Oluwafunbi Bello 
UYO, Nigeria – Akwa Ibom TB award nomination reflects years of sustained healthcare reforms, innovation and community-based tuberculosis control programmes, according to the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (AKSTBLCP), Dr Nsisong Asanga.
In a statement issued on Monday, Asanga says the state’s nomination for the prestigious Konchon Prize for Tuberculosis Control recognises the collective efforts of healthcare workers, volunteers, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, development partners and the media in strengthening tuberculosis control.
“The nomination reflects years of sustained investment in community-centred interventions aimed at detecting cases early, improving access to treatment and reducing the spread of tuberculosis,” she says.
The Konchon Prize honours organisations making outstanding contributions to tuberculosis prevention, care and support through integrated community health programmes.
According to Asanga, AKSTBLCP coordinates tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer control activities across all 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
She says the programme provides free tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment while working closely with healthcare facilities, communities and development partners to identify patients early and ensure prompt access to care.
Asanga says one of the programme’s major achievements has been extending tuberculosis services beyond hospitals into communities where many cases previously remained undetected.
She highlights key innovations including childhood tuberculosis screening during Maternal and Child Health Week, expanded active case-finding, household contact tracing, deployment of portable digital X-ray technology for community screening and the expansion of quality tuberculosis services to underserved communities.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 