The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently intensifying the push to accelerate the development of new Tuberculosis (TB) vaccines in order to prevent the disease with focus on adults and adolescents-the most vulnerable group responsible for 90 per cent of the disease transmission.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the 2026 World TB Day in Abuja, yesterday, the WHO Representative (WR) in Nigeria, Dr. Pave Ursu, disclosed that, the effort will fast-track the development and equitable access to new TB vaccine by aligning governments, researchers, funders and industry around shared priorities and coordinated investment.
Represented by the Cluster Lead, Disease Prevention and Control (DPC) at WHO, Mya Ngon, the WR stressed the need for improved domestic funding, noting that: “It is important to commit domestic resources towards implementation of TB activities in the country now that there is dwindling funds from the traditional donors.
“This will reduce the burden of affected communities and ensure adequate and quality assured commodities to manage the TB patients and their contacts.
“Too many people are pushed into poverty when they contract TB due to lost income, transport costs and other expenses. 71% of the TB patients in Nigeria and their household suffer catastrophic cost due to TB.”
He further reiterated that: “Ending TB is possible, even in today’s complex global environment, if countries act with decisive leadership, sustained investment and strong solidarity. It requires coordinated action across sectors including health, social protection, housing, labour, and education supported by strong accountability and sustained political commitment.”
In his welcome remarks, The Executive Secretary, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Mr.Mayowa Joel, said the theme of this year’s World TB Day: We Can End TB! Led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Powered by the Community, “means that governments at all levels must prioritise TB within National and State budgets, while also creating opportunities for private sector participation in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services.
“Ending TB should not depend solely on international donors; it must increasingly become a national priority supported by domestic investments and partnerships.
“When governments lead with strong policies and sustainable investments, and when communities actively participate in prevention, early detection, and treatment support, the goal of ending TB becomes achievable.”
Mr. Joel further noted that the 2026 theme also calls for strengthening primary health care systems, expanding community-based TB services, and deploying innovative diagnostic and treatment tools will be essential to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing TB services.
