ACOMIN Raises Alarm Over TB Test Delays, Shortage Of Testing Materials In Taraba

The organisation reported delays in the release of TB test results at Chanchanji Primary Healthcare Centre in Takum Local Government Area, while sputum collection cups were reportedly in short supply at Ndaforo Primary Healthcare Centre in Kurmi Local Government Area.

The concerns were presented to the Taraba State TB Control Programme during an advocacy visit by ACOMIN under the Global Fund GC7 Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project in Jalingo.

ACOMIN called for prompt investigations and corrective action to address the reported challenges, warning that delays in diagnosis and shortages of testing materials could undermine access to timely and appropriate TB care.

Responding, the Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) Focal Person, Bala Yusuf, assured the delegation that the complaints would be investigated and necessary action taken.

In a separate engagement, ACOMIN sought the support of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) to strengthen public awareness of malaria prevention and treatment in Taraba State.

During the advocacy visit, the organisation expressed concern over low awareness of free, Global Fund-supported malaria commodities among pregnant women and caregivers of children under five in Takum, Bali, Kurmi and Donga local government areas.

The team leader, Alhaji Muhammad Danburam, urged JNI to mobilise its religious structures to encourage greater use of available malaria services, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Danburam said greater community awareness was necessary to ensure that pregnant women and caregivers of young children knew about and accessed the available malaria prevention and treatment services.

The state chairman of JNI and Chief Imam of the Central Mosque, Jalingo, Imam Muhyiddeen Muhammad Dinga, welcomed the appeal and pledged to encourage Imams across Taraba State’s 16 local government areas to educate worshippers during Friday sermons and other religious gatherings.

The planned engagement with religious leaders is expected to help broaden awareness of malaria services and encourage more eligible residents to benefit from available interventions.