By Ali Mohammed Zanna, DKRI Maiduguri

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stronger primary healthcare systems and community-based TB programs to identify and treat all cases effectively.

Speaking at the National TB Conference in Abuja yesterday, WHO Country Representative Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo highlighted the challenges, noting that many TB cases in Nigeria remain undiagnosed and untreated. He also pointed out the significant funding gap, which stood at 60% in 2023.

“The combined burden of TB and HIV makes the fight more difficult, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is rising, requiring more complex treatments. Additionally, poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare continue to worsen the situation,” Dr. Mulombo stated.

With only six years left to meet the 2030 goal of ending the TB epidemic, Dr. Mulombo urged Nigeria to take bold steps in adopting inclusive strategies, ensuring adequate funding, and addressing the needs of all groups in the population.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical guidance, advocating for more investment, and strengthening health systems to reduce inequalities. “Through collective efforts, we can make TB a thing of the past,” he said.

Dr. Mulombo also praised the Federal Government’s progress in TB control, noting improvements in case detection and treatment success rates.

TB treatment coverage in Nigeria has increased from 59% in 2022 to 74% in 2023, a significant achievement in the fight against the disease.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing health issue in Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts to eliminate it.