The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) to enhance collaboration in Nigeria’s drive to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.

The MoU was signed during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NIMR, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, by two members of the NTBLCP’s supervisory and monitoring team, Dr. Kingsley Ochei and Mr. Gbenga Faloni. The team was also on a routine quarterly visit to the institute’s Centre for Tuberculosis Research.

As part of the visit, the NTBLCP team donated essential kits for the management of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), aimed at supporting NIMR’s ongoing TB control programmes.

NIMR, as a leading national reference laboratory and research institute under the Federal Ministry of Health, plays a pivotal role in TB control efforts. It partners with NTBLCP and other key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, the Global Fund, KNCV, the Damien Foundation, State TB and Leprosy Control Programs (STBLCP), and several community-based organizations to promote awareness and improve TB case detection across the country.

While receiving the delegation, Prof. Obafunwa commended NTBLCP for its sustained commitment to the elimination of TB in Nigeria. He reiterated NIMR’s dedication to supporting collaborative efforts, particularly in case finding and related services, in line with the global End-TB strategy.

The NTBLCP remains a crucial player in Nigeria’s public health landscape, providing free, integrated TB and leprosy services nationwide.

Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the programme continues to advance early detection, treatment, and prevention of TB transmission, while also addressing disabilities linked to leprosy and seamless integration of TB and HIV collaborative activities.