TB by 2030 in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, adding:

“As the First Lady of Nigeria and as a Global and National Stop TB Champion, I reaffirm Nigeria’s determination to end TB by 2030.”

The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, its affiliate agencies, the Stop TB Partnership, and other partners for their dedication and transparency in ensuring that funds mobilized to expand access to testing, diagnosis, treatment, and the integration of TB services into primary healthcare are judiciously utilized.

In his remarks, the Chair of the Stop TB Partnership Board and Secretary of Health of the Philippines, Teodoro Herbosa, emphasized that TB is more than a health concern—it is a major development challenge.

“It is a critical fight. Despite the remarkable progress made, we must remain relentless and determined,” he said.

“Artificial Intelligence and innovative technologies must be deployed to improve testing, detection, and treatment of TB if we are to win this fight effectively. The digital transformation of TB care must be pursued and sustained.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, in her board report, noted that integrating data systems with governments of various countries is vital to achieving the global goal of ending TB by 2030.

“In five countries over the last two months, new grant facilities have been deployed, resulting in 8,000 people screened, 5,000 diagnosed, and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment,” she said.

Dr. Ditiu concluded that greater and sustained progress requires strong government ownership, enduring health systems, continuous prioritization of TB, and the involvement of civil society, communities, and survivors, backed by stronger political commitment.

Also in attendance was Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

It will be recalled that the 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja, Nigeria, in 2024.

SIGNED:

Busola Kukoyi

Senior Special Assistant, Media

To the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Wednesday, 29th October 2025