Tuberculosis Crisis Deepens in Niger, Health Minister Reports Alarming 2025 Figures

Niamey. The situation of tuberculosis (TB) in the West African nation of Niger was found to be even more serious in 2025. A total of 17,406 TB patients were registered throughout the year, of which 13,607 were new pulmonary patients, considered the most rapidly spreading and dangerous type.

These statistics were released by Health Minister Garba Hakimi on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day. According to him, TB remains a major public health problem for the country, but there is also potential to control it.

Globally, according to the World Health Organization, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. It poses a major challenge to the health sector worldwide, with its impact being more pronounced in countries with weak health services.

To control this problem, the Nigerien government is implementing various programs. A multi-sectoral accountability system has been implemented in the country, which has made the identification, testing, treatment, and care of the disease more effective.

As a result, the TB testing rate has increased from 60 percent in 2021 to 87 percent in 2025, which is significant progress. This indicates that many patients have been detected and started treatment in a timely manner.

According to the Health Minister, continuous efforts, adequate budget, increased public awareness, early diagnosis, and quality treatment are essential to eradicate TB. Confidence was expressed that if all these areas are worked on strongly, TB can be fully controlled or eradicated in the future.