FCTA To Establish New Primary Healthcare Centre To Strengthen TB Response

By: Prudence Okonna

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 is aimed at strengthening healthcare services and combat tuberculosis (TB) in the region through the support of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

Tinubu, who also serves as the Global and National Stop TB Champion, made this call on Monday during the commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day 2025 in Sauka community of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

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.

Speaking at the occasion, the First Lady reiterated the importance of grassroots interventions in the fight against TB.

She explained that this year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” was locally translated to “We Fit Run Am; A Collective Call for Action Against TB” to better connect with the community.

Her words:”To support the fight against this communicable disease, I will not only donate ₦1 billion naira, but I also approve the request for the establishment of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka Community”.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for an efficient healthcare system. The Mandate Secretary, Dr. Fasawe will oversee the implementation of this project through the support of our dedicated FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike,” Tinubu stated.

She noted that the new facility will serve as a critical hub for TB detection, treatment, and general healthcare services; ensuring that residents receive timely and quality medical attention.

“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,” the First Lady added.

Responding, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, commended the First Lady for her dedication and strong support in the fight against TB elimination.

Fasawe lauded the dedication of the FCT’s healthcare workers, whose efforts have led to major improvements in the health system.

“The establishment of the new Primary Healthcare Centre in Sauka will mark a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services; improving TB control, and ensuring accessible healthcare for all in the FCT.’ Fasawe emphasized.

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.