The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday called for increased domestic funding and stronger community engagement to sustain progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.
The Cluster Lead for Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Nigeria, Dr. Maya Ngon, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2026 World TB Day.
Ngon said that while progress had been made, significant gaps remained, particularly in reaching underserved populations most vulnerable to TB infection and poor treatment outcomes.
She said: “Yes, we can end TB: led by the Federal Ministry of Health and powered by communities,”
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she said ending TB was achievable with sustained investment, accountability, and collective action.
“We must stand together with millions affected by TB and remember those who have lost their lives. Ending TB is possible with strong leadership and active community involvement,” she added.
Ngon called for financial risk protection measures and stronger domestic resource mobilisation, noting that Nigeria could not rely solely on external funding as support from the Global Fund might decline in future cycles.
“Nigeria is already preparing proposals for the next funding round while strengthening internal financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable TB programmes,” the WHO official stated.
She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to providing technical guidance, policy development, and global best practices to support Nigeria’s TB response and improved patient outcomes.