By: Amaka Madu
The need for the youths to be engaged meaningfully in the planning and implementation process for TB through Global Fund has been emphasised.This formed the issue of discourse on a 2 day consultation / Workshop organized by African Network of Adolescents and Young Persons Development (ANAYD) on increasing Youth Engagement in Global Fund process and TB programming in Awka.,Sponsored by THe Global Fund.
In her opening remarks,The Program Manager for ANAYD Obiajulu Juliet categorically made it clear that the objective of the workshop is to engage Young people on the drive to participate fully in championing programs to curb TB especially amongst the youths and also acquaint participants on what the global fund has in stock for youths across Nigeria. Also Speaking, The Executive Director for ANAYD Mr Aaron Sunday explained that they are poised to work on the Response program of the Global Fund in ensuring that there is maximum outcome on curbing TB in Nigeria with emphasis on the younger one’s by working towards attracting more funds in curbing TB in Nigeria. Mr Sunday highlighted that Anambra State is one of the states with TB burden in Nigeria…
Similarly,The facilitator for ANAYD Miss Ayomiposi Samabo in her lecture series’ enumerated all components and cycles involved in Global Fund process, sighting the primary goal of the Global Fund as reaching the ambitious sustainable Development goals of HIV,TB and malaria,tailored to maximize impact which Nigeria is among the High impact countries with reference that Global Fund allocates US $250million for high impact countries like Nigeria.
Miss Ayo hinted that TB remains a significant Global health concern, ranking as the second leading cause of deaths from infectious diseases world Wide..as TB poses a major public health challenge amongst young people as it’s overall national incidence rate was 219 per 100,000 cases with an estimate total of 467,000 cases. Dr Enoch Asuquo and Mr Precious Ilueme of KNCV, Mrs Ify Unachukwu the State Chairperson for TB Network, Dr Chukwulobelu the PM for TB, Anambra state MOH duly represented by Nnoli Nkechi, Dr Mbagwu Tonia of Anambra SAPC, and Mr Johnbosco of AnSACA, including Eucharia Onyemaobi of ACT Nigeria and Chukwu Chinenye of TB People Nigeria who are all partners joined in the call for the youths to be fully involved in the implementation process of the Global Fund programs as it will go a long way in the decision process too. Barriers to accessing health care services for the youths with TB were discussed and recommendations made by participants.,which includes; youths participation in Global grants. Youth friendly TB services from health providers and incentives for TB patients on treatment amongst others….
