The Federal Government has allocated N700 billion to strengthen efforts against major infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and to bolster immunization programs, according to the chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah revealed this substantial financial commitment during a pre-World TB Day press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, describing it as a “game-changer” in the nation’s fight against infectious diseases. The announcement comes as Nigeria responds to recent reductions in U.S. financial support for healthcare initiatives.
“This investment demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prioritization of healthcare funding,” Ogah stated. “It also serves as a wake-up call for our nation to take full responsibility for our healthcare system and ensure that funds allocated for intervention programs are properly utilized.”
Tuberculosis remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria and globally. Daily, approximately 4,100 people worldwide die from TB, while 27,000 contract the disease. Despite being both preventable and curable, TB continues to pose significant health risks, particularly in resource-limited settings.
The committee chairman emphasized the need for Nigeria to enhance TB services, including early diagnosis, treatment protocols, case management, and contact tracing. He also highlighted the importance of preventive therapy for those with latent TB infection.
“We must strengthen community engagement to address stigma and improve TB awareness, especially among vulnerable populations,” Ogah noted. “Our healthcare workers need proper training, and screening initiatives must reach communities at highest risk.”
The committee has been actively advocating for increased domestic funding for TB treatment and the establishment of private-sector TB treatment facilities, similar to existing models for HIV and malaria care. Ogah also urged the federal government to advocate for increased TB funding from the Global Fund, proposing an increase from 18 percent to 30 percent of allocations.
In response to the recent U.S. aid reductions, Ogah suggested this presents an opportunity for Nigeria and other African nations to assume greater responsibility for their healthcare systems.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis’s health, social, and economic impacts while encouraging global action toward its elimination.
The Stop TB Partnership Nigeria has called for stronger political commitment, increased domestic funding, and sustained collaboration in the fight against TB. Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Acting Board Chair of the organization, emphasized the urgency of domestic resource mobilization as international donor support decreases.
“We must intensify our advocacy now more than ever,” Dr. Ogbuji-Ladipo urged. “Let us push for stronger policies, more domestic resources, and improved TB detection and treatment services.”
