By Ibrahim Suleiman.
The National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases (NIPHID), Zaria, has commenced a five-week training programme for 55 Local Government Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors.
The Director-General of the institute, Dr Abdullahi Aminu Dalhatu, disclosed this at the opening of the Batch 83 training course in Zaria.
Dr.Abdullahi Dalhatu said the training was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer by improving the capacity of supervisors working at the grassroots.
He noted that the programme would equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to coordinate disease control activities effectively at the local government level.
According to him, the five-week course will cover four key areas: clinical tuberculosis, leprosy, monitoring and evaluation, and supervision.
The Director General urged the participants to actively engage with facilitators and colleagues, share field experiences and build professional networks that would support their work after the training.
He also charged them to commit fully to the programme and return to their respective local government areas with improved capacity to strengthen TB, leprosy and Buruli ulcer services.
Declaring the training open, the National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr Clem, described the programme as an important professional responsibility for the participants.
He said their selection was based on their previous experience in providing TB, leprosy and Buruli ulcer services.
Dr.Clem said the training would prepare the participants for greater responsibilities as programme managers and supervisors, urging them to use the knowledge gained to improve disease detection and treatment.
He particularly called on them to identify cases that might otherwise be missed in their local government areas and develop strategies for early detection and treatment.
Earlier, the Head of Training at NIPHID, Zaria, Dr Jaya Chitum, said the participants were the third batch of Local Government TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors to undergo training since the establishment of the institute.
Dr.Chitum said the programme would strengthen participants’ knowledge and technical competence while providing practical skills for managing the diseases in their respective states and local government areas.
The training is being conducted in two streams, with participants drawn from Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Editing by Abubakar Hamza.
