In Anambra State, the management of Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control, represented by Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, highlighted the hindrance caused by insufficient funds in responding effectively to the escalating cases of Tuberculosis in the state.
Dr. Chukwulobelu addressed this issue during a ‘Consultative Breakfast Meeting on Tuberculosis’ held in Awka, involving the private sector and various stakeholders.
The event was part of the Fund TB Project in Anambra State, carried out by five non-governmental organizations operating across the South-East and South-South states and supported by USAID through the Palladium Group under its Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement program.
Dr. Chukwulobelu expressed concern over the fact that the response to Tuberculosis, a significant public health challenge, heavily relies on donor funding.
He mentioned the alarming statistics of 323 cases per 100,000 individuals having TB and 219 new TB cases per 100,000 annually, attributing the primary issue to lack of funding.
Despite numerous pleas made via memos the previous year, no approvals were granted, and no funds were disbursed from the allocated budget, as shared by Dr. Chukwulobelu.
The state currently boasts 800 DOT sites, 14 Gene Xpert machines, 13 Gene Xpert sites, 1 Truenat machine, and other facilities that have significantly enhanced treatment accessibility.
Dr. Chukwulobelu also clarified that a Tuberculosis patient undergoing treatment for a week poses no risk of infecting others, emphasizing the importance of dispelling stigmatization associated with the disease.
He concluded by urging private sector entities to contribute financially to bridge the funding gap.
Chima Asomba, a civil society activist, echoed the necessity of private sector involvement in combating Tuberculosis in the region, citing the transparency and accountability observed in the TB control program in Anambra State as a basis for investment opportunities in treatment facilities, diagnostic tools, education, and awareness campaigns.
Eucharia Anekwe, the Executive Director of GPSDC, suggested different ways for businesses to support TB patients, such as incorporating anti-TB messages on company souvenirs, providing nutritious meals, assisting with transportation for treatments, and supporting outreach programs against Tuberculosis.
During a presentation on Transformative Budgeting and Financing for Improved Tuberculosis Services in Nigeria, Faith Paulinus, the Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at Fund TB Cluster, stressed the need for increased commitment from the Anambra State Government in domestic budgeting and timely fund allocation for TB control.
She urged the private sector to integrate TB initiatives into their corporate social responsibility programs to bolster the state’s TB response.
Ify Unachukwu, the State TB Network Coordinator, emphasized the importance of separate funding allocations for various health programs to ensure transparency and effective budgeting.