The Federal Government of Nigeria said spiritual forces do not cause tuberculosis (TB), and it can be cured.
The government also restated that TB screening and treatment are free in government-owned health facilities.
The Deputy Director of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr Urhioke Ochuko, said this during a road show and awareness walk in Abuja to commemorate the World TB Day theme: “Yes! We can end TB: commit, invest, and deliver.”
World TB Day is commemorated on March 24th annually to raise awareness on tuberculosis and to mobilise efforts, including political commitment to resources and healthcare financing for tuberculosis towards elimination.
Ochuko said the road walk was to encourage Abuja residents to seek medical attention if they experience persistent coughs, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, night sweats, and other tuberculosis symptoms.
He noted that tuberculosis is preventable and curable and stressed the need for early detection and treatment to stop its spread.
“The whole essence of this exercise is to get people around, people within the marketplace, the areas where we’ve moved through, to be able to know that TB is still with us, and for them to get the right message. If anyone is coughing for two weeks or more, has a fever that has lasted for more than two weeks, or is losing weight unintentionally, they should seek care at the nearest hospital closer to them so that they can be tested.
“If they are found to have TB, they will be treated for free. So the whole essence is to say that TB is still with us. It is not caused by superstition; it is not caused by spiritual forces; it is caused by germs that can be cured.”
He noted that while Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against TB, there is a need for more effort to target undiagnosed TB cases, especially those in underserved areas.
He said, “We’ve made good progress in terms of the fight against TB because, in recent years, we’ve been able to improve TB case notification. Last year, we were able to enrol over 400,000 Nigerians on TB treatment out of about 500,000 estimated to have the disease.
“The government has deployed digital X-ray machines to health facilities and communities across the country to enhance prompt screening and diagnosis of TB.
“With the government’s renewed commitment and collective effort, Nigeria is working towards a TB-free future,” he stated.
On her part, the Executive Director of CCSI, Mrs Babafunke Fagbemi, noted that there is an urgent need for sustained advocacy, community engagement, and improved access to healthcare services to combat TB, which remains one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.
Fagbemi said, “Nigeria is among the top 10 high-burden countries for TB worldwide. According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, over 400,000 TB cases were recorded in 2024 alone. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a leading cause of illness and death due to low awareness, delayed diagnosis, and barriers to treatment access.
“Misconceptions and stigma surrounding the disease further discourage individuals from seeking timely care, contributing to its continued spread. In response to these challenges, the CCSI remains committed to advancing TB awareness and behaviour change through strategic advocacy, media engagement, and community-driven initiatives.
“By working closely with government agencies, health organisations, and media partners, CCSI ensures that accurate and impactful TB messages reach individuals and communities across Nigeria.”
She said the organisation employs a multi-pronged approach to drive positive behaviour change, ensuring that individuals and communities are well-informed, empowered, and encouraged to take action.
“Some of CCSI’s key interventions include grassroots awareness campaigns, collaborating with local health workers, community influencers, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to spread awareness about TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
Leveraging radio, television, digital platforms, and interpersonal communication, CCSI ensures that tuberculosis messages reach diverse audiences, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
“Through targeted door-to-door sensitisation and motorised campaigns, CCSI connects vulnerable populations with healthcare services, promoting early detection and treatment adherence. Speaking on the importance of social and behavioural change communication in tackling TB,” she said.
Emphasising the role of social behaviour change and community engagement in shaping public perception and driving action, she added, “Ending TB in Nigeria requires changing the way people perceive TB, tackling stigma, and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment. Through strategic media advocacy and community engagement, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.
“CCSI calls on stakeholders, policymakers, and community leaders to join in amplifying TB awareness and advocate for increased investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.”
