Nigeria has reported over 400,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, the highest-ever figure. The Ministry of Health’s director highlighted significant progress in treatment coverage but warned of undiagnosed TB cases. The government is intensifying efforts to meet global TB targets, focusing on expanded services and community engagement.
Nigeria has recorded a record 400,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in 2024, marking the highest-ever TB notifications in the country. Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, announced during a pre-World Tuberculosis Day press briefing in Abuja.
The World Health Organization (WHO) theme for this year’s World TB Day (March 24) is “Yes! We can end TB — Commit. Invest. Deliver.” Ntadom praised the country’s efforts, noting that the treatment coverage has reached 79%, with a significant increase in TB notifications among children, from 8,293 cases in 2018 to 43,000 in 2024.
Despite the successes, Ntadom highlighted concerns over the number of undiagnosed TB cases still in circulation, with untreated patients potentially infecting up to 15 individuals annually. He emphasized the need for more robust efforts in TB screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Nigeria's commitment to ending TB aligns with the global target set by WHO. The federal government aims to expand TB services in both public and private health facilities while engaging communities and local leaders to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Integrating TB services into maternal and child health initiatives is also a key priority in the fight against tuberculosis.
