FCT tuberculosis cases reach 16,000 annually, with a 94% treatment success rate, officials report during 2026 World TB Day outreach

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) records approximately 16,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually, with treatment achieving a 94 per cent success rate, the Director of Public Health, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dan Gasama, has said.

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Dr. Gasama made the disclosure during a community outreach held on Saturday to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day in Abuja.

The event was organised by FCT-HSES, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, and other partners.

He noted that TB mortality had declined by about 64 per cent over the years, but emphasised that the disease remains a major public health concern both globally and in 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,” Gasama said.

According to Dr. Gasama, early detection and proper treatment have been key to the FCT’s high success rate.

In 2025, the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme identified over 40,171 presumptive cases, with 3,679 confirmed and notified.

The 2026 commemoration focused on taking TB awareness, screening, and treatment services to high-burden communities.

Hundreds of residents of the Mabushi community benefited from free screening for TB, malaria, and other ailments, while medications were distributed and severe cases referred to hospitals.

Dr. Jenny Momoh, representing the World Health Organisation FCT State Coordinator, Dr. Jibrin Alkasim, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to ending TB, citing progress in diagnostics, treatment, and community-centred care.

“Ending TB requires sustained investment, innovation, and a strong multisectoral response that leaves no one behind,” she said.

Mrs. Teresa Jatau, Programme Manager of TB Network, highlighted the vital role of communities in combating TB, urging residents to embrace early testing and adhere to treatment.