ATM Network Partners State TB Programme to Improve Service Delivery in Anambra
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) Network has partnered with the Anambra State Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme to enhance tuberculosis service delivery in the state.
The partnership was announced during a meeting between the ATM Network State Advocacy Team (SAT) and the State TB Programme, in Awka the State capital, Friday.
The meeting was part of ATM’s advocacy drive to strengthen service delivery at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and promote community-based TB control in Anambra State.
It also formed part of the ongoing ATM Network as civil society’s engagement to ensure improved budgetary releases, policy accountability, and better integration of TB services within the state’s PHC system.
The ATM Network delegation, comprising key SAT members led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ify Unachukwu, has been monitoring TB interventions across LGAs and PHCs under the Global Fund-supported Community System Strengthening (CSS) Project.
During presentation, Mrs Ify Unachukwu commended the State Government’s efforts in expanding TB diagnostic and treatment centers but raised concern over persistent challenges that hinder the full realization of TB control targets in Anambra State.
Unachukwu highlighted key challenges hindering TB control targets in Anambra State, including inconsistent budgetary releases, overdependence on donor funding, limited awareness and community engagement, infrastructure and human resource gaps at Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and weak data quality and feedback mechanisms.
“Despite steady budget allocations over the past three years averaging ₦50 to ₦60 million annually for TB interventions, actual fund releases have been sporadic and significantly below projections. This shortfall weakens the state’s capacity for effective case finding, treatment follow-up, and community outreach at the PHC level.
“Most TB activities, including community case finding and logistics for diagnostic consumables, are heavily funded by external partners such as the Global Fund and NGOs. Without consistent state co-funding, sustainability remains threatened if donor support wanes.
“Many rural communities still lack adequate TB awareness, leading to low health-seeking behavior. There’s need for stronger health promotion and mobilization through the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and community health volunteers.
“Several PHCs lack functional GeneXpert machines, adequate sample transport mechanisms, or trained TB focal staff. This affects early detection and prompt treatment, especially in hard-to-reach LGAs.
“Field monitors observed weak data feedback loops between PHCs and the LGA TBLS offices. We recommend that data reporting be strengthened and that health workers receive refresher training on TB data management and patient follow-up.”
In response to these challenges, the ATM Network State Program Officer, Mr Onyekachi Ololo Samuel reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the State TB Programme to collaborate with the State TB Programme to scale up TB awareness campaigns, advocate for timely budget releases, facilitate training for PHC staff, support joint monitoring visits, and integrate TB financing and service quality issues into state-level advocacy platforms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Nkechi Nnoli, representating the State TB Program Manager, commended the ATM Network for its continuous partnership, grassroots presence, and evidence-based advocacy, acknowledging the challenges raised and expressing commitment to improving funding flow, service delivery, and partner coordination.
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to sustain collaboration and track the implementation of the 2025 TB operational targets, particularly at the PHC level.
www.odogwublog.com reports that the partnership will help to strengthen TB service delivery, promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and improve health outcomes in Anambra State.
