Osun Govt., NTBLCP, AND GLOBAL FUND DISTRIBUTE MOTORBIKES AND PROJECT VEHICLES TO TB AND LEPROSY SUPERVISORS

By Segilola Babalola, 

In a determined effort to eradicate the spread of tuberculosis and leprosy in Osun State, the State Government, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) and with support from the Global Fund, has distributed 60 motorbikes to State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisors (STBLS) and their assistants. The distribution aims to enhance access to remote areas across the state, especially where vehicles cannot easily reach due to poor road conditions, ensuring patients in underserved communities receive timely care.

During the distribution event held at the Government House in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, praised the generosity of the NTBLCP and the Global Fund for providing these essential transportation tools. He emphasized that the motorbikes are not just means of transport but vital instruments that will significantly improve the mobility and operational efficiency of the dedicated health teams.

He reaffirmed the State's commitment to the eradication of tuberculosis and leprosy, noting that these diseases have long afflicted communities, but with initiatives like this, there is hope for their elimination. Speaking on behalf of Alhaji Igbalaye, the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, further explained that project vehicles have also been provided to support the operational needs of the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP) and the State AIDS and STDs Control Programme (SASCP), enhancing overall program effectiveness.

Alhaji Igbalaye also highlighted some of the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration in the health sector, which include the timely payment of salaries and allowances for health workers, the comprehensive renovation and upgrading of 332 primary healthcare facilities across the state, and the transformation of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Osogbo into a College of Nursing Sciences, among other initiatives.

He encouraged the supervisors and their assistants to renew their commitment to a healthier Osun State and to continue working towards a future free from tuberculosis and leprosy.

In their goodwill messages, Dr. Chris Ayomi, team leader of IHVN, and Dr. Folasade Idowu of the NTBLCP, expressed their gratitude to Governor Adeleke for creating an enabling environment for the program and thanked the Global Fund for providing the motorbikes. They reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to combat these diseases.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Osun Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, acknowledged the significant impact the program has had in the state, helping to reduce the prevalence of tuberculosis. He urged the officers to make judicious use of the items provided and ensure they are used solely for their intended purpose. He also called on the partners to remain steadfast in their support of the state’s health initiatives.