Nigeria’s TB Burden: 71,000 Die Annually Despite Free Treatment

Despite free testing and treatment for tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, 71,000 people die annually from the disease, making it one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the country. In 2023, Nigeria recorded the highest number of TB deaths in Africa and the sixth-highest globally.

While progress has been made in TB case notification and treatment coverage, there are still substantial undiagnosed cases fueling community transmission. To bridge the detection gap, the Nigerian government has deployed 400 artificial intelligence mobile units and expanded access to rapid molecular testing.

However, funding gaps pose a significant challenge, with a recent decline in donor support. The government is committed to the End TB Strategy by 2030, emphasizing the need for increased domestic funding, private sector engagement, and community mobilization to eradicate TB in Nigeria.