As part of its commitment to delivering sustainable impact across Africa, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to renovate ten tuberculosis Tuberculosis Directly
Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) centers in seven states in Nigeria.
The centers were refurbished under the ASR Africa’s HIV/TB Intervention Support programme, which aims to improve the quality of TB care in primary health care facilities.
The ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal provided a $500,000 donation to support this partnership, noting that its objectives include preventing the spread of tuberculosis and HIV in Nigeria, as well as addressing Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) by supporting survivors with dignity kits at USAID-supported Sexual Assault Response Centres (SARCs).
Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO of ASR Africa, who spoke on behalf of the organization’s chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the handover ceremony in Lagos, applauded USAID for their intervention and partnership with the Nigerian government in the fight against tuberculosis.
Udoh also commended the governments of Kano, Rivers, Katsina,Bauchi, Anambra, Oyo, and Lagos States, as well as their respective agencies, for their efforts in ensuring the success of the renovation work. He noted that the installation of TB machines in the centers had already led to the collection of over 22,108 samples, of which positive cases are receiving treatment from medical experts.
The ASR Africa CEO reiterated the chairman of ASR Africa’s commitment to investing resources in addressing pressing issues in health, education, and social development in Africa. This commitment, he said, is in line with the organisation’s mission to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people of Africa.
Melissa Jones, mission director of USAID Nigeria, was represented by Omosalewa Oyelaran, deputy director of the HIV/TB Office at USAID Nigeria. In her remarks, Jones thanked Abdul Samad Rabiu for his collaboration with USAID and his commitment to combating tuberculosis and HIV in the country. She noted that the partnership with ASR Africa has been instrumental in reducing the burden of these diseases and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Olabisi Adebayo, chairperson of Mosan Okunola LCDA, expressed gratitude to ASR Africa for establishing the health facility in the area, which will enable the 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,” Adebayo said.
Prior to the development, Business a.m gathered that the $500,000 donation made by ASR Africa was used to provide 11 loop-mediated isothermal amplification diagnostic machines, also known as TB-LAMPs, laboratory reagents and consumables, as well as 1,200 dignity kits for survivors of gender-based violence in selected states across Nigeria. The donation also funded the renovation of ten DOTS centers in seven states in Nigeria. These centers provide direct observation of treatment for people with tuberculosis, ensuring that they receive the proper care and treatment they need.
