Minister Highlights Key Factors Driving Tuberculosis Cases In Nigeria

Minister Highlights Key Factors Driving Tuberculosis Cases In Nigeria

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, identified undernutrition, HIV, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use as primary contributors to the rising cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria. Speaking at a press briefing to mark World TB Day, he emphasized that the working-age group (15-44 years) is most affected by the disease.

Pate, represented by Dr. Nse Akpan, Director of Port Health Services, revealed that Nigeria is one of the ten countries grappling with the combined challenges of TB, drug-resistant TB, and HIV-associated TB. In 2023, approximately 71,000 Nigerians died from TB, but only one in four people have accurate knowledge of the disease….READ MORE….

He highlighted the government’s commitment to eradicating TB, citing efforts such as expanding rapid molecular testing, increasing treatment centers, and employing mobile digital X-ray units with artificial intelligence to improve TB screening. These initiatives are part of the National Strategic Plan for TB (2021-2026), which has contributed positively to detecting more TB cases, including asymptomatic ones.

Additionally, the government raised $50 million through a bond, half of which came from the private sector, to support TB control efforts. Prof. Pate also acknowledged the financial challenges faced by TB patients, with 71% incurring catastrophic costs while seeking care. To combat this, the National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Programme introduced the Nigeria One Impact Free Skill Acquisition Programme, helping TB-affected individuals, especially women, with economic stability and recovery.

Ms. Uzoma Nwofor, Senior Communications Manager at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, linked the spread of TB to socioeconomic factors like poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and inadequate healthcare access. According to the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index, 63% of Nigerians live in poverty, contributing to the ongoing TB crisis.

The World Health Organization’s Dr. Walter Mulombo called for sustained funding to ensure the continuity of TB control efforts, especially in light of USAID’s suspension of funding. He urged increased domestic investment to ease the burden on affected communities and maintain essential TB treatment resources.