Committing to reducing Tuberculosis outbreak in the state, the Bauchi State Government is focused on increased funding, effective resource management, and collaboration with stakeholders.
At an advocacy visit by the Bauchi-based NGO, Langa Women Development Initiative, the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hamayyo, reiterated the government’s dedication to tackling the TB burden through strategic planning and implementation of activities.
Emphasizing the importance of financing TB management and eradication, the Commissioner acknowledged that tuberculosis control and management have been neglected in comparison to other public health diseases in the state.
He assured to boost budgetary allocations for health services specifically aimed at TB programs to support TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention initiatives and enhance worker capacity.
Stressing the significance of timely release of allocated funds, he stated, “The government is committed to budgetary allocations for TB control and will support the disbursement and timely release of allocated funds, which are crucial for effective TB management.”
Furthermore, the Commissioner highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Civil Society Organizations and other relevant bodies to improve TB care, ensure adequate funding, and optimize resource allocation.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adamu Sambo, pledged to ensure a consistent supply of TB drugs and diagnostic equipment and address logistical challenges in remote areas for effective TB management in the state.
Dr. Sambo also committed to enhancing coordination mechanisms between the state government and CSOs to ensure seamless implementation of TB programs.
During the visit, Amb. Grace Maikudi, Executive Director of Langa Women Development Initiative, stressed the importance of funds specifically allocated for TB control activities for better planning and execution to avoid delays hindering TB control activities.
Providing an overview of Tuberculosis infection in Bauchi state, Dr. Yakubu Gida, Director of Tuberculosis at the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis, and Leprosy (BACATMA), revealed the state’s TB prevalence and the number of undetected TB cases, also known as ‘The Missing TB Cases.’
Dr. Gida highlighted the infrastructure available for TB control in the state including DOT centers, microscopy centers, GeneXpert machines, Truenat, and TB Lamp.