Abakaliki
Health experts have called on the Federal and state governments to increase budgetary allocations for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis and treatment, warning that the country's heavy dependence on donor funding could undermine efforts to control the disease if external support is withdrawn.
The experts made the call during a capacity-building workshop for journalists tagged Combat DR-TB: Training of Journalists held in Abuja, between 28-30th October, 2026, where they expressed concern over inadequate domestic investment in tuberculosis treatment and the sustainability of ongoing interventions across the country.
They stressed that government at all levels must take greater responsibility for financing TB programmes rather than relying predominantly on international development partners and donor organisations.
The facilitators warned that Nigeria could face serious challenges, including shortages of essential anti-TB medicines and possible disruptions in treatment services, should donor agencies reduce or withdraw their financial support.
They particularly urged the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to fulfil his reported commitment of $52.3 million towards tuberculosis treatment in Nigeria, describing domestic funding as critical to sustaining the country's response to the disease.
The experts expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of TB treatment financing in Nigeria, insisting that the scale of the disease requires stronger political commitment, improved resource mobilisation and adequate investment in healthcare infrastructure.
They noted that consistent funding was necessary to guarantee access to diagnostic facilities, essential medicines, trained healthcare personnel and uninterrupted treatment for patients, particularly those battling drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB).
Beyond funding, the workshop placed considerable emphasis on the role of the media in correcting public misconceptions and improving awareness about tuberculosis treatment.
Journalists were urged to intensify public education on the changing treatment protocols for TB, particularly the reduction in the duration of treatment for eligible patients from the former 20 months to approximately six months under newer treatment regimens.
The facilitators explained that increased public awareness of the shorter treatment duration could encourage more people to seek early diagnosis, commence treatment and complete their medication without unnecessary fear or discouragement.
They also emphasised the need for responsible health reporting that addresses stigma, misinformation and discrimination against people living with tuberculosis.
A major highlight of the workshop was the participation of two TB survivors who shared their personal experiences of diagnosis, treatment and eventual recovery.
Their testimonies provided a human perspective to discussions at the workshop, reinforcing the message that tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms, is treatable and that patients can recover when they receive appropriate medical attention and complete prescribed treatment.
The survivors' accounts also underscored the importance of early diagnosis, adherence to medication, emotional support and access to quality healthcare services in achieving successful treatment outcomes.
The experts who facilitated sessions at the workshop included Dr. Laide Akanni of TB Network, Dr. Eunice Jiya-Chitumu of Sahel TB Treatment Centre and Dr. Ekosanmi Adebayo of the National TB Centre.
They called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, the media and development partners to strengthen Nigeria's tuberculosis response.
The workshop charge journalists to use their platforms to promote evidence-based reporting, challenge harmful myths and hold relevant authorities accountable for commitments towards tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The experts maintained that while donor support remains important, Nigeria must develop a sustainable domestic financing framework capable of protecting TB patients from disruptions in essential healthcare services.
For Nigeria, the message from the workshop was clear: the fight against tuberculosis cannot be sustained on donor goodwill alone; government must demonstrate the political will to fund the response and ensure that no patient is denied treatment because of inadequate resources.
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