By Hassan Zaggi
The Acting Board Chairperson of the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, has insisted that Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is key to ending TB in Nigeria.
She disclosed this in Abuja while delivering a welcome address at the National Stakeholders’ Consultation on PPP to End TB in Nigeria.
The national stakeholders’ consultation was organized by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), with support from Stop TB Partnership Geneva.
Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, however, lamented that TB remains one of the top-priority diseases in Nigeria and that the country is also among the high-burden countries in the world for TB and Multi-Drug Resistant/Rifampicin-Resistant TB.
She, however, stressed that TB is a curable preventable disease and that eradicating it requires what she described as multi-stakeholder efforts and commitments.
While reiterating the crucial role of the PPP in the fight against TB, Dr. Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, said: “The launch of the TB PPP Advocacy Project, culminating in the establishment of the PPP Advocacy Team, underscores our acknowledgment of the pivotal role that Public-Private Partnerships play in the fight against TB.
“Today’s gathering is not merely a meeting; it is a convergence of minds, and expert determined to drive a positive change.
“As we delve into the objectives of this consultation, let us collectively orient ourselves about the project and the crucial role that each of you, as stakeholders, will play in the formation and success of the PPP Advocacy Team.
“We are here to raise awareness among key influencers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and private sector entities about the transformative impact that PPP can have on TB control.
“Our shared responsibility extends beyond awareness to building the capacity of our team members in PPP advocacy, policy analysis, and communication skills.
“But also empower us on how to effectively advocate for policies, regulations, and incentives that will encourage private sector involvement in TB control.”
She further noted that “it is through such advocacy that we can foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and enhance access to TB services and resources mobilization.”
The Acting Stop TB Partnership Board chairperson further encouraged participants at the consultative meeting to actively engage in the discussions, “share your insights, and contribute to the collective wisdom that will guide our actions in the coming days and beyond.
“Together, as a dedicated and passionate community, we have the potential to drive policy changes, influence regulations, and make significant strides towards ending TB in Nigeria.”
