At least 50,000 Nigerians have tested positive for tuberculosis through intensified screening campaigns across the country, according to the Global Fund, an international non-governmental organization.
However, a significant number of those diagnosed are yet to commence treatment, raising alarm about Nigeria’s ability to curb further spread of the disease.
The revelation was made by the Executive Secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism in Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Tajudeen, during the 11th quarterly meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, held on Monday in Abuja.
Tajudeen explained that the case discovery was a result of expanded TB case-finding operations facilitated by the Nigerian government in collaboration with donor organizations.
“We have successfully screened more than 50,000 people who are TB-positive, but we are unable to begin treatment for many due to limited resources,” he said.
Despite the scale of detection, Tajudeen cautioned that a funding deficit within the current grant cycle poses a serious challenge to sustaining the momentum.
“The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) is expected to confirm its alignment with the revised funding allocation by July 14, a deadline that may determine whether those affected could access life-saving treatment in time,” he added.
He described tuberculosis, a disease that is both preventable and curable, as one of Nigeria’s most pressing infectious threats. While efforts are ongoing to curb its spread, a lack of resources could derail recent gains.
Alongside the TB update, Tajudeen outlined several other ongoing health interventions made possible through donor support.
“More than 25.5 million tuberculosis tests have been conducted using modern diagnostic platforms.
“A total of 370 digital X-ray machines have been procured, with some already delivered to various states.
“The upgrade of six regional reference laboratories is currently underway,” he said.
Efforts in malaria prevention were also highlighted. According to him, 16.6 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets have been distributed nationwide, supported by a $95.5 million donor commitment.
Despite this backing, he noted that financial constraints have forced stakeholders to shelve several key initiatives, including the purchase of essential drugs, healthcare worker training, and infrastructure upgrades.
He appealed to the Ministerial Oversight Committee and other partners to act swiftly to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
“Screening alone is not enough; without treatment, we risk fuelling the very epidemic we seek to control,” Tajudeen warned.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the highest TB burden globally. Health experts and advocates are urging a more collaborative approach and sustained funding to bridge the gap in care delivery.
They caution that leaving those already diagnosed without treatment not only increases transmission risks but also undermines broader national health objectives.
The Global Fund remains a key player in Nigeria’s fight against HIV, TB, and malaria. Its contributions include the provision of essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, mosquito nets, and support for health infrastructure.
Recent interventions by the organization include deploying digital diagnostic tools, modernizing laboratories, expanding access to medical oxygen, and equipping facilities with solar power systems.
Through close cooperation with government agencies and development partners, the Global Fund continues to play a critical role in enhancing Nigeria’s health sector outcomes.