Abuja, Nigeria – March 24, 2025 – The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global fight against Tuberculosis (TB), urging collective action to eliminate the disease.
In her statement marking World Tuberculosis Day 2025, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the First Lady emphasized that TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases but is both preventable and curable.
"Winning the fight against TB is possible when we unite our efforts, invest in proven solutions, and ensure the delivery of life-saving interventions to those who need them," she stated.
A Personal and National Commitment to Eradicate TB
As Nigeria’s National and Global Stop TB Champion, Senator Tinubu expressed her personal commitment to the cause, recalling the painful loss of a close friend to the disease.
"The fight against TB is not just a policy issue; it is personal. Losing a loved one to a disease that can be prevented and cured is a painful reminder that we must act with urgency," she said.
She urged every Nigerian to take TB symptoms seriously, especially:
- A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fever
She encouraged those experiencing these symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for free TB testing and treatment, reiterating that early detection and treatment save lives.
A Call for Action: Commit, Invest, Deliver
The First Lady called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and the private sector, to commit resources towards eradicating TB in Nigeria.
"Together, Yes! We Can End TB. Let us commit, invest, and deliver on this promise for a healthier and TB-free Nigeria," she concluded.
A National Effort to End TB
Nigeria remains one of the 30 high-burden countries for TB, making the fight against the disease a top public health priority. Through increased awareness, improved access to healthcare, and sustained investment in TB programs, the country is working towards a TB-free future.
World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the devastating impact of TB and to mobilize action towards its eradication.
