By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Commissioner of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Aminu Hammayo has lamented that Tuberculosis control has been relegated to the background among other public health diseases in the state agency.
He therefore declared that the state government is strongly committed to addressing the Tuberculosis (TB) burden through strategic planning in the State.
Aminu Hammayo was speaking during an advocacy visit to him by a Bauchi based NGO, LANGA Women Development Initiative on Friday in his office.
He also reiterated that increased funding, effective resource management and collaboration with stakeholders are essential to reduce TB incidence and improve health outcomes in the state.
The Commissioner further pledged to support the relevant agency by increasing budgetary allocations to health services, specifically targeting TB programs.
According to him, “This funding is essential for supporting TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention initiatives and building capacity of workers.”
He also stated that, “Already government is committed to budgetary allocations for TB control and would support disbursement and timely release of allocated funds which is crucial for effective TB management.”
The Commissioner also reassured collaboration with Civil Society Organisations to improve TB care, ensure adequate funding, and optimize resource allocation.
In the same vein, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adamu Sambo, said that his Ministry would be ensuring consistent availability of TB drugs and diagnostic equipment as well as overcoming logistical issues in remote areas.
Adamu Sambo further pledged strengthening coordination mechanisms between the state government and CSOs to ensure seamless implementation of TB programs.
According to him, “Improving transparency in budget allocation and fund utilization to build trust and ensure that resources are effectively used.”
“As well as enhancing community awareness and reducing stigma associated with tuberculosis,” the Commissioner said.
Speaking earlier, Executive Director of LANGA Women Development Initiative, Amb. Grace Maikudi, said that they, in the Ministries will calibrate and ensure that funds are specifically allocated for TB control activities, facilitating better planning, execution.
He stressed that, “To ensure that a dedicated budget line is maintained to enable targeted interventions, improve resource allocation, and enhance the overall effectiveness of TB control programmes.”
Maikudi Grace added that, “As well as regular delays in fund disbursement hinder timely implementation of TB control activities, noting that these delays can lead to stockouts of TB medications, interruption of TB services, and reduced outreach efforts.”
