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| Commissioner Inyang Asibong (4th from R), DG Betta Edu (5th from R) with members of Nigeriaquial, etc (photocredit: Uche Alexis) |
Uche Alexis|3 September 2017
The Cross River State Government is set to partner with the Nigeriaqual TB and Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) as they intensify efforts to curb the spread of tuberculosis in the State. This was disclosed by the State Health boss Dr. Inyang Asibong during a meeting with the team from the US recently.
“It would be recalled that during the March 24th World Tuberculosis day celebration, the State set a target of 2000 new TB cases for every year from that day and six months down the line a little more than half the target population has been confirmed and placed under treatment. This shows the readiness of the Governor Ayade-led administration to reduce health incidence in the State. We are leaving no stones unturned in our aggressive pursuit of TB cases in the State and this collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time.”, Dr. Asibong said while receiving the US based delegates.
The pilot phase of the programme will see health workers from selected TB centers across the State under go training on the latest trend in data collection and case management in TB. There will also be a step down training across these facilities as a follow-up by the same facilitators from Nigeriaqual and IHVN respectively.
In related news the State Government also collaborated with Fhi360, the implementing partners for Four Pillars Plus, in creating adolescent and youth friendly centers in some LGAs in the State. “This is aimed at increasing adolescent potential to protect their sexual reproductive health and adopt self-seeking behaviour as the future of the State, and nation lies in the ability of the youth and adolescents.”, Dr. Asibong said.
The DG of the SPHCDA, Dr. Betta Edu hinted that the PHCs are ready to partake in the battle against TB whilst lauding the youth friendly centers in the PHCs. Also present at the briefing was the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Joseph Bassey and other Directors from the Ministry.
Uche Alexis
Is a Health Reporter
