The World Health Organization (WHO), KNCV Nigeria, and other leading experts, on Tuesday called on governments at all levels to increase investments in tuberculosis to achieve Nigeria’s goal of eradicating the disease by 2030.
This call to action, delivered during a press conference in Abuja ahead of 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, emphasizes the critical need for expanded resources to combat the disease effectively.
Despite ongoing efforts, low awareness levels, particularly in rural areas, remain a significant obstacle in the fight against TB.
Recognized as the number one infectious killer disease globally, TB continues to pose a formidable threat to public health, affecting millions worldwide.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, bears a substantial burden of the disease, ranking sixth globally among 30 countries with the highest TB burden.
Furthermore, Nigeria leads in Africa for the number of undetected cases, highlighting the urgency for increased awareness and intervention.
The 2024 World Tuberculosis Day, themed “Yes, we can end TB,” underscores the collective determination to eliminate TB by 2030. Nigeria’s slogan, “No gree for TB, check am o,” reflects the nation’s resolve to confront this health crisis head-on.
Dr. Amos Omoniyi, representing the WHO, highlighted the staggering impact of TB globally, with millions of deaths recorded annually. Despite being curable, TB remains a persistent threat, claiming lives at an alarming rate, with Nigeria contributing significantly to the toll.
Dr. Bethrand Odume, Executive Director of KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria, emphasized the urgency conveyed by the theme, stressing the need for unified action to achieve the ambitious goal of ending TB by 2030.
He underscored the progress made in research and development, emphasizing the critical importance of sustained efforts to accelerate TB eradication initiatives.
As part of these efforts, KNCV collaborates with national and state-level tuberculosis control programs to enhance TB case detection in Nigeria, supported by initiatives like the USAID-backed TB Local Organization Network project.
The collective message from experts is clear: it is imperative to ramp up efforts, sustain progress, and secure increased funding to confront TB effectively, ensuring a healthier future for all Nigerians.