The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has commended Nigeria for its groundbreaking efforts in public health, highlighting its adoption of innovative strategies and advancements in local manufacturing.

Speaking at the National Tuberculosis Conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Jean Kaseya, the director-general of Africa CDC, described Nigeria as a model for Africa.

Mr Kaseya commended the country’s leadership in tackling health challenges and strengthening health systems. He called on Nigerian leaders to prioritise domestic resource mobilisation for TB control while complementing this with external funding to achieve a TB-free Nigeria.

Speaking on progress in TB advocacy and innovation, Bethrand Odume, executive director of the KNCV TB Foundation Nigeria, said the conference was imperative to driving collaboration and evidence-based policies.

Mr Odume stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and sustained political commitment.

Speaking of government leadership and commitment, Iziaq Adekunle-Salako, the minister of state for health, revealed that part of these funds had been used to procure WHO-approved rapid diagnostic tools, which have significantly expanded TB diagnostics and treatment services for underserved populations.

Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, acting board chair of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, said despite advancements in genetic research and healthcare systems, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in addressing its high TB burden.

The stakeholders at the conference included political leaders, NGOs, and private sector representatives. They stressed the need for sustained partnerships, innovative approaches, and strong political will to end TB and HIV in Nigeria.

As Nigeria continues its public health journey, experts are optimistic that ongoing collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities will pave the way for a healthier and more equitable future.

Meanwhile, In 2021, the estimated TB incidence in Nigeria was 467,000; an estimated 125,000 people died from the disease that year.

Nigeria notified 204,725 incident TB cases in 2021, and 76.55 per cent of notified bacteriologically confirmed individuals with TB were tested for rifampicin resistance (RR-TB).

(NAN)