The Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has concluded a weeklong training for 92 general health workers on the expansion of Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) for tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer, and leprosy.
The training, held in Awka with support from the Global Fund, aimed to strengthen the fight against tuberculosis in the state. Addressing participants, the State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Programme Manager, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to eliminating TB. He noted that multiple DOTS training sessions have been conducted to equip health workers with the necessary skills for effective disease management.
Dr. Chukwulobelu highlighted that Anambra has about 900 DOTS facilities and urged participants to apply their training knowledge diligently to improve healthcare delivery.
The Southeast Zonal TB Officer from the World Health Organization, Dr. Ufuomah Eduh, stated that WHO is supporting Anambra in expanding access to TB treatment. According to national TB prevalence data, two out of every 1,000 residents in the state are affected by tuberculosis.
Deputy Director of the National TB Control Programme, Thomas Onazi, emphasized that the training was designed to boost the capacity of health workers in tackling TB, stressing that the disease is both preventable and treatable.
