Speaking at the 2026 World TB Day ministerial press briefing and the official launch of Lenacapavir (Len PrEP) in Abuja, Prof. Pate outlined a comprehensive reform agenda emphasizing innovation, efficiency, and national ownership. He warned that declining global health funding necessitates urgent local action.
The event was organized by the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Boosting Domestic Financing
“The global landscape is changing right before our eyes. Financing is becoming more constrained, even for countries like Nigeria. In such times, innovation and domestic resource mobilisation are no longer optional—they are essential,” Prof. Pate said.
In a major policy announcement, he disclosed that the Federal Government would inject an additional $346 million into HIV, TB, and malaria programmes in 2026 as part of a broader co-financing strategy. The move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through increased local investment and reduced dependence on foreign aid.
“By 2030, Nigeria should be able to fund its own priority health programmes without constantly looking for external grants. We must move away from dependency and take full ownership,” the minister stated.
He noted that while donor funding often garners attention, more than 90% of Nigeria’s health expenditure is already financed domestically, primarily through government allocations and household contributions.
Integrated Health System Approach
Prof. Pate highlighted the government’s shift from a fragmented, siloed approach to a sector-wide, integrated framework. This model aligns federal, state, and local resources with partner support to improve coordination and efficiency.
“In the past, everyone focused on their own small funding streams. That fragmented approach limited impact. Now, we are building a coherent system where all actors work together under national priorities,” he said.
Innovation in HIV Prevention
A centerpiece of the launch was Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Administered twice a year, the treatment offers a more convenient alternative to daily oral drugs, particularly for individuals facing stigma or difficulty adhering to routine medication.
“This is the kind of innovation that will help us finish the job,” Prof. Pate said.
He also praised the introduction of the Multi-sectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAP-TB), a digital tool designed to enhance transparency, track commitments in real time, and ensure accountability among all stakeholders.
Progress and Remaining Challenges
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, highlighted historic gains in Nigeria’s TB response, with case notifications rising from 138,591 in 2020 to 440,000 in 2025—the highest ever recorded. The expansion of diagnostic infrastructure has been pivotal, with GeneXpert machines increasing from 32 in 2012 to 527, and TrueNAT units rising from 39 to 372 over the same period. Treatment success rates remain at 94%, though thousands of cases still go undetected.
On HIV, Nigeria is approaching global targets, with 93% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 99% on treatment, and 95% achieving viral suppression.
Dr. Salako described Lenacapavir as “a transformative advance,” offering discreet, high-efficacy prevention with minimal burden, particularly for those facing stigma or adherence challenges.
Moving Forward
The ministerial team reaffirmed Nigeria’s political commitment to defeating TB and HIV, highlighting the leadership of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a global TB champion. Prof. Pate expressed confidence that with the right investments, strong systems, and sustained collaboration, Nigeria can achieve its 2030 elimination goals.
“While we face multiple crises, we must think differently and act boldly. With innovation, coordination, and domestic investment, we can end these diseases. It is possible—and yes, we can,” he said.