FCT community gets free TB, malaria screening

Residents of Mabushi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have benefited from a free tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV screening outreach organised by international and local health organisations. The exercise, held on Saturday, marked the climax of a week-long programme to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day observed globally on March 24. The outreach, organised […]

Residents of Mabushi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have benefited from a free tuberculosis (TB), malaria and HIV screening outreach organised by international and local health organisations.

The exercise, held on Saturday, marked the climax of a week-long programme to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day observed globally on March 24.

The outreach, organised by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in partnership with other stakeholders, aimed at bringing TB awareness and services closer to grassroots communities, with free screening provided in line with global health practices.

Participating organisations included the Global Fund, World Health Organisation (WHO), Association for Reproductive and Family Health, TB Network, Stop TB, Debriche Health Development Centre (DHDC), TB People Nigeria and other stakeholders in the health sector.

In his remarks, the district head of Mabushi, represented by a senior community member, commended the organisers for selecting the community and pledged support for efforts to combat TB. He urged residents to apply lessons from the programme and take health advice seriously.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Public Health, FCTA, Dr Dan Gasama, lauded the FCT TB and Leprosy Control Programme and its partners for the initiative, stressing the need for sustained collaboration to tackle TB as a public health threat.

He warned that declining donor funding makes it imperative for Nigeria to take ownership of its health response.

“We are at a critical juncture in global health,” he said, noting that Mabushi was selected due to its high TB burden.

Gasama emphasised the role of communities in early detection, reducing stigma and supporting treatment adherence, adding that TB remains a major public health concern despite being preventable and curable.

He, however, highlighted progress made in the FCT, noting that over 40,000 presumptive TB cases were screened in 2025, with 3,679 cases confirmed and treated.

Other speakers underscored the link between TB, HIV, malnutrition and poverty, advocating an integrated approach combining screening, treatment and health education.

In a goodwill message, WHO, represented by its FCT State Coordinator, Dr Jibrin Akasim, reaffirmed support for strengthening health systems and expanding access to care.

The organisation noted that while progress has been made in diagnostics and treatment, many people still face barriers to timely care, calling for sustained investment and innovation.

IHVN also called for intensified awareness campaigns and multi-stakeholder collaboration to reduce the burden and stigma associated with TB.

The event featured multiple screening points for TB, malaria, HIV and general health promotion.