- FCT records a 94% tuberculosis treatment success rate, indicating strong healthcare intervention outcomes
- The tuberculosis mortality rate in the territory has dropped by approximately 64% over the years
- Nigeria reported over 467,000 TB cases in 2025, the highest ever, largely due to improved detection systems.
- Health officials stressed that early detection and treatment adherence are key factors to curing tuberculosis
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has achieved a 94 per cent success rate in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, even as mortality from the disease has dropped significantly over the years.
This was disclosed by the Director of Public Health at the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dan Gasama, during a community outreach held in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day.
The outreach programme was organised in collaboration with the FCT-HSES, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, among other partners.
According to Gasama, the FCT records approximately 16,000 TB cases annually, with a treatment success rate of 94 per cent.
He also revealed that TB-related deaths have reduced by about 64 per cent over time, although the disease remains a major public health concern both globally and within Nigeria.
“Globally, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB, with about 1.23 million deaths, including 150,000 among people living with HIV.
“With a prevalence of 219 per 100,000 population, Nigeria remains among high TB burden countries, while the FCT accounts for about 16,000 cases annually,” he said.
Gasama further noted that Nigeria recorded over 467,000 TB cases in 2025, the highest ever, adding that the spike reflects improved detection driven by enhanced surveillance systems and community-based interventions.
He attributed the FCT’s impressive treatment success rate to early diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
Providing further insights, he said the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme made notable progress in 2025 by identifying over 40,171 presumptive TB cases, of which 3,679 were confirmed and officially documented.
Gasama explained that the 2026 commemoration focused on expanding TB awareness, screening, and treatment services to communities with a high disease burden.
During the outreach in Mabushi, hundreds of residents benefitted from free screenings for TB, malaria, and other illnesses.
Medications were distributed, while severe cases were referred to healthcare facilities for further management.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Jenny Momoh, representing the World Health Organisation FCT State Coordinator, Dr. Jibrin Alkasim, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to eliminating TB.
She pointed to advancements in diagnostics, treatment, and community-focused care, while emphasising the need for continued investment and collaboration.
“Ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation, and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind,” she said.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of TB Network, Mrs. Teresa Jatau, highlighted the critical role of community participation in combating TB.
She encouraged residents to prioritise early testing and strictly adhere to treatment plans, stressing that TB is curable when detected early.
The 2026 World Tuberculosis Day carries the theme: “Yes, we can. We can end TB.”