Nigeria's First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has raised an urgent call to action against Tuberculosis (TB), a disease that claims 125,000 lives annually in the country. Speaking at a side event of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) organized by the Stop TB Partnership, Tinubu described TB as a relentless public health crisis that demands immediate and concerted efforts.
“Nigeria bears one of the highest TB burdens globally, and the loss of 125,000 lives each year is a tragedy we can no longer ignore,” she stated.
The event, themed “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB Together for a Healthy Future,” highlighted the dual threats posed by TB and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tinubu emphasized the need for increased investment in research to develop new tools, treatments, and vaccines to combat these evolving threats.
“We must prioritize research that can outpace the growing threat of drug resistance,” she added.
Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria's ability to eradicate TB and AMR by 2030, advocating for a collaborative approach involving governments, international organizations, and the private sector. She stressed that addressing TB and AMR together is not just smart but essential for global health security.
“Addressing TB and AMR together is not just the smart way; it is the best and only way. Our methods must include preventing new infections, raising awareness, and educating the public on the dangers of drug-resistant TB,” she said.
The First Lady also pointed out that drug-resistant TB has plagued communities for decades due to its airborne nature and resistance to conventional treatments. An integrated and strategic response is critical to preventing this menace.
The Executive Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, echoed Tinubu's sentiments, urging stakeholders to build on each other’s strengths to fight TB effectively.
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