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The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has expressed its continued commitment to ending tuberculosis in Nigeria through the expansion of tuberculosis (TB) case detection, community-based interventions and leveraging digital innovation.

Project Director of the Global Fund Tuberculosis and HIV Grant at the Institute, Dr. Olayemi Olupitan stated this at the pre-World TB Day press briefing in Abuja. She said that the Institute utilized Global Fund support from 2021 -2023 to optimize over 400 Gene Xpert diagnostic sites and is currently supporting the deployment of more than 190 portable digital Xray systems enabled with artificial intelligence for TB screening in high burden areas.

“Between 2021-2024 alone, IHVN-supported facilities tested 3.5 million individuals leading to the detection and notification of more than 350,000 tuberculosis cases, contributing to the country’s national case notification targets. The integration of digital screening tools, such as the Mobile Application for TB Screening (MATS), has further enhanced TB reporting from the private sector.”

Dr. Olupitan explained that the public-private partnership initiative championed by the Institute has resulted in capacity building and engagement of 15,000 patent and proprietary medicine vendors, 1000 pharmacists, 4,000 private hospitals and faith-based clinics and 1000 traditional healers and birth attendants in tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment and community screening.

“Under the Global Fund 2024-2026 Grant, strengthening TB and HIV integration is a key priority. In 2024 alone, over 270,000 pregnant women were screened for TB and HIV in both community settings and unconventional sites enabling early diagnosis and initiation of prevention therapy were necessary.”

Also at the press briefing, the Executive Secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, Mr. Ibrahim Tajudeen stressed the need for sufficient funding to address tuberculosis in Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the briefing including the Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Mr. Amobi Ogah, Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, Representative of the World Health Organization in Nigeria, Dr. Mya Sapal and the Acting Board Chairman of Stop TB Partnership in Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji, all assured Nigerians of their commitment to ending tuberculosis in Nigeria.

According to the 2024 World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Report, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and sixth globally among the 30 high burden tuberculosis countries. The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Yes! We Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver.  Apart from press-briefings, other activities to commemorate the day include, community outreach and sensitization activities and a road show.

To enhance the capacity of Ondo State to respond to lassa fever outbreaks, the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has collaborated with Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ondo State Ministry of Health to strengthen the capacity of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) at Akure for Lassa fever diagnosis and management.

At the launch of the optimised laboratory in Ondo State, IHVN Epidemiology & Surveillance Manager for the SECURE-Nigeria  Project, Mr. Saiki Adinoyi Musa explained that Ondo State has been a hotspot for Lassa fever outbreaks, contributing 32% of Nigeria’s confirmed cases in 2023. Akure South Local Government Area recorded the highest number of cases, underscoring the urgency of improved diagnostic and response measures.

“Previously, patient samples from IDH Akure had to be transported to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, creating logistical challenges, delays in test results, and prolonged turnaround times that negatively impacted patient management. Recognizing these issues, the Ondo State Ministry of Health (SMoH) advocated for the optimization of the existing molecular laboratory at IDH.”

Mr. Saiki added that with support from IHVN implemented Strengthening Global Health Security Agenda in Nigeria (SECURE-Nigeria), the laboratory was optimized to conduct Lassa fever diagnostics, supportive tests, and enhance outbreak response mechanisms with funding from  the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -Division for Global Health Protection (US-CDC DGHP),  

“The facility received state-of-the-art equipment, including A BIOBASE Class III Biosafety Cabinet (Glove Box) and Hematology and Chemistry Auto Analyzers for supportive investigation. IHVN provided quality laboratory equipment commodities, alongside quality management training for laboratory scientists for accuracy and reliability in Lassa fever testing. We appreciate the government for providing an enabling environment for partners to collaborate with us.”

At the event, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola said that the new laboratory and equipment would enable the state to detect cases of Lassa fever on time and in turn reduce the rate of fatality.

At the occasion, NCDC Director General Dr Jide Idris, who was represented by National Incident Manager for Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Center Dr Yetunde Abioye, said more effort will be made to ensure the laboratory’s continuous functionality.