— as global community hails Nigeria for achieving 80% detection, treatment rate for disease
First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has recommitted to leading advocacy against tuberculosis, saying she is still pained that she lost one of her trusted staff to the cold hands of death because he won’t disclose that he was suffering from the disease due to fear of stigmatization.
According to the statement signed on Thursday 12th December 2024, by Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She made the recommitment at High Level Event: Political Leadership to End TB. 38th Board Meeting, Stop TB Partnership Global, while addressing over 62 countries present at the event, stressing the urgency of eradicating the disease.
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,” She expressed regret over not being part of the health committee during her 12 years in the Senate so she could do more in the sector.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu reflecting 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,” she lamented.
Stressing the urgency of eradicating TB, which she referred to as “the world’s deadliest infectious disease”, Senator Oluremi Tinubu highlighted persistent challenges, including funding shortages and low awareness, and appealed for collective action to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against TB and HIV.
“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 First Lady thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for fostering respectful collaboration between her office.
The First Lady pointed out that Nigeria is among the countries most affected by TB, with approximately 467,000 cases reported in 2023.
She recalled that during the days HIV/AIDs was prevalent, the public were thoroughly enlightened and called for collective action to address this public health crisis and protect future generations with a warning.
“Our children are most vulnerable because we are not talking about this issue enough,”.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts in combating TB and HIV.“We have a lot to do,”.
Meanwhile, health leaders at the 38th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting in Abuja, has praised Nigeria for achieving an 80% detection and treatment rate for tuberculosis, but warned that more resources and commitment are needed to eradicate the disease.
The Executive Director of the Global Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu, hailed Nigeria’s progress, calling it an example for other nations.
She credited good leadership, particularly that of the First Lady for driving health initiatives.
“The battle is not over.”
She urged Nigeria to mobilize more resources and provide counterpart funding to the $25 million mainly from private sector to address drug-resistant TB, stigma, and funding gaps.
Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate echoed the sentiment. “Leadership is not a noun, it’s a verb.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, noting that Renewed Hope Initiative RHI ₦1 billion donation released within 24 hours after her commitment a year ago strengthened outreach programmes and surveillance systems.
He emphasized the need for a united front to increase domestic funding and accountability while reiterating that Nigeria’s commitment remains unwavering, adding that listening to the progress report of the country was something to be proud of.
National Coordinator, TB People Nigeria, Tope Adebola Adams, a survivor, commended the First Lady for her commitment to fight TB, she called for support in three major areas, nutritional support for TB during and after for at least 18 months. She said with proper nutrition , death can be prevented. She also called for domestic resource mobilization for the control and management of disease.
She also called for capacity building, training and reabsorption of those who lost their jobs due to ill health because of tuberculosis and have since recovered.
She also calling for enacting and enforcing laws against stigma and discrimination against persons affected by Tuberculosis and creating more awareness about the disease through the media and encourage positive behavioural changes in TB affected areas.
Countries such as Malawi, Indonesia, and Tajikistan shared their experiences, underscoring the importance of leadership in combating TB.
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L-R Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr Iziak Salako, Secretary of Health, Philippines,Dr Teodoro Herbosa, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate, First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Executive Secretary Stop TB Partnership Geneva Dr Lucica Ditiu and AG Board Chair, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria Dr Queen Ogbuku- Ladipo during the High Level Event: Political Leadership to End TB, 38th Board Meeting, Stop TB Partnership Global held in Abuja on Thursday 12th December 2024.
First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, young act on Spoken Words ,Al-Amin Sanusi and the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate during the High Level Event: Political Leadership to End TB, 38th Board Meeting, Stop TB Partnership Global held in Abuja on Thursday 12th December 2024
First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu flanked by Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate and delegates from other countries during the High Level Event: Political Leadership to End TB, 38th Board Meeting, Stop TB Partnership Global held in Abuja on Thursday 12th December 2024
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