The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle says the modular laboratory at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, will serve as a critical research centre for tuberculosis treatment.
Matawalle who stated this at the inauguration of the facility in Abuja on Tuesday, said the laboratory would promote early detection, diagnosis treatment and monitoring of tuberculosis patients.
He said that the centre would also serve as a research facility for the treatment of other public health emergencies and diseases such as m-pox.
The Minister said that the modular laboratory represented a significant milestone in the nation’s effort to combat the spread of tuberculosis.
“Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge affecting millions of people every year.
“We are aware of the impact of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases on the fighting efficiency of our troops, their families and the civil populace.
“All these have direct implications on our national security and stability. It is therefore imperative to take proactive measures towards addressing this threat.
“It is for the well-being of our troops, their families and the citizens, this facility is a testament to our commitment to healthcare delivery,” he said.
Matawalle said that by embracing cutting-edge scientific advancements, the nation could effectively combat tuberculosis and ultimately reduce its the burden.
The minister described the facility as a product of military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria.
He said that although the laboratory was located within a military environment, it was completely a national asset that could be accessed by the public.
“It has the capacity to conduct solid and liquid tuberculosis culture, drug susceptibility testing and molecular identification of resistance to tuberculosis strain,” he said.
He urged the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and the FCT Department of Public Health to take advantage of centre for optimal tuberculosis care.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership and policy direction to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians
“I urge Nigerians to continue supporting initiatives that aim at improving public health infrastructure across the nation.
“With the right commitment, we can make substantial progress toward eradicating tuberculosis in the country,” he said.
The tuberculosis modular laboratory which was completed after years of dedicated efforts, is fully certified by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.