Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, has promised an extra ₦1 billion to help the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) combat tuberculosis and gave ten TB molecular diagnostic machines.
The gift was made as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative and was unveiled in the Nigerian capital of Abuja during the commissioning of new TB diagnostic machines.
Representing herself through Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the wife of the governor of Kwara State, the first lady reiterated her commitment to eradicating tuberculosis in Nigeria.
During the World TB Day community outreach in Sauka village earlier this year, I pledged an extra ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative to help tackle tuberculosis in Nigeria. Once more, I am happy to see that this commitment has been fulfilled,” she remarked.
TB is treatable, but because diagnostic tools are not widely available, it still causes unnecessary deaths, she said.
“TB is curable, but far too many Nigerians are still dying from it, not because there is no technology to detect the disease, but because access to the right diagnostic tools is limited,” she continued.
The Renewed Hope Initiative is working to close this gap, by God’s help, with assistance from other parties, such as the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
She said the newly commissioned equipment would be used around the country for quick TB screening, especially in underprivileged areas.
By ensuring that people who are infected are promptly diagnosed and put on treatment, they will contribute to breaking the harmful chain of transmission, she said.
She stressed that fighting the disease calls for more than just technology, even as she highlighted the multifaceted character of the TB response.
In addition, the First Lady praised the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Health for their continuous dedication.
Not just equipment and drugs are needed to eradicate tuberculosis in Nigeria. Human, financial, technical, and political resources are all necessary, she said. “All parties involved are urged to step up efforts to mobilize domestic resources for tuberculosis.”
“Let’s stay united in this battle. We will work together to create a Nigeria where health is a right and not a privilege, and where tuberculosis does not claim lives,” she said.
The FCT Health and Environmental Services Secretariat’s Mandate Secretary, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, characterized the First Lady as “a champion for health in the whole country.”
She stated that the Renewed Hope Initiative has given assistance to healthcare professionals by donating uniforms and protective gear, and it has empowered both men and women.
At least seven people die from tuberculosis every day, according to statistics, which Fasawe used to criticize Nigeria’s high TB burden. There are at least 100 cases of tuberculosis in Nigeria every day. Because TB is treated, preventable, and curable, this is incorrect.
The donated equipment are solar-powered and quite successful at rapidly identifying tuberculosis, and she emphasized their importance.
They are not required to draw blood from you. It’s so simple. It isn’t dangerous. And it works. Predictive positive is around 95% for these equipment. We also have mobile chest X-rays that don’t require illumination,” she added.
After tuberculosis is diagnosed and treatment begins, the patient’s quality of life begins to improve within a few weeks—in fact, within a few days. And the person’s tuberculosis is completely cured in a matter of weeks. “Yes,” Fasawe continued.
Furthermore, she informed the public about TB vulnerability, emphasizing that people with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women, undernourished people, and people under stress, are more vulnerable.
TB affects individuals with compromised immune systems. And it spreads easily,” she remarked. The cost of treatment is zero percent. Payment is not required for an order.
Dr. Fasawe thanked the First Lady for her dedication in closing. “This determination and Her Excellency’s dedication will enable us to eradicate tuberculosis,” she declared.
