First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has advocated for a renewed commitment, especially at the state level to the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria.
To further drive home her commitment to the fight against tuberculosis, Oluremi, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), made a donation of N1 billion to the course.
The First Lady made the call and donation at her investiture as the Global and National Stop TB Champion at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
She applauded the role of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in raising awareness which, she said, has led to a significant improvement in case finding and treatment coverage of the disease.
Oluremi said: “Let me acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels towards addressing the TB epidemic, following the adoption of the political declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting held in New York in September 2023.
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“Building on this commitment, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fully committed to the fight against tuberculosis and achieving the goals set forth in the political declaration, alongside other national goals towards ensuring a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The First Lady also charged the wives of state governors whom she also decorated as TB Champions for their respective states to raise awareness further to ensure that tuberculosis which is treatable is brought to the barest minimum.
She added: “This designation is not just a title, but carries with it, the power to make a difference.
“I kindly appeal that you all use your exalted positions to amplify awareness about tuberculosis, to end the stigma associated with it, and to help patients in your respective states access the available treatments and support.”
Donating N1 billion for the control of tuberculosis in Nigeria, Oluremi said: “I dedicate this investiture to Daniel, one of my staff, who unfortunately lost his life to the disease and to others who we have lost just like him by remaining silent.
“Starting from now, let us work together by showing compassion and understanding to end stigma and discrimination.”
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, noted that the success recorded so far in the fight against the disease is a collective effort of not only the health care sector but all Nigerians.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of Global Stop TB Partnership, Geneva, Dr Lucica Ditiu, appealed to Nigeria to mobilise domestic resources to address the scourge.
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