The Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Nigeria (LTR) has called for urgent action to address the country’s tuberculosis detection gap, warning that thousands of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated each year.
In a statement to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, LTR described tuberculosis as a “silent crisis” in Nigeria, where stigma, weak data systems and limited access to care continue to hinder efforts to control the disease.
The organisation said many cases go unreported, particularly in underserved communities, noting that the situation threatens lives and undermines national health outcomes.
LTR, however, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the response through community-driven approaches in states such as Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Plateau.
According to the group, interventions including community screening, mentorship, supportive supervision, data harmonisation and the engagement of informal healthcare providers are helping to improve case detection and access to treatment.
The organisation noted that community volunteers, drug shop operators and traditional birth attendants are increasingly playing critical roles in identifying and referring suspected cases.
Executive Director of LTR, Dr Tahir Dahiru, said the fight against tuberculosis requires more than medical solutions, stressing the need to address stigma, distance and systemic gaps.
He said, “Tuberculosis persists not because we lack solutions, but because we have not yet reached everyone who needs them. When communities are empowered and systems strengthened, the so-called missing cases begin to emerge.”
LTR also emphasised the need to restore dignity to those affected, noting that tuberculosis often leads to social isolation and discrimination.
The organisation called for sustained investment in community-based interventions, stronger integration of informal health providers and improved data systems to guide decision-making.
It stressed that ending tuberculosis in Nigeria would require a collective effort driven by both government and communities.
World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually to raise awareness on the global burden of the disease and to mobilise efforts towards its elimination.