Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has outlined key strategies to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the country, emphasizing the need for increased domestic funding, expanded access to diagnostic tools, and the integration of TB services into primary healthcare.

These measures aim to address Nigeria’s high TB burden, as the country ranks sixth globally and first in Africa in terms of TB cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria recorded an estimated 479,000 TB cases in 2022, contributing significantly to the 2.5 million cases across Africa and the 10.6 million cases reported worldwide.

A major solution highlighted by the Minister is the urgent need to increase domestic funding for TB control. 

Currently, Nigeria relies heavily on donor funding, which covers about 77% of the national TB response. 

Prof. Pate stressed the importance of government investment in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention programs to ensure sustainability. 

In addition,the government says it  is also working towards including TB services in the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) scheme, making diagnosis and treatment more accessible to Nigerians, especially those in low-income communities.