The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recorded about 16,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually and a 94 per cent treatment success rate.

This was disclosed by the Director of Public Health, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), Dr Dan Gasama, during a community outreach organised by FCT-HSES, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and other partners to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day in Abuja.

Gasama noted that TB-related deaths have reduced by about 64 per cent over the years, but stressed that the disease remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and globally. “Globally, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB, with about 1.23 million deaths, including 150,000 among people living with HIV. With a prevalence of 219 per 100,000 population, Nigeria remains among high TB-burden countries, while the FCT accounts for about 16,000 cases yearly,” he said.

He observed that Nigeria recorded over 467,000 TB cases in 2025, the highest ever, attributing this to improved detection, strengthened surveillance, and expanded community outreach.

He added that early diagnosis and proper treatment have contributed to the 94 per cent treatment success rate recorded in the FCT.

Gasama stated that the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme also recorded significant progress in 2025, identifying over 40,171 presumptive cases, out of which 3,679 were confirmed and notified.

He emphasised that the 2026 commemoration focused on taking TB awareness, screening, and treatment services to high-burden communities. Hundreds of residents of the Mabushi community benefited from free screening for TB, malaria, and other ailments, while medications were distributed and severe cases referred to health facilities.

In a goodwill message, the World Health Organisation (WHO) FCT State Coordinator, Dr Jibrin Alkasim, highlighted progress in diagnostics, treatment, and community-centred care, while stressing the need for sustained investment and collaboration.

Alkasim, represented by Dr Jenny Momoh, said ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation, and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting efforts to eliminate the disease.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of TB Network, Mrs Teresa Jatau, highlighted the role of communities in combating TB. She urged FCT residents to embrace early testing and adhere strictly to treatment, noting that tuberculosis is curable when detected early.