World Tuberculosis Day: Why Nigerians still die from a curable disease

Nigeria’s progress in tackling Tuberculosis (TB) is under increasing pressure as funding shortfalls, stigma and widespread malnutrition threaten to reverse recent gains in disease control.

Experts raised the concern as the world marked World Tuberculosis Day, warning that structural challenges continue to weaken the country’s response despite improvements in treatment outcomes.

Data from the World Health Organization shows Nigeria reduced TB-related deaths by about 63 percent between 2015 and 2024. However, infection rates have not declined significantly, indicating ongoing transmission within communities. 

Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest TB burden globally, recording an estimated 510,000 new cases in 2024. The country ranks first in Africa and sixth worldwide, accounting for about 4.6 percent of global TB cases. 

The situation is further worsened by a major funding gap. Only about 27 percent of the estimated $405 million required for TB control programmes in 2024 was funded, leaving a shortfall of roughly 73 percent. 

Health experts warn that without urgent domestic funding, Nigeria risks a shortage of TB drugs as early as mid-2026, which could disrupt treatment and increase transmission rates.

Beyond funding, stigma and low awareness continue to discourage early diagnosis and treatment, while malnutrition weakens immunity, making individuals more vulnerable to infection.

Nigeria also faces a “triple burden” of TB, drug-resistant TB and HIV-associated TB, complicating treatment efforts and placing additional pressure on the health system.

Despite TB being both preventable and curable, it remains one of the leading infectious killers globally, with millions of undiagnosed or untreated cases contributing to its spread.

Analysts say sustained investment, improved awareness and stronger health systems will be critical to preventing a reversal of gains made in recent years.