Why Are Over 50,000 Nigerians Testing Positive for Tuberculosis?

Over 50,000 Nigerians have tested positive for tuberculosis in recent months. Thanks to a nationwide screening campaign backed by the Global Fund and government partners, more Nigerians are now being tested for TB than ever before. 

But while early diagnosis is a good thing, it has also exposed a painful truth, Nigeria is still struggling to treat everyone who needs help.

Tuberculosis is a growing crisis in Nigeria

Mr. Ibrahim Tajudeen, who serves as the Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s Country Coordination Mechanism for the Global Fund, broke the news at a recent health meeting in Abuja. 

He explained that though over 50,000 TB cases have been identified through expanded testing, thousands of those patients are not yet receiving treatment.

The reason? Funding problems.

While testing efforts have expanded helped by digital X-ray machines, new diagnostic labs, and mobile screening teams, there simply isn’t enough money in the current budget cycle to provide drugs, follow-up care, or treatment logistics for everyone diagnosed. 

Tajudeen warned that without swift action, these funding shortfalls could undo much of the progress already made.

What’s holding things back?

The delay is largely due to changes in how the Global Fund is distributing its support. A revised grant plan means some programs were cut or pushed back, and local teams are now rushing to align their plans before the next funding deadline in mid-July.

Meanwhile, many patients who tested positive are left waiting, and untreated TB remains a serious public health risk. Tuberculosis is highly contagious, and even though it’s both preventable and curable, leaving people undiagnosed or untreated increases the risk of spread especially in crowded areas and poor communities.

Why this matters

Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis in the world. And while over 25 million TB tests have already been conducted nationwide, screening alone is not the solution. Without proper treatment and long-term care, these numbers only add pressure to an already stretched health system.

Tajudeen also highlighted other healthcare efforts being supported by the Global Fund, including the distribution of over 16 million insecticide-treated nets for malaria prevention and the ongoing upgrade of six regional labs. 

Yet even these are being threatened by budget gaps.

What needs to be done

Health experts agree that now is the time for serious commitment. Beyond donor support, Nigeria’s health authorities must work closely with partners to ensure that those who are diagnosed actually receive care. 

That includes funding for drugs, training for health workers, and infrastructure to reach more people.

As Tajudeen put it, “Screening alone is not enough; without treatment, we risk fueling the very epidemic we seek to control.”

In short, finding the 50,000 TB cases is only half the job. The real fight begins with making sure every one of those people gets the treatment they need—before it’s too late.