Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reported about 16,000 tuberculosis cases annually, achieving a remarkable 94 per cent treatment success rate, underscoring both the scale of the challenge and the progress in combating the disease.
Dr Dan Gasama, Director of Public Health at the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), disclosed this at a community outreach to commemorate the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day on Saturday in Abuja.
The outreach was organised by FCT-HSES, which coordinated planning and logistics; Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, which facilitated community engagement; and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), which provided technical support, with other partners contributing additional resources.
During the outreach, Gasama highlighted that TB mortality had reduced by about 64 per cent over the years, though the disease remains a significant public health concern both globally and nationally.
Globally, around 10.7 million people develop TB each year, resulting in about 1.23 million deaths, including 150,000 among people living with HIV.
Nigeria’s TB prevalence is 219 per 100,000, placing it among high-burden countries; the FCT contributes about 16,000 cases annually.
In 2025, Nigeria identified over 467,000 TB cases—the highest to date—due to enhanced surveillance and outreach.
According to him, early detection and proper treatment have contributed to the territory’s 94 per cent treatment success rate.
In 2025, FCT’s TB programme screened over 40,171 people, confirming 3,679 cases and notifying them.
He went on to explain that this year’s commemoration focused on bringing TB awareness, screening, and treatment services directly to high-burden communities.
NAN reports that hundreds of residents of the Mabushi community benefited from free screening for TB, malaria and other ailments, while medications were distributed and severe cases referred to hospitals.
In a goodwill message, Dr Jenny Momoh, representing the World Health Organisation (WHO) FCT State Coordinator, Dr Jibrin Alkasim, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending TB.
She highlighted progress in diagnostics, treatment and community-centred care, while stressing the need for sustained investment and collaboration.
“Ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Teresa Jatau, Programme Manager of TB Network, underscored the role of communities in combating the disease.
She urged residents to embrace early testing, adhere to treatment, and encourage others to do the same, emphasising that TB is curable when detected early. She called on all community members to participate actively in awareness efforts and support those undergoing treatment, helping to end TB together.
It can be recalled that the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day is themed: “Yes, we can. We can end TB.” To mark the occasion, citizens are encouraged to learn more about TB, get screened, and share information within their communities, reinforcing the collective effort to eliminate the disease.