Lagos State has invested over N3 billion in combating tuberculosis (TB), making it the highest contributor among Nigerian states. Dr. Olusola Sokoya, the state’s Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Manager, disclosed this during the 2025 World TB Day commemoration.
Dr. Sokoya highlighted that the investment, made through counterpart funding and equipment donations, has significantly bolstered TB diagnosis and treatment.
“No other state in Nigeria has allocated such an amount solely for TB. Lagos has spent over three billion naira from 2019 to date,” he stated.
Lagos is the only Nigerian state with at least one WHO-recommended diagnostic tool per health facility. It has also recruited more doctors and nurses to manage TB cases across general hospitals and primary healthcare centers.
Despite these efforts, Lagos still faces challenges in TB case detection. In 2024, the state missed over 31,000 TB cases, diagnosing only 19,032 out of the expected 50,000, covering just 38 percent of cases.
“We aim for at least 75 percent treatment coverage, but we have a long way to go,” Dr. Sokoya noted.
Call for Action
He emphasized increased investment and awareness to curb TB transmission, reduce stigma, and encourage early detection.
“Unlike diabetes or HIV, TB is curable if treated properly. Diagnosis and treatment are free in general hospitals, primary health centers, and select private facilities,” he reassured.
With strengthened public-private partnerships, intensified awareness campaigns, and continued investment, Lagos State aims to eliminate TB by 2035.
