AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has joined global partners in calling for stronger political commitments, increased funding, and better access to Tuberculosis (TB) services.
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about the disease. As part of this year’s events, AHF Nigeria will host activities on Monday, March 24, across its seven state programs: Abuja, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, and Nasarawa. The goal is to highlight the impact of TB, which remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, the leading cause of death for people living with HIV, and a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance.
In a statement sent to LEADERSHIP, AHF revealed that TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While global TB incidence has declined, progress is too slow to meet international targets. An estimated 11 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, with over 80% of cases and deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
“At least $22 billion is needed annually for TB prevention and treatment. However, global funding remains significantly short of this goal. Multidrug-resistant TB is also a growing crisis, with only two in five people receiving treatment in 2023,” the statement noted.
AHF urges governments to prioritize TB prevention and treatment, strengthen healthcare systems, and close the funding gap hindering progress.
AHF Nigeria is collaborating with TB focal persons in Abuja, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, and Nasarawa states. The organization is using live radio programs to educate the public on TB. This initiative follows months of TB and HIV awareness campaigns through radio jingles across AHF’s states of operation.
AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie, emphasized the organization’s role in active TB case detection. “We mobilize and train community volunteers, known as the ‘Community Advocacy Club,’ to screen for TB symptoms and refer individuals to DOT centers for proper diagnosis and treatment. AHF also focuses on HIV/TB co-infection care in its clinics and integrates TB prevention, screening, and treatment into its global healthcare programs.”
In addition to direct care, AHF advocates for policy changes to improve access to affordable TB drugs and diagnostics. The organization engages communities and governments to ensure stronger TB control efforts and better health outcomes.
