By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government and all 27 local government councils have launched a joint campaign to combat the spread of childhood tuberculosis (TB), as the state ranks 8th nationally in TB burden among children.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 2025 Childhood Tuberculosis Week at the Government House Banquet Hall in Dutse, First Lady Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi—represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Usman—called for collaborative efforts from private organizations and donor agencies to support the state’s TB eradication efforts.
She described the state’s current TB statistics as alarming and stressed the need for increased prevention and early detection, particularly in rural communities. “Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, especially among children,” she noted. “Nigeria currently ranks sixth globally and first in Africa for TB prevalence, with Jigawa sadly ranked 8th among states with the highest burden.”
According to her, the state has already launched diagnostic machines to strengthen early detection and reduce transmission, while urging community members to report any suspected TB cases.
To drive grassroots awareness, the Office of the First Lady has mobilized a campaign network led by the wives of the 27 local government chairmen to educate communities across rural and urban areas about prevention and treatment.
She praised Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his continued support of initiatives that prioritize the health of women and children in the state.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health Dr. Abdullahi Muhammad Kainuwa said TB cases have been declining due to the proactive policies of the Namadi administration.
Also speaking, Dr. Umar Rabiu, the state’s TB Team Lead, noted that while nearly 400 children were affected by TB in Nigeria last year, Jigawa has seen notable progress due to the tireless advocacy of Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, who also serves as a TB ambassador.