Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, pledged stronger homegrown efforts to wipe out tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 during a major international gathering in Manila, Philippines.
Speaking Wednesday as honored guest at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting, she stressed self-reliance over donor aid.
Over 180 delegates from 47 nations heard her outline Nigeria’s plan under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “We must build tough health systems that stand on their own,” she said.
TB: A Silent Airborne Killer
As Global and National Stop TB Champion, Mrs. Tinubu called TB the top infectious disease threat. It spreads through air and claims 1.3 million lives yearly worldwide.
In Nigeria one of eight countries with two-thirds of global cases about 479,000 people got TB in 2023, with over 150,000 deaths. “These are real families parents and children pushing us to act fast and with heart,” she urged.
Progress Without Donors
Despite some partners pulling back, Nigeria kept TB diagnosis and treatment steady in 2025.
“Our leaders, communities, and planners made it happen,” she praised. Success came from local ownership, not outside cash.
She hailed the Health Ministry, its teams, and partners for smart use of funds. Money now reaches testing, care, and clinic integration without waste.
Community First, Global Unity
“Health starts at home,” Mrs. Tinubu said. Board meetings like this remind everyone: TB fight isn’t over. She called for united action across borders.
Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, board chair, agreed: TB blocks national growth. “We’ve made gains, but we can’t let up,” he warned.
Stop TB Executive Director Dr. Lucica Ditiu shared wins: In five countries, new grant tools screened 8,000, diagnosed 5,000, and started 3,000 on prevention in just two months. She pushed for shared data with governments to hit 2030 goals.
Nigeria’s Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate joined the talks. Last year’s 38th meeting was in Abuja.
Path to 2030: Nigeria Leads by Example
Mrs. Tinubu’s message: Fund from within, act together, end TB. With community power and clear plans, Nigeria aims to cut cases, save lives, and inspire Africa.
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