The organization pointed out that while policies have been designed to fight TB, a lack of financial commitment is stalling implementation.
By TheInvestigator
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, the Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES) has issued a strong call for immediate action to tackle the TB crisis in the country. With this year’s theme, “Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” CHEDRES is demanding that federal and state governments release approved TB funds without delay to prevent unnecessary deaths and accelerate efforts to end the disease.
Despite being a curable and preventable illness, TB remains a leading infectious disease killer in Nigeria, with thousands of new cases recorded annually. CHEDRES warns that persistent funding delays and bureaucratic obstacles are crippling progress.
“Delays cost lives. We cannot afford inaction. This World TB Day, we call on the government, private sector, and international partners to commit, invest, and deliver on TB funding. The time to act is now,” said Felix Ukam, Executive Director of CHEDRES in a statement made available to our newsroom.
CHEDRES also expressed concern over the severe impact of funding shortfalls on TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts. The organization pointed out that while policies have been designed to fight TB, a lack of financial commitment is stalling implementation.
To combat these setbacks and strengthen Nigeria’s TB response, CHEDRES is calling for immediate action in five key areas:
Urgent release of TB funds, prioritization of TB in health budgets, restoration of global TB funding, private sector involvement and increased advocacy and account ability.
The World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025 is celebrated March 24 every year.