In a bold move to strengthen the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in Zamfara State, the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has urged government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens to rally behind ongoing efforts aimed at eradicating the disease.
Hajiya Huriyya made this appeal during the official commissioning of two Toyota Hilux vehicles and 28 Boxer motorcycles donated to TB health workers at a ceremony held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. The vehicles are expected to enhance outreach services and improve TB healthcare delivery across all 14 local government areas.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady, who also serves as the TB Champion for Zamfara State, emphasized the importance of early detection and prompt treatment in combating TB — a potentially deadly but entirely curable disease.
“As we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day, it is my distinct honor to advocate for TB awareness and eradication efforts in Zamfara. Together, we can end TB by committing, investing, and delivering better healthcare services for our people,” Hajiya Huriyya stated.
Addressing the theme of this year’s World TB Day, “Yes! We Can End TB. Commit, Invest, Deliver,” she highlighted the need for a collaborative approach and sustained investments to eliminate the disease from the state.
The Zamfara State Ministry of Health and the Society Care Initiative for the Development of the Underprivileged were also commended for their roles in organizing the event and championing TB-related interventions.
In a goodwill message, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, praised the First Lady’s steadfast support for TB control programs, noting that her advocacy has significantly increased testing rates and access to treatment.
“These initiatives are more than administrative duties — they reflect compassion and a deep concern for the well-being of Zamfara’s citizens,” Dr. Maradun noted.
Further revealing the impact of ongoing TB interventions, the Zamfara State TB Program Manager, Lawan Sani, disclosed that over 10,000 TB cases were detected between 2024 and the first quarter of this year. Of these, 93 percent of patients have been successfully treated and cured.
According to him, the success is a direct result of strategic interventions, improved outreach, and enhanced case-finding initiatives supported by the state government and development partners.
Why This Matters:
Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in Nigeria, particularly in underserved areas. Zamfara State’s focused investments in TB control infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder collaboration set an example for other regions grappling with the disease.
As Zamfara continues to record progress, public health experts hope the momentum will be sustained, ultimately bringing the state — and Nigeria — closer to the global target of ending TB by 2030.
