Nigeria Records Over 400,000 Tuberculosis Cases in 2024, Health Ministry Reports

The Federal Ministry of Health has revealed that Nigeria recorded over 400,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against the disease.

Speaking at a pre-World Tuberculosis (TB) Day press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Godwin Ntadom, Director of Public Health, highlighted the nation’s progress in TB treatment coverage, which now stands at an impressive 79 per cent.

World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise global awareness about tuberculosis and its impact. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB — Commit. Invest. Deliver,” underscores the urgent need for sustained commitment and investment in TB eradication efforts.

Ntadom noted that Nigeria achieved its highest-ever TB notification rate in 2024, identifying more than 400,000 cases out of an estimated 506,000 people infected.

“This translates to about 79% treatment coverage, which is commendable,” he stated.

Particularly notable is the country’s progress in diagnosing and treating TB in children. According to Ntadom, TB cases in children have surged from 8,293 in 2018 to approximately 43,000 in 2024, a result of meticulous implementation of World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended strategies by the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) and its partners.

Despite these achievements, Ntadom warned that a significant number of TB cases remain undetected, posing a serious risk of continued community transmission.

“One untreated TB patient can infect up to 15 people in a year,” he cautioned, adding that drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) cases remain a major concern due to suboptimal enrollment in treatment programs over the past five years.

In alignment with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the TB National Strategic Plan (2021–2026), Ntadom emphasized that efforts are being intensified to strengthen screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services nationwide.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving WHO’s global End TB targets, outlining key priorities such as: Expanding TB screening, diagnostics, and treatment services across public and private healthcare facilities. Strengthening community engagement by collaborating with traditional and religious leaders, as well as community-based organizations, to boost awareness and reduce stigma. Integrating TB services into maternal, child, adolescent health, and nutrition programs to ensure a holistic approach to healthcare.