In a significant step to address the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in Nigeria, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has pledged an additional N1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to bolster national efforts against the disease.
During her address at the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach event in Sauka Village, Airport Road, Abuja, she underscored the critical need for immediate action, labeling TB a health emergency that necessitates urgent intervention.
She called on Nigerians to get tested, understand their TB status, and unite in the battle to eradicate the disease by 2030.
In a statement delivered by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu stated, “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 indicates that many lives will be lost during our time at this event if we do not take swift and decisive action.”
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, the First Lady reiterated her commitment to advocating for increased funding, implementing policy reforms, and fostering robust partnerships aimed at enhancing TB awareness, treatment, and prevention.
She also highlighted the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination associated with TB, ensuring that vulnerable groups—especially women and children—receive equitable access to care.
She noted that the government is prioritizing the establishment of more TB testing and treatment centers nationwide to guarantee that treatment remains free and accessible to everyone.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to strengthen community-based healthcare systems to better reach underserved populations.
Echoing the First Lady’s message, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, expressed confidence that eradicating TB in Nigeria by 2030 is within reach under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
He reassured citizens that the government is dedicated to enhancing healthcare services for the well-being of all Nigerians.
In response to a request from the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga Kupi, regarding the establishment of a Primary Health Centre in Sauka Community, the First Lady assured the community that their appeal would be addressed following discussions with the Minister.
The event also included free TB testing, a health discussion on prevention and treatment, and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness.
The 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” was complemented by the local slogan “We Fit Do Am,” encouraging Nigerians to actively participate in the fight against TB.
