By Chris Chikelue
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Pharm (Dr.) Obiageli Uchebo, has described Tuberculosis as the World’s most cruel disease when weighed amongst other infectious diseases.
She said this while speaking to Media Persons, the TB society, Health Workers and the Public in a Press chat to mark the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day on Tuesday, March 24, at the Anambra State Health Situation Room, Ministry of Health, Awka.
The one week long programme is themed, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Led By Countries, Powered By People.’
Speaking of the efforts the state government and Health Partners are putting to curb the disease in the state, Dr. Uchebo said:
“The Anambra State Government, under the State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP), in close collaboration with the National TB, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme with support from the Global Fund and our development partners, has built a comprehensive, statewide response to tuberculosis.
“The theme is not merely an aspirational language. It is a strategic directive. It is a declaration that national governments must own the response, and that communities, healthcare workers, civil society, and every citizen must power it from the ground up.
“The government of Anambra State accepts that charge. We are stepping forward with urgency and evidence”.
The Permanent Secretary weighed the increasing level of the scourge when she hinted that Tuberculosis is not a disease of the past, “it is a present-day catastrophe that demands present-day action”.
She hinged statistics of the effect of the disease on the populace worldwide at 10.7 million people developing TB with an annual death rate of 1.3 million and the TB global ranking among infectious disease killers as the worst in the world.
While speaking on the statewide treatment course the PS said Anambra State has developed a formular to tackle the disease known as the Directly Observed Teeatment Short-course (DOTS).
“The Observed Treatment Short-course services are now available across a broad network of public and private health facilities throughout Anambra State.
“Yet our commitment to ending TB is not a matter of policy language. It is reflected in our investments, our numbers, and our results on the ground.”
She also hinted that treatment of TB at all government owned Health facilities in the state is free.
There was the inauguration of three tricycle ambulances for the operation of free ambulance services in connection with TB by the Permanent Secretary.
Those that joined in the cutting of the ribbon to declare the vehicles ready for use were, the Director Public Health and Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Anambra State, Dr. Afam Aneme; Director, Anambra State TB Control, Buruli Ulcer and and Leprosy Programme Officer, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu; Senior Programme Manager, Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance (KNCV), Dr. Chijioke Oke and the Head, Association of Public Health Phychology of Nigeria, Dr. Uzoma Chidi-Okereke.
Chris is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
