By Iyemah David
The Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis (TB) Programme has surpassed its targets, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike said.
He said this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday, in Abuja, while highlighting the programme’s journey of the historic feat and the challenges that lie ahead.
He described the feat as a remarkable achievement attributable to scaling up evidence-based diagnostic innovations.
Nigeria launched the Private Sector Strategy to End Tuberculosis, organised by StopTB Nigeria in Lagos, on Friday. The call to action was clear: “it’s time for the private sector to join the fight against tuberculosis.”
Despite progress in case identification and governmental efforts, significant challenges remain, impacting the country’s poorest and most vulnerable populations.
The strategy calls for private sector involvement to raise $25 million for TB initiatives, matched by government and development partners.
The Public Health Director said that this unprecedented success, however, was now threatened by a dire shortage of diagnostic cartridges and TB medicines.
He said that this could potentially role back all achievements and risk the interruption of essential programming by September.
Accordimg to him, the combined efforts of the public and private sectors, along with international partners, are crucial in securing a TB-free future for the country.
He detailed how the programme’s increased efforts and ambition led to scaling up interventions and coverage.
“Through several evidence-based diagnostic innovations, we were able to reach and exceed our targets. This is a first in the history of TB response in Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the success had brought hope and momentum to the fight against TB, showcasing what could be achieved with dedicated effort and strategic innovation.
He, however, expressed grave concerns over the current shortage of diagnostic cartridges and TB medicines.
“We are facing a critical shortage that threatens to undo our progress. If not addressed, essential programming may be interrupted by September,” he warned.
He said that the shortage underlined the fragility of health gains in the face of supply chain disruptions and funding gaps.
In response to the crisis, he said that the National TB Programme had launched a Private Sector Strategy, anticipating a crucial role for private sector contributions in sustaining and enhancing the TB response.
“This strategy aligns with SDG 17, which emphasises strong partnerships. Without such collaboration, achieving the remaining 16 SDGs will be difficult,” he said.
He said that the strategy aimed to create a robust health system through private sector engagement, ensuring the continuity and expansion of TB control measures.
He said that the fight against TB was not just a health issue but also a social and economic one.
“Investing in TB control saves lives and contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the nation.
“Effective TB control can alleviate the economic burden on families and communities, fostering social stability and growth,” he said.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his support in the fight against TB.
He also appreciated the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria for leading the private sector engagement strategy, and Prof. Peter Piot for his valuable contributions to TB and HIV programs in Nigeria.
“We also thank the Global Fund, USAID, WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Agbami partners, along with all implementing partners, civil society organisations and TB survivors.
Also, community gatekeepers, national and sub-national program managers media, academia and other stakeholders are well appreciated,” he said.
He said the global nature of TB emphasised the interconnectedness of health security.
“TB anywhere is TB everywhere; there is the need for increased investment and sustained support to ensure Nigeria does not lose its hard-won gains.
“We call for the continued support and enhanced collaboration to maintain and build on the progress made.
“We can achieve our goal of ending TB in Nigeria with your continued support. Let us not let this momentum falter,” he said.
It would be recall that Nigeria is among the 30 high-burden countries for TB.
In 2020, the estimated incidence of TB in Nigeria was 452,000 TB cases out of which 138,591 were diagnosed and notified.
This gap in TB case identification is a major area of focus for the national TB programme.
A major issue with TB in the country is the low TB case finding for both adults and children.
