The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Services and Environment Secretariat, in partnership with Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program (NTBLCP), and digital health platform MobiHealth, has launched a new telehealth initiative aimed at accelerating the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled at the Dutsen Makaranta Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) in Abuja and is designed to leverage technology to improve TB diagnosis and treatment, while strengthening primary healthcare delivery in the country.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, who was represented by Ambassador Folake Abdulrazak, First Lady of Kwara State. Other dignitaries included Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, and Dr Funmi Adewale, Chief Executive Officer of MobiHealth.
Senator Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to eradicating TB in Nigeria by 2030, noting that her ₦1 billion pledge earlier in the year, made through the Renewed Hope Initiative, was now being implemented.
“Ending TB requires human, financial, and political support. I urge all stakeholders to mobilize resources and invest in sustainable healthcare solutions,” she said.
The newly launched initiative introduces cutting-edge TB diagnostic equipment capable of producing results within hours, a significant improvement over the previous weeks-long wait time. It also integrates telemedicine to ensure patients have access to doctors and medications around the clock.
Nigeria currently has the sixth-highest TB burden in the world, with an estimated one in three cases going undiagnosed, according to health authorities.
Dr Funmi Adewale highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it would help rebuild public confidence in primary healthcare facilities.
“Patients can now be evaluated online, have tests done on-site, and receive immediate prescriptions. Primary healthcare is the bedrock of any system, and this innovation brings quality care closer to the people,” she said.
Speaking on the challenges posed by Nigeria’s healthcare worker shortage, Dr Stella Richard of MobiHealth noted that the country was already struggling with insufficient medical personnel before the wave of medical emigration, known as the “Japa Syndrome.”
“Now, with telehealth, patients can consult with doctors remotely—even from abroad. And they don’t need smartphones to benefit. Trained PHC staff will assist in connecting patients to doctors in any language they prefer,” Dr Richard explained.
The launch marks a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to end tuberculosis and strengthen primary health infrastructure through digital innovation and collaborative partnerships.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, announced the dissolution in a statement on Sunday night. The affected Commissioners and Special Advisers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs. Oyebanji thanked the outgoing members of the State Executive Council and […]
Post comments (0)