LAGOS, June 26, 2026 — The Safe-Revive Africa, a public health advocacy organization, has called for renewed commitment and sustained investment in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
The organization said the disease can be eliminated within this generation if governments, communities and stakeholders work together.
In a statement made available to Community Standard, President of the group, Dr. Oluremi Olaleye said despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis continues to claim far too many lives because many people still lack access to early diagnosis and treatment.
“Behind every TB statistic is a person, a mother, a young person, a worker, a neighbour, who deserves the chance to live a healthy life,” he said, adding that “we have the tools to end tuberculosis in our lifetime. We have the science. What we need now is the will, the resources, and the courage to reach every person, in every community.”
He stressed that investments in early testing, complete treatment and prevention would not only save lives but also strengthen families, communities and the nation’s health system.
“TB is curable, and yet it still takes far too many lives.
“When we invest in early testing, complete treatment, and prevention, we don’t just save lives, we protect families, strengthen communities, and build a healthier, more resilient society for everyone. This is a fight we can win, but only if we win it together.”
According to him, efforts to end TB must prioritise finding undiagnosed cases by taking testing, diagnosis and treatment services to underserved communities, particularly those affected by poverty, stigma and limited access to healthcare.
Dr. Olaleye also called for sustained funding for tuberculosis programmes to prevent setbacks in the gains already made, while urging society to tackle the stigma associated with the disease through compassion, public education and support for affected persons.
“Health is a right, not a privilege,” he said, promising that his organization “will keep showing up in clinics, classrooms, markets and homes until every person can be screened, access treatment without fear and live free from the threat of tuberculosis.”
He urged Nigerians to be vigilant by recognising common symptoms of TB, including persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss, and to seek prompt medical screening.
The SRA President further encouraged members of the public to help combat misinformation and discrimination against TB patients by sharing accurate information and supporting efforts to expand life-saving services through volunteering, partnerships and donations.
SRA is a frontline public health organisation, committed to working with governments, healthcare providers and communities to ensure that no one living with tuberculosis is left behind.
