Nigeria Faces TB Drug Shortage, Urgent Action Needed

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has raised alarms regarding a significant shortage of tuberculosis (TB) drugs and diagnostic supplies in Nigeria, which poses a severe public health emergency. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the national coordinator of NEPWHAN, reported that as of the end of the first quarter of the year, 64.2% of monitored health facilities reported stockouts of essential TB commodities.

This shortage particularly affects individuals living with HIV, who are at a higher risk of developing TB. Ibrahim indicated that 43% of 921 patients interviewed expressed concerns about the lack of essential TB commodities.

NEPWHAN has called on the federal government to declare the TB commodity stock situation a public health priority and to release adequate funds without delay for the procurement and distribution of these critical supplies. The organization also urged the government to fulfill outstanding counterpart fund commitments to TB programs and to strengthen the supply chain system to prevent future stockouts.