In a bid to intensify the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has been appointed as the Global and National Stop TB Champion. This appointment, made at the State House in Abuja, underscores the importance of renewed commitment, particularly at the state level, in battling this treatable disease.
Senator Tinubu applauded the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its efforts in raising awareness about TB, which have led to significant improvements in case identification and treatment. She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of stakeholders at national, regional, and global levels, following the adoption of the Political Declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting in New York in September 2023.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fighting TB, Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of achieving the goals outlined in the Political Declaration, alongside other national objectives aimed at ensuring a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.
As part of her advocacy, Senator Tinubu appointed the Wives of State Governors as TB Champions for their respective states, urging them to intensify awareness efforts to eradicate the disease. She emphasized the need for collective action, compassion, and understanding to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with TB.
Demonstrating her commitment, Senator Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, donated one billion naira to support the cause. She dedicated her investiture to Daniel, a staff member who lost his life to TB, and others who suffered silently from the disease.
Professor Mohammed Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that the progress achieved in combating TB is a collective effort of all Nigerians, emphasizing the need to sustain momentum. He applauded the significant political will demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in this regard.
Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Global Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, urged Nigeria to mobilize domestic resources to address the TB scourge, noting Nigeria’s key role in influencing global TB outcomes. She commended the leadership of the First Lady in health-related matters and praised the Health Ministry’s leadership for its commitment to tackling TB.
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