First Lady Seeks Renewed Commitment in Nation’s Fight against Tuberculosis

Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has advocated a renewed commitment, especially at the state level, in the fight against Tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Speaking yesterday during her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion at the State House Abuja, sheapplauded the role of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in raising awareness, which has led to a significant improvement in case finding and treatment coverage of the disease.

“Let me acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels towards addressing the TB epidemic, following the adoption of the Political Declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting held in New York in September, 2023.

“Building on this commitment, President Bola  Tinubu, is fully committed to the fight against tuberculosis and achieving the goals set forth in the Political Declaration, alongside other national goals towards ensuring a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.”
She also charged the wives of the governors, whom she decorated as TB Champions for their respective states to raise the awareness further to ensure that the disease, which is treatable was brought to the barest minimum.

“This designation is not just a title, but carries with it, the power to make a difference. I kindly appeal that you all use your exalted positions to amplify awareness about Tuberculosis, to end the stigma associated with it, and to help patients in your respective States access the available treatments and support,” she said.
To further drive home her commitment to fight the scourge, the newly decorated Global and national Champion through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) made a donation of N1 billion to the cause.

She said, “I dedicate this investiture to Daniel, one of my staff, who unfortunately lost his life to the disease and to others who we have lost just like him by remaining silent.

“Starting from now, let us work together by showing compassion, understanding to end stigma and discrimination.”

Earlier, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, noted that the success recorded so far in the fight against the disease was a collective effort of not only the health care sector but all Nigerians.

H said this should be sustained because of the evidence of the great political will demonstrated by the administration of President  Tinubu.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Global Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Dr Lucica Ditiu appealed to Nigeria to mobilise domestic resources for the purpose of addressing the scourge.

“If it does not happen in Nigeria, it will not happen in Africa. If does not happen in Africa, it will not happen in the world,” she said, commending the leadership role of the first lady especially by taking the lead in health related issues.

Ditiu also commended the leadership of the health ministry in the country, saying those at the helm of affairs were the appropriate ones for the job.