Efforts to combat Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer in Anambra State have received a major boost as the state government distributed 42 motorcycles to disease surveillance officers on Thursday, February 29, 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen early detection, treatment, and healthcare access in remote communities across all 21 local government areas.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo, led the distribution event in Awka. Addressing the beneficiaries, Obidike underscored the critical need for proactive case tracking and treatment to curb the spread of these infectious diseases.
“These motorcycles will allow our health supervisors to penetrate the most difficult terrains, ensuring that no one is left untreated. Our goal is to reduce the burden of TB, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer in Anambra State by strengthening disease surveillance and prompt intervention,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with the state’s broader healthcare strategy to improve grassroots medical outreach, reduce undiagnosed TB cases, and eliminate stigmatization associated with leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Programme Manager for Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Management in Anambra, acknowledged the financial and technical backing from the Global Fund and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme. He highlighted Nigeria’s worrisome TB statistics, noting that the country ranks sixth globally and first in Africa in TB burden.
“This intervention will significantly enhance case-finding efforts and bring treatment closer to affected individuals, ultimately reducing mortality rates associated with these diseases,” Chukwulobelu added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amaka Onyema, pledged to intensify surveillance, ensuring optimal use of the provided resources to combat these diseases effectively.
The rollout of these motorcycles is expected to improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, as Anambra State reinforces its commitment to public health and disease eradication.
