The Benue State House of Assembly has begun consideration of a bill aimed at eliminating tuberculosis (TB) while protecting the rights of individuals affected by the disease from discrimination and stigma. The Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, was sponsored by Hon. Simon Gabo, Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Mata State Constituency in Ushongo Local Government Area. The bill passed its First Reading during plenary on September 24, 2026, and was referred to the House Standing Committee on Health for further legislative consideration.
Lawyers Alert, an organization involved in advocacy for rights-based TB legislation, has welcomed the development, describing it as a crucial step towards addressing tuberculosis as both a public health and human rights concern. According to President of Lawyers Alert, Dr Rommy Mom, the proposed legislation is the outcome of sustained consultations and advocacy involving lawmakers, people affected by TB, survivors, health stakeholders, civil society organisations, and human rights groups.
People affected by tuberculosis often face stigma and discrimination in areas including employment, education, healthcare, and their communities. This discrimination can discourage individuals from seeking early diagnosis and treatment, affect adherence to treatment, and worsen social and economic exclusion. Dr. Mom emphasized that eliminating TB requires not only medicines, diagnostic services, and stronger health systems but also laws capable of addressing human rights barriers that prevent people from accessing and remaining in care.
Hon. Simon Gabo stated that the bill aims to provide Benue with a legal framework that would support TB elimination while protecting the dignity and fundamental rights of affected persons. He stressed that no person should lose employment, education, healthcare, livelihood, or community acceptance simply because they have tuberculosis. The bill seeks to create a supportive environment for individuals affected by TB, enabling them to access and remain in care without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Dr. Rommy Mom commended Gabo and the state Assembly for advancing the proposed legislation, saying it brings Benue State closer to a reality where a diagnosis of tuberculosis does not translate into stigma, exclusion, or loss of dignity. He emphasized that ending TB requires a comprehensive approach, including medicines, diagnostics, strong health systems, law, justice, and the removal of human rights barriers that prevent people from seeking and remaining in care.
The President of Lawyers Alert also commended the Assembly for a legislative process that has included consultations with people affected by TB and organizations working with affected communities. He urged the members, government ministries and agencies, traditional and community leaders, healthcare workers, civil society organisations, development partners, and people affected by TB to remain engaged as the bill progresses through subsequent legislative stages.
The consideration of the Tuberculosis Elimination, Human Rights Protection and Anti-Discrimination Bill, 2026, by the Benue State House of Assembly marks a significant step towards addressing the social and economic impacts of TB in the state. If passed into law, the bill will provide a legal framework for protecting the rights of individuals affected by TB, promoting a supportive environment for TB elimination, and reducing stigma and discrimination.
Key points
- The Benue State House of Assembly considers a bill to eliminate tuberculosis and protect the rights of people affected by the disease.
- Lawyers Alert welcomes the development, describing it as a crucial step towards addressing tuberculosis as both a public health and human rights concern.
- The bill aims to provide a legal framework for protecting the rights of individuals affected by TB, promoting a supportive environment for TB elimination, and reducing stigma and discrimination.
