Niger State Treats 8,629 Tuberculosis Cases Amid Funding Woes

In Niger State, 8,629 tuberculosis cases have been treated out of 14,908 identified cases, as disclosed by the World Health Organization. During a press briefing commemorating World Tuberculosis Day 2026 in Minna, Dr. Murtala Bagana, the Commissioner for Health, emphasized the need for adequate funding to combat tuberculosis effectively.

Data from 2025 indicated a total of 127,410 presumptive cases, with 126,228 undergoing testing. The state faces significant challenges, including a lack of funding from international donors, which could hinder the goal of tuberculosis elimination by 2030.

Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bagana, the permanent secretary of the ministry, assured that the state government is committed to enhancing tuberculosis and leprosy control programs. Dr. Hananiya Dauda, a professional officer in the North Central zone, noted that only 8 to 18 percent of expected funding has been accessed, warning that insufficient resources could lead to a serious crisis.

Dr. Ibrahim Idri, the Director of Public Health, pointed out the failure to immunize newborns with the BCG vaccine as a contributing factor to the rising cases.