The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a significant appeal to Nigeria for increased domestic funding and enhanced community involvement in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). During a press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the 2026 World TB Day, Dr. Mya Ngon, the Cluster Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, stressed the urgent need to address the existing gaps that particularly affect underserved populations vulnerable to TB infection. This outreach is crucial as Nigeria seeks to improve health outcomes for its residents and ensure that all populations have access to the necessary TB treatments.

Dr. Ngon also highlighted the 2025 theme, “Yes, we can end TB: led by the Federal Ministry of Health and powered by communities,” emphasizing that to achieve the goal of eradicating TB, consistent and collective efforts are required. This includes commitment from the federal government, local health authorities, and community organizations to work together to create effective strategies and interventions. The WHO believes that with sustained investment and accountability, achieving the goal of eliminating TB in Nigeria is within reach.

In her statements, Ngon underlined that TB should not only be viewed as a health issue but also as a socio-economic challenge that affects communities across Nigeria. By fostering a multi-faceted approach that integrates health initiatives with socio-economic supports, Nigeria can strengthen its capacity to combat TB, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and economic stability for vulnerable populations. The emphasis on community involvement plays a critical role in not only preventing new infections but also supporting those already affected by the disease, thus transforming the narrative around TB into one of hope and resilience for the future.