The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has completed the renovation of ten Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) centres in primary health care centres across seven states in Nigeria.

ASR Africa, in a statement made available to The Star on Tuesday night, said it renovated the centres under its HIV/TB Intervention Support programme.

With a donation of $500,000 drawn from the ASR Africa’s Fund for Social Development and Renewal, the partnership objectives include curbing tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Nigeria and addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) through supporting survivors with the provision of dignity kits in USAID-supported Sexual Assault Response Centres (SARCs).

At the handover ceremony in Akinyele Primary Health Centre, Alimosho, Lagos, the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the Initiative, Abdul Samad Rabiu, commended the USAID team for their intervention and their partnership with the Nigerian government in the eradication of tuberculosis in the country.

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He commended the governments of Kano, Rivers, Katsina, Bauchi, Anambra, Oyo, and Lagos states, as well as the agencies that worked to deliver on the project’s success.

Udoh noted that with the installation of the TB machines, over 22,108 samples have already been taken in all the centres, out of which confirmed positive cases were receiving expert medical treatment.

Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa in investing resources towards tackling pressing developmental issues in health, education, and social development in Africa.

On her part, the Mission Director, USAID Nigeria, Anne Patterson, thanked for collaborating with USAID and invigorating the fight against tuberculosis and HIV in the country.

Patterson, who was represented by the Deputy Director, HIV/TB Office, USAID Nigeria, Omosalewa Oyelaran, added that the partnership with ASR Africa has provided critical support to reducing the burden of the disease and ensure a better quality of life for those affected.

The Mosan Okunola LCDA Chairperson, Olabisi Adebayo, said: “I would like to appreciate ASR Africa for bringing this health facility close to us to enable our people to access quick diagnosis and treatment.

“We will take ownership of this facility and embark on advocacy exercise within the LCDA to ensure proper education about the danger of tuberculosis and the available treatment courtesy of ASR Africa.”

The Star