Group advocates separate funding of TB intervention in Anambra
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A coalition of Civil Society Networks on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Anambra state has called for a separate funding of tuberculosis (TB) intervention programmes in the state.
The State Advocacy Team (SAT) of the group made the call in Awka during a meeting with Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, the Manager of Anambra State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control.
They said that “TB is a major public health concern in Anambra and that dedicated financial resources are needed to effectively combat the disease.”
They pushed for the state government to allocate a specific budget for TB intervention activities, separate from the general health budget, believing that the targeted funding will enable the state to implement comprehensive TB prevention, treatment, and control measures.
The team Lead and Coordinator of TB Network in the state, Ifeyinwa Unachukwu, said “there is need for government to turn around and support the ATM Anambra State Global Fund, GC-7/C19RM/RSSH project using the government’s budget to drive the Community System Strengthening programmes in the state.”
She disclosed that the project had already achieved tremendous results in the five focal local government areas it covered this year, including Awka North, Idemmili North, Njikoka, Onitsha North, and Orumba North, respectively.
Continuing, Unachukwu said they have campaigned about the disease and its consequences and have encouraged people particularly those at the grassroots to seek early diagnosis and treatment to ultimately reduce the burden of TB in the state.
She said ATM Network is committed to working with the State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control towards a TB-free Anambra.
“TB is peculiar more than other diseases because it is transmitted by air, hence the large number of infected patients in the state.
“We expect that there should be separate funding for TB control in the state for sustainability. Let TB be given priority attention by the state government, while we cascade the need for community ownership at the local level.
“We will continue with our pressure on the government to allocate more funding for TB programmes or allocate budget lines to steady the fight against the menace in the state,” she said.
Responding, Dr Chukwulobelu commended the group for their doggedness and strive to ensure the elimination of TB in the state.
He agreed that giving TB issues a budget line or a dedicated funding and resources would help to achieve the goal of its control and elimination in the state.
