As Nigeria joins the world to mark World Tuberculosis Day, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says it continues to record about 16,000 TB cases annually, with improving treatment outcomes.
The Director of Public Health at the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dan Gasama, disclosed this during a community outreach programme in Abuja themed “Yes, we can. We can end TB”.
The event was organised by the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and other partners.
Gasama said tuberculosis remains a major public health concern globally and in Nigeria, even though mortality has reduced significantly over the years.
He noted that Nigeria remains among high-burden TB countries, with improved surveillance and community outreach contributing to increased case detection across the country.
According to him, early detection and proper treatment have helped push the FCT’s treatment success rate to 94 per cent.
He added that thousands of presumptive TB cases were identified in 2025, with confirmed cases placed on treatment through strengthened community screening efforts.
As part of the commemoration, residents of Mabushi community benefited from free screening for TB, malaria and other ailments, with medications distributed and severe cases referred to health facilities.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) FCT State Coordinator, represented by Dr Jibrin Alkasim, reaffirmed support for global efforts to end TB, stressing the need for sustained investment, innovation and collaboration.
He said eliminating tuberculosis would require a strong multisectoral response that ensures no one is left behind.
Also speaking, Programme Manager of the TB Network, Teresa Jatau, urged residents to embrace early testing and complete treatment, noting that TB is curable when detected early.
She emphasised the importance of community participation in raising awareness and supporting efforts to eliminate the disease.
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