Deploys over 1,000 TB near-point-of-care diagnostic devices for remote communities

The Federal Government has earmarked about N73.4 billion for the procurement of tuberculosis (TB) drugs and other medical commodities to prevent a potential stock-out of TB medications across the country.

The government is also expanding the nationwide rollout of TB near-point-of-care diagnostic technology, including the Pluslife Mini Dock molecular testing equipment, to ensure faster and more accurate TB detection, particularly in remote communities.

Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Charles Nzelu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a Pre–World TB Day press conference in Abuja.

Nzelu explained that the initiative forms part of proactive measures by the government to sustain TB control efforts following last year’s announcement by major global donors of funding withdrawals for programmes targeting AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) worldwide.

He noted that the funding cuts significantly affected global efforts to manage the diseases, prompting the Nigerian government to approve $200 million in domestic funding to bridge the gap created by the reduction in international support.

According to him, part of the funds will be used to procure TB drugs and other critical commodities that are no longer being supplied by global partners.

He said the government is already anticipating possible shortages of some medications in the coming months based on supply projections.

“We have already set machinery in motion to procure these drugs using part of the $200 million state-provided funding to ensure there will be no stock-out of TB drugs in Nigeria,” Nzelu said.

“As I leave this event, I am heading to the procurement unit because we are following the process closely to ensure the drugs are procured on time,” he added.

Nzelu further explained that the deployment of over 1,000 TB near-point-of-care diagnostic devices across the country will significantly improve testing capacity, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

He said the initiative is aimed at bringing molecular-grade TB testing closer to communities, reducing delays in diagnosis and ensuring that no Nigerian is denied access to TB testing due to geographical barriers.