Government ministries and agencies have pledged their support for the campaign to raise funding for tuberculosis (TB) treatment in Imo State. This commitment was made during the second day of workshops and advocacy visits organized by the Initiative for Prevention and Control of Diseases (IPCD) in Owerri.
Stakeholders present at the event included representatives from the Imo State Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budgeting and Economic Planning, Office of the Head of Service, and the Office of the Accountant General. These representatives pledged to collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that TB is prioritized in the 2025 appropriation bill of Imo State. They also committed to working with civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure the disbursement and implementation of TB funds.
Edidiong Dickson, Programme Manager of Policy Alert, a partner organization of IPCD, hailed the commitment as a significant boost for the campaign. “This collective pledge is a crucial step towards bridging the funding gap and ensuring that TB patients receive the necessary treatment,” Dickson stated.
Pius Okaneme, an advocate from IPCD, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the TB crisis. “The TB situation in Imo State and Nigeria affects everyone, and no one is immune. It’s vital that all hands are on deck to bridge the funding gap and help patients receive the treatment they need,” Okaneme said.
The Funding Gap
The funding gap for TB treatment in Imo State remains a significant challenge. Currently, only 30% of the annual TB treatment budget is covered by government and international funds, leaving a 70% shortfall. This gap places countless lives at risk, as it costs approximately N1.5 million to treat a single TB patient, an amount unaffordable for many without financial assistance.
The Need to Fight TB
Nigeria, and particularly Imo State, continues to grapple with high TB rates. In 2023, Nigeria reported over 361,000 TB cases, making it the country with the highest TB burden in Africa and the sixth highest globally. Imo State alone has 209 TB patients per 100,000 people. Without adequate funding and intervention, the TB crisis will worsen, leading to higher transmission rates and more deaths.
Commitment and Advocacy
IPCD and its partner agencies are steadfast in their commitment to combating TB. The advocacy campaign project, funded by USAID and Palladium/Skill, aims to raise awareness and galvanize local support for TB funding. This project includes workshops, advocacy visits, and public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and reducing TB-related stigma.
The newly formed partnership between MDAs, CSOs, the media, and other stakeholders is expected to be fruitful in ensuring that TB receives the attention and funding it deserves. The collaborative efforts aim to secure sustainable funding, improve healthcare infrastructure, and enhance public awareness, ultimately working towards a TB-free Nigeria.
Call to Action
“The government must step up its efforts to combat TB,” urged Pius Okaneme. “We need sustainable funding and resources to provide comprehensive care to TB patients. This is a call to action for everyone – let’s work together to eradicate TB from our communities.”
With this renewed commitment and collaborative approach, there is hope on the horizon for TB patients in Imo State and across Nigeria. The fight against TB requires immediate and sustained action, and the involvement of all stakeholders is essential in making significant strides towards eradicating this deadly disease.
