Kano’s TB Control at Risk as Over 3,000 Patients Lose Treatment Due to Drug Shortages

A civil society organisation reports that more than 3,000 tuberculosis patients in Kano have been forced off treatment by serious shortages of TB medicines and diagnostic supplies. Key items like GeneXpert cartridges went missing in the first two quarters of 2026, stalling diagnosis and treatment across 30 local government areas. The group identified over 1,500 diagnosed patients but could enrol only 800 on therapy. They warn that the current N250 million TB funding cannot cover diagnostic supplies for even a month and predict a public health crisis within three to four months if the shortages persist. They are calling on federal, state and local governments to set up a dedicated budget line for tuberculosis control, release approved resources on time, and strengthen community efforts to support patient adherence and prevent further spread.

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