As part of activities to observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has participated in events aimed at raising awareness and combating the TB epidemic in Nigeria.
Along with the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP) and other stakeholders, IHVN took part in a road walk in Abuja, a community outreach program and a ministerial press briefing in Abuja.
At the Ministerial Press Briefing, IHVN Senior Information Education and Communications Manager, Ms. Uzoma Nwofor said that “For over 20 years, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has remained a formidable partner in Nigeria’s fight against TB and HIV. Since 2019, IHVN has played a pivotal role in expanding TB case detection through private healthcare provider engagement, rapid diagnostics, and community-based interventions.”
She emphasized the need for collaboration and added that “Through the Global Fund-supported grant (2021–2023), IHVN optimized over 400 GeneXpert diagnostic sites and facilitated the deployment of other rapid molecular diagnostic platforms nationwide. Under the current Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (2024–2026), we are supporting the deployment of over 190 portable digital X-ray systems enabled with artificial intelligence for TB screening in high-burden areas. Between 2021 – 2024 alone, IHVN-supported facilities tested over 3.5 million individuals, leading to the detection and notification of more than 350,000 TB cases, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s national case notification targets.”
IHVN also joined in an awareness campaign to Sauka Community along Airport Road in Lugbe where Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, pledged an additional ₦1 billion to combat TB in Nigeria, reaffirming her commitment to ending the disease by 2030.
“The statistics from the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global TB Report are alarming. In Nigeria, one person dies of TB every seven minutes. I will continue to advocate for increased funding and policy reforms to strengthen TB control efforts, as well as mobilize resources and partnerships to support TB awareness and treatment programs,” she stated.
Since 2019, IHVN has played a pivotal role in expanding TB case detection through private healthcare provider engagement, rapid diagnostics, and community-based interventions. Under the Global Fund-supported 2024–2026 Grant, IHVN continues to expand its community-based TB case-finding efforts, deploying active case-finding teams in rural and underserved areas. These teams, composed of community health workers, mentor mothers, and sample movers, facilitate screening, sample collection, and transportation to diagnostic centers, ensuring that no patient is left behind.
