By: Amaka madu
Gender perspective and Social Development Center (GPSDC) ,Which is a grassroot women led Non governmental organization based in Anambra State which aims at empowering marginalized communities through education, Advocacy, engagements and health initiatives organised a one day capacity building workshop for Cso’s and Media on Tuberculosis intervention.
In her opening remarks,The program Manager Oge Ozoemenam Highlighted that the workshop signifies a significant step forward in a collective efforts to combat tuberculosis and strengthen advocacy and engagements which she described the workshop as a testament to their ongoing efforts.Mrs Ozoemenam enumerated that they are currently implementing a project under the FUND TB cluster,with policy alert as the anchor in patnership with palladium Group..Which she explained is part of the health component of Strengthening Civic Advocacy and local Engagements funded by the United States Agency for international Development (USAID)..Which it’s aim is to enhance and sustain domestic investment to bridge the sustantial 70 pecent funding gap required to manage Tuberculosis intervention in our focal States which includes Akwaibom, Anambra, Cross River,Delta,and IMo ,each being led by different organizations with GPSDC spearheading the FUND TB project in Anambra State,emphasizing that the workshop is to provide valuable insights into effective advocacy,Strategies, Skills,for engaging stakeholders and the media and also an opportunity to share experiences and best practices.In his own remarks Mr Faith Paulinus of the Policy Alert Commended Anambra State for it’s efforts in TB projects and Urged the State government to work on more funds allocation for TB projects in the state.
Delivering a lecture on CURRENT POLICY AND BUDGETARY ENVIRONMENT,A media practicioner,Dr Ifeanyi Obiefuna, Explained that Media practicioners are professionals that can help in eradicating TB in Nigeria if carried along appropriately and therefore called on the media to take charge as TB awareness is one that needs a collective efforts.Dr Obiefuna recommended that complete and we’ll researched data on TB is a veritable tool in TB eradication in Nigeria..He listed ..poor funding,lack of sensitization,lack of knowledge etc.as challenges militating TB eradication in Nigeria.
Also The TB coordinator in the State Mrs Ify Unachukwu during her lecture explained that there is available data on TB thou scattered because majority of people involved are not responding accordingly,With emphasis that most of the journalist in the country don’t go out to make reasearch about TB..Mrs Unachukwu pointed out that Stakeholders mapping and Engagements including Two way communications Foster’s Collaboration and support for TB projects, therefore called for a collective efforts from civil society groups and the media to help spread the message of eradicating TB in Nigeria.