FCT TO ESTABLISH NEW PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES TO STRENGTHEN TB RESPONSE
26-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has directed the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, to facilitate the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka Village under Abuja Municipal Area Council.
This initiative, backed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, aims to improve healthcare services and strengthen tuberculosis (TB) control in the community.
Mrs. Tinubu, who also serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, gave the directive during the commemoration of 2025 World Tuberculosis Day in Sauka.
The First Lady stressed the importance of grassroots interventions in the fight against TB, and explained that this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” was locally translated to “We Fit Run Am’’; is a collective call for action against TB to better connect with the community.
“To support the fight against this communicable disease, I will not only donate N1 billion, but I also approve the request for the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka Community.
She said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for an efficient healthcare system and noted that Mandate Secretary, Dr. Fasawe will oversee the implementation of this project through the support of our dedicated FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
Mrs. Tinubu added that the new facility will serve as a hub for TB detection, treatment, and general healthcare services, ensuring residents receive timely and quality medical care.
Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, ranking the country among those with the highest TB burden globally. This underscores the need for improved healthcare services and stronger community-based interventions.
In response, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe commended the First Lady for her commitment to eliminating TB.
“The establishment of the new Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka marks a significant step toward enhancing healthcare services, improving TB control, and ensuring accessible healthcare for all in the FCT.’ Fasawe reaffirmed
She also appreciated the dedication of FCT healthcare workers, whose efforts have led to major improvements in the health system.
A statement by the SA Media (HSES), Bola Ajao says the event was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat and Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, World Health Organization, amongst other development partners.
The event featured an exhibition stand by the Public Health Department of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, where attendees received free TB testing.