The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated 10 tuberculosis (TB) molecular diagnostic machines and pledged an additional ₦1 billion to support the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in the ongoing battle against TB.
The donation, made under her Renewed Hope Initiative, was announced during the commissioning of new TB diagnostic machines in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Represented by the wife of the Kwara State Governor, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to eliminating TB across the country.
“Earlier this year, during the World TB Day community outreach in Sauka village, I made a commitment of an additional ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative to further support the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria. I am pleased to see again that this pledge has been translated into reality,” she said.
She described tuberculosis as a curable disease that unfortunately still causes avoidable deaths due to limited diagnostic access.
“Tuberculosis is curable, but far too many Nigerians are still dying from TB, not because there is no technology to detect the disease, but because access to the appropriate diagnostic tools are limited.
“By the grace of God, this is the gap that the Renewed Hope Initiative, with support of other stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is trying to bridge,” she added.
According to her, the newly commissioned machines will be deployed nationwide for rapid detection of TB, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.
“They will help break the dangerous chain of transmission by ensuring that those infected are quickly diagnosed and placed on treatment,” she stated.
The First Lady stressed that while technology is vital, a holistic approach is needed to tackle tuberculosis effectively.
She praised the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program for their tireless commitment.
“To end TB in Nigeria requires not only machines and medication. It demands resources including human, financial, technical and political,” she noted. “I urge all stakeholders to intensify efforts in mobilizing domestic resources for tuberculosis.
“Let us continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight. Together we will build a Nigeria where no life is lost to tuberculosis, where health is not a privilege but a right,” she declared.
Also speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, hailed Senator Tinubu as “a champion for health in the whole country.”
She highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative’s broader impact, noting its empowerment of both men and women and support for healthcare workers through donations of uniforms and protective equipment.
Fasawe expressed concern over Nigeria’s high TB burden.
“Statistics has it that every day at least seven people are dying from tuberculosis. Every day, at least more than 100 people are catching tuberculosis in Nigeria. This is not right because tuberculosis is preventable, is treatable, and we can end tuberculosis,” she said.
She underscored the effectiveness of the solar-powered machines, which provide quick, safe, and accurate TB detection without requiring blood samples.
“They don’t have to take your blood. It’s very easy. It’s safe. It’s effective. These machines have over 95% predictive positivity. And we have chest X-rays, mobile, that don’t need light,” she explained.
“Once we catch tuberculosis and we start treating, within a couple of weeks, in fact, within a couple of days, the patient’s quality of life starts to improve. And within a couple of weeks, the person is totally cured of tuberculosis. Yes, we can,” she added.
Fasawe also emphasized TB vulnerability, noting that immunosuppressed individuals, including pregnant women, undernourished persons, and those experiencing chronic stress, are at higher risk.
“Tuberculosis affects people that are immunosuppressed. And it is contagious,” she said. “Treatment is absolutely free. You don’t have to pay an order.”
She concluded by applauding the First Lady’s drive and unwavering commitment.
“With this drive and Her Excellency’s commitment, we can end tuberculosis,” Fasawe stated.
