The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), a leading philanthropic organisation, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has renovated 10 Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) centres in identified primary health care centres across seven states.
The renovation was meant to boost the capacity of existing health infrastructure in the states.
ASR Africa 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 has achieved its objectives of 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).
Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu
At the handover ceremony at Akinyele Primary Health Centre in Alimosho, Lagos State, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, applauded the USAID team for their intervention and their partnership with the Government of Nigeria in the eradication of tuberculosis in the country.
Udoh, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of ASR Africa Abdul Samad Rabiu, praised the governments of Kano, Rivers, Katsina, Bauchi, Anambra, Oyo, and Lagos states, as well as the agencies that ensured the project’s success.
He noted that with the installation of the TB machines, over 22,108 samples had been taken in all the centres combined, out of which confirmed positive cases were receiving expert medical treatment.
Udoh reiterated the commitment of ASR Africa’s chairman in investing resources towards tackling pressing developmental issues in health, education, and social development in the continent.
The Mission Director of USAID Nigeria, Anne Patterson, who was represented by Deputy Director, HIV/TB Office, USAID Nigeria, Omosalewa Oyelaran, thanked Alhaji Rabiu for collaborating with USAID and invigorating the fight against tuberculosis and HIV in the country.
The Mosan Okunola LCDA Chairperson, Princess 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 an advocacy within the LCDA to ensure proper education about the danger of tuberculosis and the available treatment courtesy of ASR Africa.”