Nigeria’s First Lady Boosts Healthcare with N1bn, 10 TB Machines to FCTA

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, has donated 10 tuberculosis (TB) molecular testing devices and offered an additional ₦1 billion to boost the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s fight against tuberculosis.

The donation, made through her Renewed Hope Initiative, was announced during the commissioning of new TB diagnostic machines in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The First Lady, represented by the wife of Kwara State Governor, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, reaffirmed her commitment to eradicate tuberculosis in Nigeria.

During the World TB Day community outreach in Sauka village, I pledged an additional ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative to boost the fight against tuberculosis in Nigeria. “I am pleased to see that this pledge has once again been fulfilled,” she remarked.

She described tuberculosis as treatable, yet it continues to cause unnecessary deaths due to inadequate access to diagnostic equipment.

She went on to say, “Tuberculosis is treatable, but far too many Nigerians continue to die from it, not because there is no technology to diagnose the disease, but because access to suitable diagnostic equipment is limited.

“By the grace of God, this is the gap that the Renewed Hope Initiative, with support of other stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is trying to bridge.”

The newly commissioned machines, she said, would be distributed nationwide for quick tuberculosis screening, particularly in impoverished areas.

“They will help break the dangerous chain of transmission by ensuring that those infected are quickly diagnosed and placed on treatment,” according to her.

While emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the tuberculosis response, she stressed that combating the disease needed more than just technology.

Speaking further, the First Lady praised the Federal Ministry of Health, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program for their continuous efforts.

“Ending tuberculosis in Nigeria takes more than just machines and medications. She stated that it requires personal, financial, technical, and political resources. “I urge all parties to increase efforts to mobilize domestic resources for tuberculosis.

“Let us continue to battle together. “We will work together to create a Nigeria where no one dies from tuberculosis and where health is a right rather than a privilege,” she stated.

Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, praised the First Lady as “a champion for health in the whole country.”

She stated that the Renewed Hope Initiative has empowered both men and women and provided assistance to healthcare personnel through the distribution of uniforms and protective gear.

Fasawe condemned Nigeria’s high tuberculosis load, adding, “According to statistics, at least seven people die each day from tuberculosis. Every day, more than 100 people in Nigeria contract tuberculosis. This is not right because tuberculosis can be prevented, treated, and eradicated.”

She emphasized the importance of the donated equipment, which are solar-powered and extremely successful in detecting tuberculosis promptly.

“They do not have to get your blood. It’s quite simple. It is safe. It is effective. These machines have a prediction positive rate of over 95%. “We also have mobile chest X-rays that do not require light,” she noted.

“Once tuberculosis is diagnosed and treated, the patient’s quality of life begins to improve within a few weeks, if not days. And within a few weeks, the patient is completely healed of tuberculosis. “Yes, we can,” Fasawe said.

She also taught the public on tuberculosis vulnerability, emphasizing that immunocompromised people, such as pregnant women, undernourished people, and those who are stressed, are more susceptible.

“Tuberculosis affects those who are immunocompromised. “And it is contagious,” she explained. “Treatment is completely free.” You do not have to pay an order.”

Dr. Fasawe concluded by applauding the First Lady’s devotion. “With this drive and Her Excellency’s commitment, we can end tuberculosis,” she told the audience.