The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Anambra State. During a stakeholders’ forum in Awka, GPSDC Executive Secretary Eucharia Anekwe criticized the insufficient funds allocated for TB interventions despite a ₦50 million budgetary provision for 2022 and 2023.
Anekwe stressed that improved domestic funding is essential to combat the growing TB burden. Many Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra lack the necessary GeneXpert machines for rapid TB diagnostics, and those that do have them are not adequately equipped.
The forum aimed to discuss ways to enhance domestic funding for TB programs. Anekwe appealed to the state government to increase budget allocations and ensure timely release of funds.
Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person for the Anambra State TB Control Programme, reported a rise in TB cases from 2,300 in 2018 to 13,125 in 2022 and 2023 combined. She noted a decrease in case detection in early 2024 and highlighted the impact of funding cuts from partners.
Arthur Iwuanya, Director of Planning in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the need for relevant data to support increased funding. Oge Ozoemena, Programme Manager at GPSDC, called for TB to be treated as a public health emergency and urged the state government to recognize the need for increased funding.