The first Cluster Coaching and Learning Event, organized by the TB Northern Nexus Cluster under the USAID/Palladium SCALE project, took place on July 30-31, 2024, in Jos, Plateau State. This event, held at the KRP_ FEMA, a member organization of the Cluster, aimed to enhancing the capacity of the cluster organizations in effectively advocating for tuberculosis (TB) awareness and policy implementation.
The event, part of the broader objective of strengthening the financial, management, and advocacy skills of the cluster organizations of the TB Northern Nexus Cluster focused on building the cluster’s effectiveness, accountability, and adaptability. The coaching sessions were designed to enable evidence-based decision-making, bolster advocacy efforts, support sustainability, and foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among cluster organizations.
The two-day event was attended by 23 participants, including Executive Directors, Program Managers, Finance Managers and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers of the cluster members including Centre for Women, Youth & Community Action (NACWYCA), Lafia, Langa Women Development Initiative (LWDI), Bauchi, Okaha Women and Children Development Organization (OWACDO), Makurdi – Benue Tstate, Health Development Alternative Initiative (HDAI), Kano, Community Awareness and Development Initiative (CADI), Katsina and Kaneng Rwang Pam Foundation for Education Migration Awareness (KRP_FEMA), Jos – Plateau State. Additionally, a learning session was held, attended by 30 representatives from CSOs, media organizations, network leaders, and business member organizations. The participants included 10 males and 13 females, with youth and persons with disabilities actively involved.
During the opening session, the Executive Director of the Kaneng Rwang Pam Foundation for Education Migration Awareness (KRP_FEMA) welcomed the participants and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event. She emphasized the importance of fruitful engagement over the two days.
A key highlight of the coaching session was the discussion on the Political and Economic Analysis (PEA) of the TB program in Plateau State. Participants reviewed the current political and economic landscape, identifying issues such as inadequate funding, changes in political officeholders, and uncertainties due to planned nationwide protests. The discussions highlighted the need for strategic advocacy, particularly focusing on securing budget releases and engaging with private sector stakeholders.
The session also addressed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) issues, emphasizing the importance of inclusive programming that accommodates persons with disabilities. Participants were encouraged to ensure that their organizational practices and office spaces are GESI-compliant.
On the second day, the cluster reviewed its work plan and held a learning event focused on the situation of TB in Plateau State. The event utilized the Fish Bowl approach, with stakeholders from various sectors discussing challenges such as the lack of sustained funding for TB programs and the need for increased private sector involvement.
Key outcomes of the event included commitments from PRTV to support TB advocacy through media engagement, Youth Alive’s pledge to enhance TB awareness, and a call for greater private sector involvement. However, challenges remain, particularly in securing adequate funding and sustaining advocacy efforts.
The event concluded with participants agreeing on the need for follow-up actions, including engaging the private sector, strengthening feedback mechanisms, and advocating for the relocation of the TB program office to the Primary Health Care Agency for better management.