Nigeria

Nigeria is 30 times the size of Belgium, with 211 million inhabitants. By 2050, the population is expected to reach 400 million, at which point the country will overtake the USA and become the third most populous country in the world. It is estimated that 450,000 people in Nigeria contract TB every year, though only a third of those are detected and treated.

Our impact in 2025

A new generation of African scientists

With 450,000 new cases annually, Nigeria is the African country that suffers the worst from tuberculosis. However, Nigeria is also a pioneer in terms of technological advancement and national planning. Their drive and motivation to eliminate tropical diseases is impressive.

A good example of this is the Damien Foundation Genomics & Mycobacteria Research and Training Centre, opened in 2021, which forms part of the University of Ibadan.

The project was supported by the national tuberculosis programme in Nigeria and the World Health Organisation. At the centre, scientists research tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer, three mycobacterial infectious diseases which are biologically very similar. Using genomics (research into genes) scientists try to learn more about the prevention of these diseases as well as their properties, variants, treatments and vaccines. Aside from that, it serves as an educational centre for young scientists who wish to train in tropical diseases. They learn about modern techniques and knowledge that enable them to help solve health problems on local, national and global levels alike. Professor Simeon Cadmus hopes that, in the coming years, the centre will develop into an international hub where scientists from all over the world can come together in the fight against disease.