‘Utilize multi-sectoral partnerships to beat tuberculosis’

A major solution to reducing the burden of tuberculosis in the country is for stakeholders in the health sector to strongly engage in cross functional and multi-sectoral partnerships. Medical Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olubukunola Fagade, stated this during the national tuberculosis conference organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria (STBPN) and the National […]

A major solution to reducing the burden of tuberculosis in the country is for stakeholders in the health sector to strongly engage in cross functional and multi-sectoral partnerships.
Medical Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olubukunola Fagade, stated this during the national tuberculosis conference organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria (STBPN) and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTLCP) in Abuja.
He said strong partnerships that strengthen health systems and support government efforts to  achieve universal coverage and  health security are needed.
Fagade said Agbami Co-venturers represented by Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a Chevron Company have made  contributions towards the elimination of TB in Nigeria, including building and equipping 25 chest clinics to help manage TB in the various endemic areas in the country.
The group has also embarked on TB Awareness Campaign aimed at sensitizing people on the dangers of TB and how to prevent infection, manage or cure TB, he said.
He said some of the challenges faced by the organization in the course of partnering to reduce the burden of TB in Nigeria include weak health systems, health determinants – education, poverty, high level of illiteracy, stigmatization and poverty.
Earlier, The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Tuberculosis (TB), Dr Eric Goosby said a strong political will is also needed by the government and other stakeholders  to enable Nigeria address its high burden of tuberculosis.