In a concerted effort to combat tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Nigeria, key stakeholders gathered at a Strategic Regional Peer Review Meeting on August 14-15, 2024, at Jemil Guest Palace, Bauchi. The two-day event aimed to address the critical need for increased domestic funding for TB programs across the Northern Region and to foster collaboration among states to close existing funding gaps.
The meeting brought together representatives from various Cluster States Community Based Organizations (CBOs) of the TB Northern Nexus Cluster led by NACWYCA, including State TB Managers and officials from the Ministries of Health and Finance. Discussions were centered on evaluating budget performances for TB programs and strategizing on securing budget releases in states where TB-specific budget lines are lacking.
State TB Managers committed to returning with renewed energy to advocate for budget releases, while Finance Ministry representatives vowed to prioritize TB budget inclusion and ensure timely releases. They also pledged to collaborate closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and State TB Networks to align government efforts with civil society initiatives for the success of the TB eradication campaign.
The event, which recorded an attendance of 29 participants (19 male, 10 female), highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness and funding to kick TB out of the Northern Region. Stakeholders left with a shared commitment to bridging the funding gaps and advancing TB control efforts in their respective states.