FG, Global Fund Deploy 333 Tuberculosis Diagnostic Machines in 36 States, FCT
•As Tinubu’s wife canvasses urgent global action to eradicate scourge
Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government is collaborating with Global Fund and Molbio Diagnostics to deploy 333 Truenat devices for testing of Tuberculosis in 36 states, FCT
The 333 Truenat TB diagnostic machines acquired through funding support from the Global Fund are to be deployed to selected health facilities across the country.
Each of molecular based test machine has the capacity of testing 53 persons per day and their deployment is aimed at enhancing TB and DR-TB Diagnostics in peripheral facilities in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has pitched for urgent and determined universal action to eradicate tuberculosis (TB), describing it as the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Speaking Thursday during the 38th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Global, at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja, the First Lady stressed the need for immediate and sustained efforts to ensure the pandemic becomes a disease of the past.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday on the intervention, Chief Executive Officer of Molbio Diagnostics, Sriram Natarajan, said the federal government with support from the Global Fund was leveraging cutting-edge technology to scale up testing to combat TB and other infectious diseases in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
He said: “Molbio Diagnostics is pleased to announce the deployment of 333 Truenat devices across Nigeria. This is a significant step by the Nigerian Ministry of Health, with support from the Global Fund, in leveraging cutting-edge technology to scale up testing to combat TB and other infectious diseases in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.
“The deployment of 333 Truenat devices in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide innovative diagnostic solutions to underserved regions.
“We are committed to supporting Nigeria in its fight against TB and improving public health outcomes through timely and accurate diagnostics.
“Molbio in collaboration with NTBLCP is currently conducting country-wide end users training and installation of the platform to ensure a smooth service delivery.”
The deployment of the devices followed the promising results of a recent study published in Public Health Action, which highlighted the substantial impact of the Truenat system in reducing turnaround times for TB diagnosis and increasing case detection rates, a much-needed intervention for Nigeria that collectively accounts for 75 percent of the global missing TB cases and 70 percent of missing DR-TB cases.
Sriram Natarajan said one key reason for the country’s low case detection rate has been the limited access to rapid molecular testing facilities at the last mile periphery.
He explained that the country-wide rollout of Truenat will enable the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Programme (NTBLCP) to test 8,000 more people per day at minimum and two million more people per year, thus reducing the risk of community transmission while ensuring timely care.
The laboratory lead, NTBLCP, Rita Akpakpan, said the device is automated, battery-operated device used to extract, amplify, and detect specific genomic DNA loci for TB and Rifampicin resistant.
Also, the Program Management Unit Team lead, Dr. Emperor Ubochioma, the said, the deployment of Truenat devices across Nigeria is a transformative step in our battle against TB and DR-TB, adding it will empower our healthcare system with advanced diagnostic tools that reach the hard-to-reach areas
Truenat, developed by Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., based in India, is a portable, battery-operated molecular device designed for point-of-care testing. Compatible with Truelux, the solar charging station, Truenat can be used to the extent of community level, providing rapid and accurate results, making it an ideal solution for remote and resource-limited settings.
Speaking Thursday during the 38th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Global, at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja the First Lady urged delegates and stakeholders representing 62 countries to recommit to collective action, stressing that the fight against TB is a shared responsibility across borders.
Speaking candidly, she stated that ignorance and fear especially on the part of the ordinary man remains a major setback.
“Most of us don’t even know we still have TB,”
The First Lady expressed regret for not being part of the health committee during her 12 years stay in the Senate which could have helped her to do more in the sector.
Mrs Tinubu reflected on a painful experience involving a trusted staff member who concealed his health status due to fear of stigma.
“I could have helped him get treatment, but he kept it from me,” Mrs Tinubu lamented.
While acknowledging the progress made in expanding diagnostic services and improving treatment access, she highlighted persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, limited awareness, and gaps in integrated service delivery systems.
Citing the human cost of the disease, Mrs. Tinubu noted that TB statistics represent real lives and struggles, underscoring the necessity of a people-centered approach.
She, therefore called for solidarity within nations and across the global community, recognizing the Stop TB Partnership as a critical ally in the effort to combat the disease.
Mrs. Tinubu also celebrated the visible impact of collaborative efforts, including events such as World TB Day and the United Nations General Assembly which have galvanized action and raised awareness.
She was however quick to stress that much work remains to be done to ensure no individual is left behind in the fight against TB.
Her words: “It was encouraging to witness the progress that has been made. From expanding diagnostic services to improving treatment access. However, it was evident that there is still much work to be done.
“Challenges remain, particularly in funding, awareness and integrated service delivery. There is need to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in this fight.
“Therefore, at this crucial Board meeting, I urge us to re-commit ourselves to collective action, for TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. And as citizens of the world, of Africa and of Nigeria, we have the power, the responsibility, and the duty to act now.
“As we move forward, let us acknowledge that the data on Tuberculosis are not just numbers; they represent real people, their struggles, and the profound impact of this disease.
“While the statistics are disturbing, it should also propel our hope, commitment and determination to eradicate this global health crisis.
“The Stop TB Partnership has been a critical ally in the effort to end this scourge. Your leadership and commitment inspire global collaboration and action.
“I have seen first-hand the impact of your work during events like World TB Day and the United Nations General Assembly. This partnership reminds us that ending TB requires solidarity, both within nations and across borders.
“As we gather for this important meeting, let us remember that we have the knowledge, the tools, and most importantly, the will to make TB a disease of the past. Therefore, our goals are attainable. Let us move forward with urgency and determination”.
Nigeria has also been praised for achieving an 80% detection and treatment rate for tuberculosis, but health leaders at the 38th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Abuja warned that more resources and commitment are needed to eradicate the disease.
Executive Director of the Global Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, hailed Nigeria’s progress, calling it an example for other nations.
She credited leadership, particularly that of Mrs. Tinubu, for driving health initiatives but warned, “the battle is not over.”
Ditiu called on Nigeria to mobilize more resources to address drug-resistant TB, stigma, and funding gaps.
On his part, Health Minister, Prof Ali Pate echoed the sentiment, saying, “Leadership is not a noun, it’s a verb.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, noting that her ₦1 billion donation a year ago strengthened outreach programs and surveillance systems.
Pate, however, stressed the need for a united front to increase domestic funding and accountability.
