The State Advocacy Team of the GC7 CLM Integrated project in Ekiti State has called for budgetary allocation towards Tuberculosis(TB) and HIV control activities in the State’s budget, stressing that sustainable domestic financing is critical to strengthening the state’s response to the disease.
The advocacy formed the highlight of the team’s visit to the Ekiti State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (TBLCP), where members engaged officials on the progress of TB control efforts and the need to ensure consistent government funding to complement donor support.
Speaking on behalf of the team, the state coordinator of TB Network, Dr Taiwo Benson noted that a budgetary allocation for the control of these diseases will ensure sustainability of donors’ efforts in the State.
The advocacy team and TBLCP also reviewed ongoing interventions and identified areas requiring additional attention to sustain progress in the fight against tuberculosis.
As part of the advocacy visit, the team also visited the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EKSPHCDA), where discussions focused on the condition of infrastructure at primary healthcare centres across the state and the need for continuous investment in the primary healthcare system.
The SAT urged the agency to sustain the rehabilitation and maintenance of health facilities, improve the availability of essential medical equipment and commodities and strengthen healthcare services at the grassroots to meet the growing health needs of residents.
Responding, officials of the agency disclosed that the Ekiti State Government recently recruited 150 health workers who have since been deployed to primary healthcare centres across the state to address workforce shortages and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The advocacy team commended the state government for the recruitment, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
The team, however, encouraged the government to sustain investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and essential services to improve health outcomes across Ekiti State.
The GC7 SAT reiterated its commitment to sustained engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders to promote stronger health systems, improved healthcare access, and better outcomes for residents of the state.
