Akwa Ibom Welcomes Recognition In Tuberculosis Fight

The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (AKSTBLCP), Dr Nsisong Asanga, has commended the state’s nomination for the Konchon Prize for Tuberculosis Control.

Asanga said the recognition reflects sustained investment and the progress made in the fight against tuberculosis.

In a statement issued on Monday in Uyo, she described the Konchon Prize as an internationally recognised award that celebrates outstanding contributions to tuberculosis prevention, care and support.

She said this year’s edition focuses on organisations that have successfully integrated tuberculosis services into broader community health and development programmes, making Akwa Ibom’s nomination particularly significant.

Asanga described the nomination as a shared achievement, crediting healthcare workers, local government tuberculosis teams, community volunteers, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, development partners and the media for their contributions.

She said the nomination has placed a global spotlight on Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading examples of innovative tuberculosis control.

“For decades, tuberculosis has remained one of Nigeria’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming thousands of lives each year despite being preventable and curable. Although significant progress has been made, late diagnosis, poor awareness and inadequate domestic funding continue to hamper efforts to eliminate the disease.

“Against this backdrop, the nomination of the Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme for the prestigious Konchon Prize has placed a global spotlight on the state’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading examples of innovative tuberculosis control.

“This recognition reflects years of sustained investment in community-centred interventions designed to detect cases early, improve access to treatment and reduce transmission,” Asanga said.

She said the AKSTBLCP coordinates tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer control activities across the state’s 31 local government areas, provides free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment, and works with healthcare facilities, communities and development partners to identify and treat patients before complications arise.

“Operating under the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, the AKSTBLCP coordinates tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer control activities across the state’s 31 local government areas.

“The programme provides free TB diagnosis and treatment while working with healthcare facilities, communities and development partners to ensure that patients are identified and treated before complications arise.

“One of its major strengths has been taking services beyond hospitals into communities where many people would otherwise remain undiagnosed.

“Among its notable innovations are the integration of childhood tuberculosis screening into Maternal and Child Health Week activities, expanded active case finding and household contact tracing, improved deployment of portable digital X-ray technology for community screening, and the extension of quality TB services to underserved and hard-to-reach communities,” she said.

The executive secretary added that the programme has strengthened collaboration with HIV, malaria, nutrition, neglected tropical diseases and epidemiology programmes, recognising that integrated healthcare delivery improves health outcomes while making more efficient use of limited resources.