The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recorded about 16,000 cases of tuberculosis (TB) annually, with a treatment success rate reaching 94 per cent.

Dan Gasama, the director of public health at the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (FCT-HSES), disclosed this during a community outreach event to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day 2026 on Saturday in Abuja.

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

Mr Gasama said TB mortality had reduced by about 64 per cent over the years, noting that the disease remained a major public health concern globally and nationally.

“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,” he said.

He added that Nigeria recorded over 467,000 cases in 2025, the highest ever, attributing improved detection to strengthened surveillance and community outreach.

According to him, early detection and proper treatment have contributed to the 94 per cent treatment success rate recorded in the territory.

Mr Gasama said the FCT Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme also recorded significant progress in 2025, identifying over 40,171 presumptive cases, out of which 3,679 were confirmed and notified.

He explained that the 2026 commemoration focused on taking tuberculosis 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.

In a goodwill message, Jenny Momoh, representing the World Health Organisation (WHO) FCT state coordinator, Jibrin Alkasim, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending TB.

She highlighted progress in diagnostics, treatment, and community-centred care while stressing the need for sustained investment and collaboration.

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

Also speaking, Teresa Jatau, programme manager of TB Network, underscored the role of communities in combating the disease.

She urged residents to embrace early testing and adhere to treatment, noting that TB is curable when detected early.

The 2026 World Tuberculosis Day is themed “Yes, we can. We can end TB”.

(NAN)