Nigeria accounts for 20% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Africa, making it one of the most affected countries on the continent, according to the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
The revelation was made during a symposium organised by the Zankli Research Centre and The Light Consortium to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2025.
Dr Hananiya Dauda Samuel, a public health expert, presented NTBLCP’s findings, stressing that TB remains one of the top ten global causes of death.
Nigeria ranks among the top 30 countries with a high TB burden, with factors like poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare access contributing to the spread of the disease.
Dr Chukwuebuka Ugwu of the Light Consortium emphasised the need for an integrated approach to healthcare. He argued that a comprehensive healthcare model, where all health needs are addressed in one visit, could save patients and the healthcare system money and resources.
Ugwu also advocated for community-driven TB screenings, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
Toyosi Adekeye, Research Uptake Manager at the Light Consortium, also emphasised the urgent need for improved TB awareness, particularly among vulnerable populations.
He stated that many Nigerians still misdiagnose TB as a common cold, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise TB education and collaborative efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and awareness nationwide.
Experts at the symposium also called for stronger public health policies to combat TB, noting that Nigeria’s health infrastructure must be scaled up to ensure more effective detection and treatment, especially in underserved areas.
As part of efforts to reduce TB-related deaths, they stressed the importance of reducing stigma and increasing access to free treatment centres for those affected.
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