WHO urges Nigeria to fund, fight tuberculosis

The World Health Organisation (WHO),  has urged increased domestic funding and stronger community engagement to sustain progress in the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria.

Cluster Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Nigeria, Dr. Mya Ngon, made the call yesterday during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 World TB Day.

Ngon said that while progress had been made, significant gaps remained, particularly in reaching underserved populations most vulnerable to TB infection and poor treatment outcomes.

Highlighting the 2025 theme, “Yes, we can end TB: led by the Federal Ministry of Health and powered by communities,” she said, ending TB was achievable with sustained investment, accountability, and collective action.

“We must stand together with millions affected by TB and remember those who have lost their lives. Ending TB is possible with strong leadership and active community involvement,” she said.

She emphasised that TB was not only a health issue but also a socio-economic concern, with financial burdens on patients and households hindering timely diagnosis and treatment.

Ngon called for financial risk protection measures and stronger domestic resource mobilisation, noting that Nigeria could not rely solely on external funding as support from the Global Fund might decline in future cycles.

“Nigeria is already preparing proposals for the next funding round while strengthening internal financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable TB programmes,” she said.

She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to providing technical guidance, policy development, and global best practices to support Nigeria’s TB response and improved patient outcomes.

“WHO regularly updates TB treatment and prevention guidelines based on emerging scientific evidence to ensure better care and effectiveness,” she said.

Ngon highlighted efforts to expand access to TB diagnosis and treatment through innovative approaches and integration into primary healthcare services, ensuring timely care for more Nigerians.

Ongoing research for new TB vaccines, particularly for adults, remains critical, she said, while routine childhood vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin continued to protect children from severe TB.

She called for strengthened partnerships among government, development partners, civil society, and communities to achieve national TB targets and ensure no one was left behind.

Ngon urged Nigerians to support awareness campaigns and utilise available services, noting that TB diagnosis and treatment were accessible through public health facilities across the country.

She stressed the role of communities, civil society organisations, and the media in public education to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behaviour.

“Communities and the media play a vital role in translating scientific information into messages that people can easily understand,” she said.

According to Ngon, misinformation and lack of awareness are major drivers of stigma, which continues to hinder TB detection and treatment efforts nationwide.

“When people understand how TB is transmitted, tested, and treated, stigma reduces, and more people are encouraged to seek care,” she added.

She urged the media to simplify technical health information and amplify accurate messages to reach wider audiences and promote timely treatment.

Ngon also highlighted the role of community-based organisations and charities in complementing government efforts through grassroots sensitisation and education.

“These groups are closer to the people and can help ensure that health messages reach every household,” she said.

She emphasised that ending TB required collective responsibility, with individuals, communities, and institutions all playing active roles in prevention, detection, and treatment.

“With stronger collaboration between government, communities, and the media, we can improve awareness, reduce stigma, and accelerate progress toward ending tuberculosis in Nigeria,” she said.