August 27, 2024
In a significant advancement for Nigeria's public health infrastructure, the TB Modular Laboratory, located at the Defence Reference Laboratory in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, was officially commissioned on August 20, 2024. This state-of-the-art facility represents a new chapter in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria, further strengthening 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.
This initiative is a product of the collaborative efforts between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research - Africa (WRAIR-Africa) program in Nigeria and the Nigerian Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP), a partnership that has been expertly midwifed by the HJF Medical Research International (HJFMRI). HJFMRI Nigeria, a pivotal player in this collaboration, takes immense pride in the commissioning of the TB Modular Laboratory, recognizing it as the culmination of years of dedicated development and partnership.
The laboratory was officially inaugurated by Dr. Bello Mutawalle, Nigeria's Minister of State for Defense, and witnessed by key figures including Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria; Colonel Eli Lozano, Commander, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR); Brig. Gen. NAE Okeji (Rtd), Director General of MODHIP; and Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, Permanent Secretary, Nigerian Ministry of Defense, alongside other esteemed health and defense leaders.
Equipped with advanced molecular diagnostic tools, such as line probe assays and Drug Sensitivity Testing (DST), the TB Modular Laboratory is 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 longstanding partnership between MODHIP and 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 broadened its scope to include TB, malaria, clinical research, and vaccine trials, addressing both emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in Nigeria.
Speaking on this fruitful partnership, Ambassador Mills highlighted the U.S. government's substantial investment in the health of Nigerians, matching Nigeria's stature on the continent. He noted that Nigeria is home to the largest American government health programming budget worldwide, emphasizing that this significant 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 advance 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.
Helina Meri, the WRAIR-Africa Nigeria Country Director, expressed gratitude to all collaborators for their efforts in the building, equipping, and certification of the new laboratory. She emphasized that the greatest joy will come from seeing the laboratory put to full use to combat TB, ensuring that both military and civilian populations benefit from the highest standards of care in Nigeria. HJFMRI Nigeria echoes this sentiment, celebrating the laboratory's commissioning as a significant achievement and a promising step forward in the ongoing battle against TB.
