The Anambra State Government is preparing to transition from reliance on donor support to locally-driven ownership for the sustainable management of HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) programmes.
Dr Afam Obidike, the State Commissioner for Health made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting to validate the ATM cost of doing business, assessment and discuss its transition for sustainability.
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Obidike said the meeting was an opportunity to assess the state’s current position, identify priority actions and agree on effective way to sustainably integrate ATM services into the broader health agenda
He said AIDs,TB and Malaria had continued to pose significant public health and socio-economic challenges in the state and across the nation.
According to him, significant progress has been made over the years, thanks to support from international partners, civil society, community actors, and frontline health workers.
The commissioner said the state was at a critical juncture where sustaining the gains demands strategic planning, effective resource mobilisation and robust collaboration.
“This is an opportunity to understand the true cost of ATM programme delivery, identify bottlenecks and streamline systems for efficiency.
“More importantly, to guide us in ensuring value for money and strengthening accountability. It will also help the state prepare adequately for an eventual transition from donor dependency to domestically-driven ownership and sustainability.
“It is an opportunity to interrogate the findings, provide constructive inputs and align on strategies that guarantee uninterrupted access to AIDs, TB, and Malaria services for our people, especially the most vulnerable among us.
“We must ensure that these essential services are effectively integrated into our health system in ways that enhance efficiency, equity, and resilience,” he said.
Obidike commended partners, including Global Fund, UNAIDS, NACA and other stakeholders for their contributions in the state.
The three-day meeting in Awka was organised by Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) in collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), with support from the Global Fund.
NAN