Nigerian NGO Wins 2025 Global TB Award at Copenhagen Conference.
A health organization run by young Nigerians has received a major international award for its work fighting tuberculosis, drawing the world’s attention to community-led efforts in the country.
The Debriche Health Development Centre was named a winner of the 2025 Stop TB Partnership – Humana Community Award this week. The announcement was made at the Union World Conference on Lung Health, a key global meeting being held in Copenhagen.
The award recognizes groups that have managed to keep essential tuberculosis services running even as international funding has become harder to secure. This year’s theme focused on “Keeping the Lights On” for people affected by the disease.
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The award was presented to the group’s Executive Director, Mrs. Deborah Ikeh, by two special guests: Dr. Claudia Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State and a TB advocate for the state, and author John Green, who is also a well-known supporter of global TB programs.
For Nigeria, the award is more than an organizational achievement. It points to the broader progress being made in the country’s fight against TB, guided by the National TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme.
“This achievement belongs to the people of Nigeria,” Mrs. Ikeh said after receiving the award. “It belongs to our TB survivors, our young volunteers, our communities, and the leaders of our national TB program who have held firm during difficult periods.”
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She thanked national figures for their support, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Dr. Sanwo-Olu, noting that their advocacy has helped improve access to services and inspired more community action.
Mrs. Ikeh also stressed how critical consistent support is for groups working directly with affected communities. “This award shows why governments, donors, and all involved must continue to fund grassroots organizations. When we all work together—government, civil society, communities, survivors—the results go much further than money alone can show. That is the strength of working together.”
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When funding grew tight worldwide, DHDC continued its work. Their activities included working closely with national and state TB programs, conducting community education and screening, providing support to help patients continue their treatment, running outreach programs led by women and youth, and helping to expand a digital platform that lets communities report on services.
Global health leaders, including Dr. Lucica Ditiu of the Stop TB Partnership in Geneva, praised DHDC’s approach, which focuses on innovation and putting people at the center of care.
Nigeria’s own National TB Program and its partners also commended the organization for showcasing effective community work from Nigeria on an international stage.
About the Conference:
The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025 is the largest global meeting focused on lung health, bringing together health professionals, researchers, and advocates to find better ways to tackle diseases like tuberculosis.
About DHDC:
The Debriche Health Development Centre is a Nigerian civil society organization driven by young people. It focuses on improving health through solutions designed with communities, innovative ideas, and building strong partnerships. The group is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s public health response, particularly against TB, HIV, and other lung health issues.
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