The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise early detection, treatment completion, and increased domestic funding to curb the rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Nigeria.
Dr. Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, made the call in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 World TB Day.
MDR-TB is largely caused by incomplete or improper treatment of TB, including skipped doses, wrong drug combinations, poor-quality medicines, or interruptions in drug supply. It can also occur when individuals are directly infected with already-resistant strains, especially in areas with weak health systems and delayed diagnosis.
Dakum said preventing MDR-TB starts with early identification of TB cases and ensuring patients complete their full treatment regimens.
“Once TB is properly treated and treatment is completed, you have almost zero cases of MDR-TB, except in cases where resistant strains are transmitted,” he said.
He added that prompt identification and treatment of existing MDR-TB cases would significantly reduce their spread and the overall national burden.
Nigeria remains among the countries with the highest TB burden globally, with an estimated over 400,000 incident TB cases annually, Dakum said. He noted that a significant proportion of these cases remain either undetected or unreported, despite treatment success rates for drug-sensitive TB exceeding 90 per cent.
He warned that gaps in detection and treatment adherence continue to drive the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
Dakum explained that previous logistical challenges affecting access to TB medicines have largely been resolved, with support from partners such as the Global Fund helping to stabilise supply.
He emphasised the need for increased domestic investment to ensure sustainability and reduce dependence on donor funding.
The IHVN boss also said integrating TB and HIV services would enhance access to treatment, allowing patients to obtain TB drugs at HIV care centres and vice versa.
He highlighted ongoing innovations in service delivery, including community-based treatment approaches that bring care closer to patients and reduce reliance on specialised MDR-TB centres.
Dakum underscored the role of communities in ending TB, noting that stigma, late presentation, and poor treatment adherence remain major drivers of drug resistance.
He called on all levels of government to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen primary healthcare systems, and ensure that all suspected TB cases are promptly diagnosed and properly treated.
