Bauchi Gov't partners CSOs to Scale up TB Control

From: Ahmed Ahmed 

The Bauchi State Government says it’s collaborating with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other partners to effectively scale up Tuberculosis (TB) control efforts in the state.

Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, the State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Development said this when LANGA Women Development Initiative paid him an advocacy visit on Friday in Bauchi.

He said that collaboration with CSOs was crucial as they conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on TB, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

“Engaging communities through CSOs can help in reaching high-risk populations and encouraging them to seek testing and treatment,” he said.

Hammayo noted with concern that the state had reported a considerable number of TB cases, reflecting a substantial burden on its healthcare infrastructure.

“As a government, we must prioritise TB control by increasing budgetary allocations to health services, specifically targeting TB programmes.

“This funding is essential for TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

“We have to ensure timely release of funds to ensure that TB programmes and interventions are not delayed,” he said.

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adamu Sambo pledged to strengthen coordination mechanisms between the state government and CSOs for seamless implementation of TB programmes.

“There is the need to improve transparency in budget allocation and fund utilisation to build trust and ensure that resources are effectively used.

“We can also enhance community awareness and reduce the stigma associated with tuberculosis,” Sambo said.

Earlier, Amb. Grace Maikudi, Executive Director, LANGA Women, said they were in the ministries to collaborate and ensure that funds are specifically allocated for TB control activities, as well as facilitate better planning and execution.

“It is also to ensure that a dedicated budget line is maintained to enable targeted interventions, improvement in resource allocation, and enhancement in the overall effectiveness of TB control programmes.

“Regular delay in fund disbursement hinders timely implementation of TB control activities.

“Constant delay can lead to stockouts in TB medications, interruption of TB services, and reduced outreach efforts,” she said.