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ABUJA, Nigeria - To address the spread of Tuberculosis (TB), First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has committed an extra N1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to intensify the fight against the disease.
Tinubu made this announcement during the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach in Sauka Village, Airport Road, Abuja.
She underscored the urgent need to confront TB, labeling it a public health emergency that requires immediate action.
The First Lady called on Nigerians to get tested, understand their TB status, and collaborate to eliminate the disease by 2030.
In a statement released by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu expressed concerns about the alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation’s 2024 Global TB Report, noting that in Nigeria, one person succumbs to TB every seven minutes.
"This signifies that in the brief time we spend at this event, many more lives could be lost if we do not act promptly and decisively," she warned.
As the Global and National Stop TB Champion, the First Lady reaffirmed her dedication to advocating for enhanced funding, policy changes, and stronger partnerships to boost TB awareness, treatment, and prevention.
She also stressed the importance of abolishing stigma and discrimination linked to the disease, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including women and children, have equal access to TB care.
She pointed out that the Federal Government is making it a priority to expand TB testing and treatment centers nationwide so that TB treatment remains free and accessible to everyone.
Additionally, she mentioned efforts to strengthen community-based healthcare systems to reach underserved communities.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, echoed the First Lady’s views, asserting that eradicating TB in the nation by 2030 is feasible under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
He assured Nigerians of the government's commitment to enhance healthcare services for the betterment of all citizens.
In response to a plea from the Sapeyi of Garki, Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga Kupi, for a Primary Health Centre in Sauka community, the First Lady assured residents that their request would be honored after discussions with the minister.
The event featured complimentary TB testing, a health talk on TB prevention and treatment, and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness. The theme for 2025, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” was reinforced with a local slogan: “We Fit Do Am,” encouraging Nigerians to take proactive steps in combating TB.
In Lagos, the state government commemorated World Tuberculosis Day with an awareness walk and a stakeholders’ engagement session.
The event, which took place at the Lagos State Government Secretariat and Alausa community, concluded with a high-level meeting at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Hall in Alausa-Ikeja. The Lagos State Governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led the initiative.
She highlighted the critical need for grassroots involvement in addressing the disease, noting that over 10.3 million individuals globally are affected by TB, regardless of demographic factors.
She reiterated the significance of community-driven initiatives and mentioned her role as Lagos State TB Ambassador, a position she accepted in 2023, which led to the establishment of a TB Steering Committee.
"Upon becoming the TB Ambassador, I recognized the necessity of a more strategic approach. We initiated TB Ambassadors and Champions across local government areas and Local Council Development Areas, involving 47 chairpersons, including 10 female leaders, to promote awareness at the grassroots level," she explained.
Sanwo-Olu urged various community groups, such as transport workers, market traders, and school children, to advocate for TB awareness.
She also commended a doctor from Ibeju Lekki General Hospital for creating a TB awareness song and called for innovative outreach methods, including music, dance, and storytelling, to spread awareness.
Regarding the stigma associated with TB, she advocated for increased education to dispel myths and misconceptions.
