Prof. Adewole Emerges Member of UN’s Stop TB Partnership Board

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The Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, has been appointed as a Board member of the Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Partnership, the United Nation High Level Decision body making on TB.

The Board has the responsibility of building awareness at the highest level, identifying critical barriers in the TB space and facilitating consensus on strategy and policy –making.

It also oversees the effective implementation of the stop TB partnership’s Operation Strategy and Global Plan to end TB 2016-2020.

Adewole earned the UN’s appointment as a strong advocate of TB detection and treatment, as he recently initiated strategy towards ending TB menace in Nigeria. The appointment therefore was a reflection of excellent leadership qualities and vision in the fight against TB in Nigeria.

During the recent concluded National Council on Health meeting which held in Kano in June this year, the minister recommended Tuberculosis (TB) screening as pre- medical test to newly employed public servants in both Federal and State Governments level and newly admitted students into secondary and tertiary Institutions in the country.

“I wish to advocate that mandatory TB screening be offered to both those who seek health care with or without symptoms/signs compatible with TB and those who do not” he said.

Responding to the appointment, the Adewole said that “as I am honoured to join the Stop TB Partnership’s Board, I will make sure the voice of high-burden countries and their people are heard and put all my energy in the efforts to stage a historical and game changing United Nation High Level Meeting on TB, as a turning point in the fight to end TB in Nigeria”

The appointment of Nigeria’s minister of health was alongside with the Minister of Health Kazakhstan, Dr. Elzhan A. Birtanoy. The two ministers are to represent countries affected by TB in the Stop TB Partnership’s Board.

According to the National Coordinator, National TB and Leprosy Control Programme in Nigeria, Dr Adebola Lawanson, the appointment was a recognition of his hard work as well as support to TB control efforts / ending TB epidemics in Nigeria and globally.

FMoH