Lawyers Alert and Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR) have commended the Benue State House of Assembly for taking a proactive step to strengthen the state’s response to tuberculosis (TB), protect the rights of people affected by TB, and address discrimination associated with the disease.
The commendation follows the first reading of the Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, during the plenary of the Benue State House of Assembly on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The Bill is sponsored by Hon. Gabo Simon, representing Mata State Constituency.
The development marks an important step in bringing the health and human rights dimensions of tuberculosis into the legislative conversation in Benue State.
Lawyers Alert and MHR are implementing the Law, Rights and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV and Malaria Response project, funded by the Gender Equality Fund, which seeks to strengthen community engagement, human rights protection and policy advocacy around TB, HIV and malaria.
Tuberculosis is not only a medical concern. People affected by TB can experience stigma and discrimination, barriers to healthcare, negative attitudes within health facilities, challenges accessing essential medicines and services, and other social and structural barriers that can undermine efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
The introduction of the Bill demonstrates the importance of addressing these concerns through legislation alongside existing public health interventions.
“We commend the Benue State House of Assembly for recognising that the response to tuberculosis must go beyond treatment to also address the rights and dignity of people affected by the disease,” Alu Azege, Executive Director of MHR.
“The decision to bring this Bill before the House demonstrates the value of responsive legislation in addressing public health concerns and the realities experienced by communities. We appreciate the initiative of the sponsor and the willingness of the House to begin consideration of these important issues.”
The organisations particularly commend Hon. Gabo Simon, sponsor of the Bill, for bringing the proposed legislation before the House and creating an opportunity for TB elimination, human rights protection and anti-discrimination to be considered together within the legislative process.
For people affected by TB, the significance of this process goes beyond the passage of a Bill. It is about whether people can seek healthcare without fear of stigma, access essential medicines and services, continue their livelihoods and participate fully in their communities without discrimination because of their health status.
While the first reading marks an important beginning, Lawyers Alert and MHR recognise that there is still work to be done as the Bill progresses through the legislative process.
The organisations therefore encourage continued engagement with people affected by TB, healthcare workers, policymakers, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders. Their experiences, evidence and perspectives will be important in ensuring that the Bill responds to the realities of communities and provides meaningful protection for people affected by TB.
Lawyers Alert and MHR reaffirm their commitment to supporting community participation, evidence-based advocacy and human rights-centred approaches to TB, HIV and malaria responses in Nigeria.
