Nigeria, 12 others record 50% TB deaths reduction in nine years

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Nigeria as one of the 13 countries that achieved a 50 per cent or more reduction in the number of deaths caused by TB between 2015 and 2023.

WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, who disclosed this at the opening of the 2024 National TB conference in Abuja, said that despite advancements, TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria.

He observed that the TB burden in Nigeria is characterised by large numbers of undiagnosed and untreated cases and huge funding gaps, which was a 60 per cent gap in 2023.

Mulombo lamented that the dual burden of TB and HIV further complicates the TB response, while multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) continues to rise, requiring more complex and resource-intensive treatment strategies.

He observed that stigma and socio-economic barriers such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to health services continue to worsen the burden of TB in the country.

“With just six years left to achieve the 2030 target to end the TB epidemic, urgent and bold actions are needed. We must prioritise inclusive strategies that address the needs of all population groups and ensure adequate funding. Strengthening primary healthcare and community-based TB care will be crucial in identifying and treating every TB case.”

According to him, investments in innovative technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics, genomic sequencing, and shorter, more effective treatment regimens, are essential in accelerating progress.

Addressing the social determinants of TB through interventions in nutrition, housing, and poverty alleviation is equally critical for building a comprehensive and sustainable response.

He noted that the government’s action in 2024 to establish a TB matching fund with the private sector, demonstrates innovative thinking and commitment to leveraging all available resources to end TB as a public health threat by 2030.

Mulombo noted that by aligning public and private sector efforts, this partnership embodies a shared vision to ensure no one is left behind in accessing TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.

He said, “Notably, the private sector accounted for 29 per cent of TB cases notified in 2023, a testament to the power of partnership and the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders to address complex health challenges.

“With innovations in diagnostics such as the expansion of WHO Rapid Diagnostics (WRDs), intensified case-finding efforts in health facilities and community guided by hotspot mapping, and improved treatment regimens, Nigeria has seen an increase in TB case detection and treatment success rates with TB treatment coverage increasing from 59 per cent in 2022 to 74 per cent in 2023.”

Mulombo said that the adoption of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) by the government is a commendable step toward achieving the shared goal of ending the TB epidemic, adding that this integrated strategy ensures that resources are efficiently utilised, stakeholders are aligned, and accountability is strengthened.

“By prioritising coordination and inclusivity, the SWAp approach lays a solid foundation for sustainable and impactful health interventions. This conference presents us with an opportunity to share our successes, reassess strategies and shape policies that will guide us toward achieving the End TB Strategy by 2030.

“By harnessing the insights shared during this event, fostering collaboration, and applying evidence-based interventions, we can transform Nigeria’s TB response and ensure no one is left behind.”

He assured that the WHO remains steadfast in its support for Nigeria’s efforts to end TB and will continue to provide technical guidance, advocate increased investment, and work alongside partners to strengthen health systems and address systemic inequities.

“The fight against TB is one we must win. Let us unite and confront this threat to human existence with the most advanced, technology-driven interventions and community-led strategies, supported by adequate domestic funding,” he added.