Stakeholders Converge in Jos to Tackle Tuberculosis in Northern Nigeria.

A high-level meeting of stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria convened in Jos yesterday to address the escalating tuberculosis (TB) crisis in the region. The TB Northern Nexus Cluster Training and Learning Event brought together representatives from government, civil society, media, and the private sector to share experiences, identify challenges, and chart a path forward.

The event, hosted by the Kaneng Rwang Pam Foundation for Education and Migration Awareness (KRP FEMA), highlighted the alarming prevalence of TB in Northern Nigeria and the urgent need for increased funding and collaboration. Participants expressed deep concern over the potential impact of the looming nationwide protest on TB control efforts.

Dr. Bobby Izang, Director of Special Diseases and Immunization for Plateau State, revealed a significant challenge: the TB program is currently domiciled in the Ministry of Health instead of the State Public Health Board, hindering effective disease control. Efforts are underway to rectify this situation.

Civil society organizations, including those involved in active case finding (ACF), shared their experiences and challenges in combating TB. They emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need for increased resources to support their work.

The private sector was called upon to play a more active role in addressing the TB epidemic. Participants suggested that companies, especially in the mining sector, should contribute to TB initiatives given their significant profits.

Kaneng Rwang Pam, Executive Director of KRP FEMA, stressed the urgent need for collective action to tackle the TB crisis. She emphasized the importance of bridging the 70% funding gap and called for increased collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to work together to develop and implement strategies to combat TB in Northern Nigeria. The event served as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and advocacy for increased investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• TB is a major public health crisis in Northern Nigeria, requiring urgent attention.
• Increased funding is essential to address the TB epidemic.
• Collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector is crucial.
• Community engagement and active case finding are key components of TB control.
• The media has a vital role to play in raising awareness about TB.

As the nation braces for the upcoming nationwide protest, the participants at the TB Northern Nexus Cluster Training and Learning Event expressed hope that the momentum generated at the meeting will continue despite the challenges ahead.