The Head of Department Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu, has tasked the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) to provide data to back up its advocacy for improved domestic funding for tuberculosis in the area.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Nwachukwu made the call when the GPSDC team paid an advocacy visit to her office as part of its Fund TB project in Anambra State.
Represented by the Planning Officer One, Mrs. Chizoba Mbanefo, Nwachukwu appreciated the concerns of the NGO and expressed readiness to work with it to achieve greater funding for the TB Campaign in the area.
Nwachukwu however stressed the need to back the campaign up with data that are specific for Anambra State.
“If anything in the budget is not realistic enough and not in line with the governor’s manifesto, it will not fly. Good enough, this your request aligns with his vision for the state.
“We’re aware that TB is a very strong disease burden that is on the rise now. In fact, the number you quoted is just the number of cases that you people have. There are some other co-infections. For example, anybody you see with HIV, the chances of tuberculosis is very high.
Nwachukwu said they had already made an investment case to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which is in charge of preparing the state budget. “However, since this has come up again, we will strengthen the process going forward.
Coincidentally, a core circular for the 2025 budget was just released. We are going to factor in all that we have discussed.
“During our advocacy visit to various bodies, we will also make a case for greater TB funding because of the cases that are coming up.
“But, to help us defend this better, I will like you people to provide us with the state specific and accurate data.
“Remember, we will also appear before the House of Assembly committees for defence. So, we must be armed with data and necessary information. With that. I am sure we will be able to achieve good results,” Nwachukwu concluded.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), Eucharia Anekwe, represented by the Program Manager, Ogechukwu Ozoemena, regretted that tuberculosis intervention in the area had been largely donor-driven, a reality which portends danger for the future especially if the foreign partners finally withdraw funding.
“This is why we are here to advocate for improved local funding for TB. We need to start now to prepare for such withdrawal.
“We are also asking the government to ensure actual release of the money annually budgeted for TB in Anambra State. This is important to stem the tide of the disease.
According to Anekwe, Anambra State recorded 3004 active cases of tuberculosis in the first quarter of 2024.
The State TB Network Coordinator, Ify Unachukwu, regretted that despite several deaths from the disease, public awareness is still low.
“TB response must be locally driven. Federal, state and local governments will play their roles while the communities are mobilized to complement their efforts. When community members are sensitized, we have found that they are ever willing to help government implement its interventions.
“There’s this alarm of donor fatigue and we must be ready for any eventuality. Let there be an increase in government funding for TB while the government seeks private sector collaboration to do the same,” Unachukwu advised.
