The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared war on tuberculosis (TB), promising to bring the fight directly to high-burden communities.
At the World TB Day 2026 outreach in Mabushi on Saturday, Dr. Dan Gasama said the deadly but preventable disease can be beaten if Nigerians act together.
“TB continues to claim lives and disrupt families, but we are turning the tide. With early detection and treatment, lives can be saved,” Dr. Gasama told an enthusiastic crowd.
He highlighted Nigeria’s recent victories in the fight against TB, noting a remarkable 94 percent treatment success rate nationwide and a 63 percent drop in TB deaths between 2016 and 2024. Here in FCT, the program screened over 40,000 people for TB in 2025 and notified 3,679 cases numbers that represent lives identified, treated, and saved.
“Communities are our strongest allies. Early detection, reducing stigma, supporting treatment adherence, and promoting healthy behavior all begin here,” he said. “The theme this year says it all: Yes! We can end TB.”
Dr. Gasama also called for Nigeria to take ownership of the fight, especially with declining donor support. “We need to strengthen our health systems, invest locally, and empower communities. Ending TB cannot rely solely on external aid,” he warned.
The Mabushi outreach was not just about awareness. Residents received TB screening, HIV testing, malaria services, and health education a one-stop, integrated approach designed to save lives.
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Jibrin Alkasim, represented by Dr. Jenny Momoh, praised FCTA’s effort, noting that “ending TB is possible when countries, communities, and partners unite with determination.”
Teresa Laraba Jatau, representing the TB Network, urged the community to participate fully. “Children are often affected by TB, and they must be at the center of our conversation. Let’s take advantage of today’s testing and ensure treatment where needed. Together, we can end TB,” she said.
Dr. Gasama concluded with a rallying call to action: “With leadership, partnership, and community participation, TB is a disease we can defeat.
Yes! We can end TB.”
