Policy Alert to Fund Tuberculosis (TB) Cluster, an advocacy group, has called on private sector entities to incorporate tuberculosis (TB) funding and control programs into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The appeal was made by Mr. Faith Paulinus, Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at Policy Alert, during a consultative forum organized by the Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) in Awka.
The Fund TB Project in Anambra is supported by USAID through the Palladium Group under its Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) initiative. Paulinus emphasized that a partnership between the government and private sector could significantly enhance budgeting and financing for improved TB services in Nigeria.
“The involvement of the private sector in eradicating TB is crucial,” Paulinus stated. “The Anambra state government must show greater commitment by increasing domestic budgeting and releases for TB. Additionally, private sector players can integrate TB into their CSR initiatives, such as acquiring GeneXpert machines, subsidizing TB diagnosis, and raising awareness within their host communities.”
Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Program Manager for Anambra State Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Management, identified funding shortages as the primary barrier to effective TB control in the state. Represented by Ms. Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Chukwulobelu highlighted the state’s reliance on donor funding, noting that Anambra records 219 new TB cases per 100,000 people annually, underscoring the need for sustained financial support.
“The real challenge we face is funding,” Chukwulobelu said. “With adequate funding, we can ensure the sustainability of TB programs even as donor support wanes.”
He also noted that Anambra has about 800 Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) centers, 14 GeneXpert machines, and 13 GeneXpert sites, which have significantly improved access to treatment.
Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe, Executive Director of GPSDC, urged the private sector to also support TB outreach programs. She called on civil society advocates and the media to intensify TB awareness campaigns and strengthen advocacy for TB funding in the state.
Earlier, Mrs. Oge Ozoemena, Program Manager at GPSDC, stated that the forum’s goal was to enhance and sustain domestic investment necessary for managing TB interventions in Anambra.
