Amid ongoing efforts to curb tuberculosis in Nigeria, recent reports by the Global Fund highlight new cases being detected across the country through intensified screening and diagnostic efforts.
However, with a significant part of those diagnosed yet to be enrolled in treatment due to funding constraints, concerns are rising about potential gaps in care and the threat of renewed transmission.
The executive secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordination Mechanism in Nigeria, Ibrahim Tajudeen, speaking at a ministerial oversight committee in Abuja, noted that the current funding shortfall is forcing a reprioritisation of activities.
This could delay the timely procurement of medicines and hinder treatment rollout, particularly in a country still ranked among those with the highest TB burdens in the world.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made significant progress in TB control through strategic interventions. A major success story is the expansion of diagnostic services, which has enabled the country to conduct over 25.5 million TB tests nationwide. This has boosted early detection, reduced community transmission, and allowed for faster linkage to treatment.
The deployment of 370 digital X-ray machines across states, especially in rural areas, has enhanced access to screening. Additionally, plans to expand regional reference labs promise quicker and more efficient testing, helping to shrink the pool of undiagnosed cases and enabling targeted treatment before further spread occurs.
Treatment access
Free treatment continues to be a central pillar of Nigeria’s TB response. Through partnerships with the Global Fund, USAID, and other stakeholders, TB care is provided at no cost in public hospitals and primary health facilities. This eliminates a major financial barrier for patients and ensures that those diagnosed can access life-saving medication.
Innovations such as multi-month drug dispensing programmes are improving treatment adherence. By allowing patients to obtain several months’ medicine in one visit, this strategy reduces the burden of travel, particularly for those in remote locations, and encourages consistent medication use.
Grassroot solutions driving impact
Nigeria’s TB response is rooted in community engagement. Door-to-door screenings, market outreaches, and school sensitisation campaigns led by civil society and health workers are playing a great role in identifying cases early and reducing stigma around the disease.
Training programmes for community champions and religious leaders, supported by initiatives such as the Stop TB Partnership, are spreading awareness about TB symptoms, prevention, and the importance of treatment adherence. These trusted voices help combat misinformation and mobilise communities towards halting TB transmission.
Digital tool for treatment support
Technology is also supporting treatment success. Digital Adherence tools, including SMS reminders and electronic drug monitoring, are helping patients stay on track with their treatment regimens. These systems enable health workers to identify and follow up with patients who fall behind, preventing the development of drug-resistant TB strains.
Furthermore, the real-time data generated through digital monitoring helps policymakers and health planners identify areas with high disease burdens and tailor interventions to meet specific needs.
Closing the treatment gap
While the Global Fund has emphasised the need for more funding to enrol all diagnosed patients on treatment, Nigeria’s progress so far indicates the effectiveness of a multi-pronged approach. From cutting-edge diagnostics and free treatment to digital solutions and grassroots mobilisation, the country has built a strong foundation for TB control.
To capitalise on the momentum from expanded testing, stakeholders must now focus on bridging gaps in funds and scaling up proven solutions in order to end TB as a public health threat.
Efforts to combat tuberculosis in Nigeria have uncovered new cases through enhanced screening, yet many diagnosed individuals are not receiving treatment due to funding limitations. The Global Fund highlights a significant funding shortfall that impacts medicine procurement and treatment rollout, risking increased transmission rates in Nigeria, a country with a high TB burden. Despite these challenges, the expansion of diagnostic services and deployment of digital X-ray machines has improved early detection and treatment linkage.
Free treatment remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s TB response, supported by partners like the Global Fund and USAID. Innovations such as multi-month drug dispensing have improved treatment adherence by reducing logistical barriers. Community efforts, including door-to-door screenings and school campaigns led by health workers and civil society, are critical in early case detection and stigma reduction. Training community leaders also helps spread awareness about TB.
Digital tools are aiding treatment adherence through SMS reminders and electronic monitoring, allowing for the prevention of drug-resistant TB strains. These technologies also provide real-time data for targeted interventions. Although more funding is needed to enroll all diagnosed patients, Nigeria’s multi-faceted approach, combining diagnostics, treatment, digital tools, and community engagement, lays a strong foundation for controlling TB. Sustained efforts and resource allocation are necessary to close treatment gaps and eliminate TB as a public health threat.
