The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has underscored the critical role of innovative technology in combating Tuberculosis (TB).
The minister stated this during the inauguration of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a global and national Stop TB champion.
TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and worldwide, with Nigeria bearing the highest burden of TB in Africa and the sixth highest globally.
According to the 2023 World Health Organization Global TB Report, an estimated 479,000 individuals contracted TB in Nigeria in 2022, translating to one person developing TB every minute in the country.
Prof. Pate highlighted the expansion of GeneXpert equipment, a rapid molecular test for TB, to 512 health facilities by the end of 2023, with further plans for expansion.
His words: ”The integration of GeneXpert technology into TB screening programs has significantly bolstered diagnostic capabilities in Nigeria.
”Furthermore, the deployment of mobile digital X-ray platforms nationwide, with an additional 350 digital X-ray machines slated for deployment by June 2024, aims to enhance TB screening, particularly among key and vulnerable populations.
”Despite these advancements, challenges such as undernutrition, HIV, and limited healthcare access persist, contributing to Nigeria’s high TB burden.”
Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector and communities to bridge TB detection and treatment gaps.
Prof. Pate acknowledged the accomplishments in tuberculosis control by revealing that in 2023, there were more than 360,000 cases reported, setting a new record.
He did, however, emphasize the importance of closing major gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of all instances of tuberculosis, especially in disadvantaged populations.
”In addition to expanding diagnostic and treatment services, Nigeria’s strategy for combating TB includes nationwide screening campaigns and intensified stakeholder engagement,” he noted.
Prof. Pate highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants of TB, such as poverty and inequality, to achieve sustainable progress.
With a vision of a TB-free Nigeria, Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of leveraging innovative technology, including GeneXpert, to achieve this goal.
”GeneXpert, a molecular diagnostic platform, enables rapid and sensitive detection of TB, allowing for prompt initiation of appropriate treatment and better control of TB transmission,” he stated.
Prof. Pate also called for increased public awareness and urged the media to support TB sensitization campaigns as Nigeria continues its efforts to eradicate TB and improve the health outcomes of its population.
In a related development, Prof. Pate has pledged that the federal government will finalize the construction of six state-of-the-art cancer treatment centres across Nigeria within the next two years.
He said the government’s determination to ensure timely completion of the facilities, with equipment procurement and staff training underway.
He added that with a budget allocation of N37.4 billion to the Federal Ministry of Health, the government aims to bolster access to oncology care across various regions.