The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate has urged state governments to prioritise tuberculosis within their health budgets and collaborate with the Federal Government to achieve a shared goals in response to the disease.
Pate while making the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at the ongoing National TB Conference, also disclosed that the federal government has adopted global best practices to accelerate progress on tuberculosis response.
The conference which was organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of and other partners, themed ‘Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria’.
Pate said while Nigeria has made significant strides, the government must do more as one of the key strategies was the launch of the Private Sector TB Initiative in July 2024, in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria.
“This initiative, led by Dr. Bawa and supported by other partners, has mobilized resources to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
“Through this initiative, the Nigerian private sector has committed up to $25 million over time to support TB-related activities,” he said.
He also noted that private sector engagement is critical, as these organisations employ large numbers of workers in industries such as banking, oil and gas, cement production, and telecommunications.
The Minister said by integrating TB control into workplace health programs and expanding health insurance coverage, the private sector is playing a pivotal role in the fight against TB.
Pate expressed deepest appreciation to development partners, including the United States Government, USAID, the Global Fund, and others, for their continued support.
“Together, we are implementing innovative approaches, such as shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB, which require sustained partnerships and investments.
“To ensure success, we are fostering an enabling environment through increased domestic funding and accountability mechanisms at all levels.
“State governments, in line with the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) and the Compact signed a year ago, are critical to complementing federal efforts.
“This conference is a unique moment of learning and collaboration. It brings together youth scientists and researchers who are sharing groundbreaking studies on TB.
“Their work highlights the vast knowledge and innovation within Nigeria, which can benefit the continent and the global community.
“Additionally, we are engaging in meaningful dialogues on TB financing and exploring lessons from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Africa.
“This exchange of ideas will strengthen our collective resolve and strategies for TB elimination,” he said.
Also speaking the World Health Organization’s Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, stressed that with just six years left to achieve the 2030 target to end the TB epidemic, urgent and bold actions are needed.
He said, “We must prioritise inclusive strategies that address the needs of all population groups and ensure adequate funding. Strengthening primary healthcare and community-based TB care will be crucial in identifying and treating every TB case.”
He added that investments in innovative technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics, genomic sequencing, and shorter, more effective treatment regimens, are essential in accelerating progress.
“Addressing the social determinants of TB through interventions in nutrition, housing, and poverty alleviation is equally critical for building a comprehensive and sustainable response,” he said.
He maintained that the adoption of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) by the Government of Nigeria is another commendable step toward achieving the shared goal of ending the TB epidemic.
“This integrated strategy ensures that resources are efficiently utilized, stakeholders are aligned, and accountability is strengthened. By prioritizing coordination and inclusivity, the SWAp approach lays a solid foundation for sustainable and impactful health interventions,” he said.
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