US-Nigeria partnership bolsters health outcomes with the commissioning of TB Modular Laboratory
In a significant step forward for Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, the TB Modular Laboratory, located at the Defense Reference Laboratory in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, was officially commissioned on August 20, 2024. This state-of-the-art facility marks a new chapter in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, further solidifying the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing health outcomes across the nation. The TB Modular Laboratory, fully certified in June 2024 by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is a cutting-edge facility that will enhance the capabilities of Nigeria’s National TB and Leprosy Programme.
The laboratory was officially commissioned by Dr. Bello Mutawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, and witnessed by Richard Mills, U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Colonel Eli Lozano, Commander, Walter Reed Army of Research (WRAIR), , the Director General of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, Brig. Gen. NAE Okeji (Rtd), the Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Ministry of Defense Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, alongside other respected health and defense leaders.
The laboratory is equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic tools, including line probe assays and Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST), critical for detecting drug-resistant TB strains. By expanding TB case detection and integrating HIV and TB diagnostic services, the laboratory will significantly improve access to life-saving diagnostic services for both military personnel and civilian populations.
This milestone is the latest achievement in the long-standing partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Defense Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa (WRAIR Africa). Established 19 years ago, this collaboration focuses on providing HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to military personnel, their families, and civilians in nearby communities. Over the years, the partnership has expanded its scope to include TB, malaria, clinical research, and vaccine trials, addressing both emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.
Speaking on the fruitful partnership, Ambassador Mills said that the U.S. government’s investment in the health of Nigerians matches Nigeria’s stature on the continent. He also said Nigeria is home to largest American government health programming budget worldwide. He finally added that the substantial investment, made possible by the generosity of the American people, allows the U.S to provide crucial funding and technical assistance across a range of health priorities.
The commissioning of the TB Modular Laboratory is a testament to the enduring strength of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership. This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing the standard of medical services provided in military health facilities across Nigeria. Through the application of cutting-edge technology and rigorous research, MODHIP-WRAIR Africa continues to drive forward the nation’s capacity to combat infectious diseases and improve public health outcomes.
As Nigeria faces ongoing challenges in the fight against TB and other infectious diseases, the TB Modular Laboratory will play a critical role in ensuring accurate diagnoses, ultimately saving lives and bolstering the country’s public health response. The laboratory’s capabilities will also support Nigeria’s broader efforts to combat TB, particularly in the context of the global fight against drug-resistant strains of the disease.
While thanking all collaborators on the success of the building, equipping and certification of the new laboratory, Helina Meri, the Country Director of the WRAIR Africa program in Nigeria, said the greatest joy will be to see that the laboratory is put into full use to combat TB, and ensure that both military and civilian populations benefit from the highest standards of care in Nigeria.
