Osun state boosts fight against Tuberculosis, Leprosy, receives Global Fund support with 60 Motorcycles

 

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that poses a significant threat to human health, primarily affecting the lungs. In order to combat the widespread of this disease in rural part of the state, the Osun state government in collaboration with Global funds, distributed 60 motorcycle to TB supervisors

During the distribution program on Thursday, at Government House in Osogbo, Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke who was represented by Commissioner for health, Hon. Jola Akintola commended the intervention and partnership of Global funds.

He maintained that, the state had earlier received two projects vehicle from Global funds, and these vehicles will enable TB supervisors to reach remote areas and ensured that no one will be left behind in fight against TB and Leprosy..

Governor Adeleke, however lauded Global funds for their continued support, while describing it as invaluable which underscore the importance of collaboration in achieving the state health goals.

He said; "We witness a remarkable step forward in our ongoing battle against tuberculosis and leprosy in Osun state. The Tuberculosis and leprosy control program will be generous upon us and Global funds has collaborated with Osun state government by providing 60 motorbikes for our Tuberculosis and Leprosy supervisors and assistant Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisor.

"We had earlier received two project vehicles, one for the state tuberculosis and leprosy control program and the other one for the state Aids and STIs control program.

"These motorbikes and vehicles are not just mere means of transportation, they're vital tools that will enhance the mobility and operational efficiency of our dedicated team.

"Our commitment to eradicate tuberculosis and leprosy is unwavering, this diseases have long due results on our community but with initiative like this, we're making significant strike towards the elimination.

"Distribution of these motorbikes will enable our supervisors to reach even the remoted areas of our state, ensuring that no one is left behind in our fight against this diseases. The project vehicle will further support the operational need of both the STBLCP, enhancing our overall program effectively." He added 

The commissioner, continued by praising the state Governor for his numerous projects across the health sector of the state which include payment of salaries, and allowances pf health workers, Imole Medical and surgical program, comprehensive innovation and upgrading of 332 primary health care facilities, 100 already completed while work on other 100 already going among others.

In an interview with newsmen, TB Supervisor for Oriade local government, Mr Adeyinka Gabriel, explained that the motive behind the initiative is to enable supervisors to reach the nooks and crannies of Osun state in TB case detection and case findings.

"The motive behind this initiative is that we're having many heart to reach in areas of the state in which we've not been able to comb properly when it comes to our case detection and case findings. 

"Last year , Osun state was awarded from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy program, we were given an award because of our case notifications and case detention.

"So we want to keep up the pace, we want to continue with that pace, we want to comb every nooks and crannies of the state in detecting Tuberculosis and leprosy alongside with chronic ulser. Now that we have been given a dynamic gesture from the Global fund, it will enable us to go to all the areas." He noted

Mr Gabriel, however assured the state government that, the supervisors will make use of those motorcycles judiciously.

Mrs Dare Bukola Bola, who is among the supervisors appreciated the Governor and the donors for different support and contributions they have received so far on TB cases.

" We have villages that are very difficult to reach, the terrain is more difficult to reach during the rainy season. So these motorcycles will really be of great help.

"We appreciate the donor and the state Government, they've assisted us with not only Motorbikes but with programs in the state." She said.

Dr Chris Ayomi, the state lead for USID TB project in his words emphasized that one of the challenges TB program is facing in the state is as a result of logistics challenge, where the local government TB supervisors find it difficult to access some areas in the state.

He, however urged all citizens of the state to make good use of the new development, while noting that almost everything concerning TB is absolutely free in healthcare centres. 

"We're using this opportunity to call on the masses to access themselves, whenever they have any symptoms of TB, maybe cough, weight loss and inability to sleep at night, they should go to healthcare for help.

"Today is a very memorable day because of the challenge the TB program is facing in the state is as a result of logistics challenge, where the local government TB supervisors find it difficult to access some areas in the state. 

"So with the support of state government, as well as this donation from global funds, and National TB program, we believe this will really go a long way to support the fight against TB.

"We know TB is a disease that is being managed in the state as well as in the National Level, the TB treatment is free, including the screening, diagnosis as well as the drugs, so we're using this opportunity to call on the masses to access themselves, whenever they have any symptoms of TB, maybe cough, weight loss and inability to sleep at night, they should go to healthcare for help.

"With this support from the Osun state government and Global funds, we believe we will make progress in fighting against TB in the state. He said