In a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the United States has donated a cutting-edge tuberculosis (TB) modular laboratory to the Defence Research Laboratory in Abuja. The laboratory, inaugurated on Tuesday, is expected to revolutionize TB diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, hailed the laboratory as a “game-changer” in the fight against infectious diseases.
He emphasized the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the US in the health sector, highlighting Nigeria as home to the US government’s largest health programming budget globally.
The laboratory, funded by the American people, enhances Nigeria’s capacity to diagnose and treat TB, not just for military personnel but for all Nigerians.
It is part of the US government’s substantial investment in Nigeria’s health sector, which includes combating major diseases like HIV, malaria, mpox, and tuberculosis, as well as broader efforts in maternal and child health, immunization, and global health security.
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The Ambassador emphasized the critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the message that global health security is a shared responsibility.
He quoted President Joe Biden, saying, “No one is truly safe until everyone is safe,” and highlighted the laboratory’s crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
The US Mission in Nigeria looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with Nigeria, building on shared achievements to support the country’s health and security.
