The Global Fund has revealed that intensified screening efforts across Nigeria have identified over 50,000 tuberculosis (TB) positive cases, raising fresh concerns about the nation’s ability to curb the spread of the disease.
However, despite the breakthrough in screening, many of those diagnosed are yet to commence treatment due to funding constraints. This poses a severe public health threat, experts warn.
Speaking in Abuja at the 11th quarterly meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), Mr. Ibrahim Tajudeen, Executive Secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria, highlighted the urgent need for intervention.
“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,” Tajudeen lamented.
He explained that funding reprioritisation under the new Global Fund grant has delayed crucial activities, with the CCM expected to confirm alignment with revised allocations by July 14, a deadline critical for accessing life-saving treatments.
Despite TB being preventable and curable, it remains one of Nigeria’s leading infectious diseases. Tajudeen disclosed significant ongoing health investments, including:
– Conducting over 25.5 million TB tests with modern diagnostics
– Procuring 370 digital X-ray machines for nationwide deployment
– Upgrading six regional reference laboratories
Additionally, to bolster malaria prevention, 16.6 million insecticide-treated nets have been distributed nationwide, supported by a $95.5 million donor commitment for various health interventions.
However, budget shortfalls have forced the suspension of key programmes such as drug procurement, training, and capital projects, threatening previous progress.
Tajudeen urged the government and development partners to act swiftly:
“Screening alone is not enough. Without treatment, we risk fuelling the very epidemic we seek to control.”
Nigeria continues to rank among countries with the highest TB burden globally. Health advocates emphasise that failure to treat diagnosed patients increases transmission risks, undermining national health goals and public safety.
Credit: Nairametrics
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