Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State have explored partnership with the media to enhance tuberculosis control through effective awareness campaigns in the state.

Executive Director of LANGA Women Development Initiative, a CSO, Grace Maikudi, stated this at a TB sensitisation forum for CSOs on Tuesday in Bauchi.

According to Ms Maikudi, TB remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates.

“Civil society organisations and media play crucial roles in public health awareness and education. TB is a contagious disease. Therefore, effective awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public, reduce stigma and promote early detection and treatment.’’

Ms Maikudi said that the forum was organised by LANGA and funded by USAID and Palladium for the CSOs to understand the budget cycle and strategies to push for a budget line for TB control in the state.

Also speaking, the organisation’s Programme Manager, Ogala Ogala, said that CSOs were vital in community outreach and advocacy.

“They provide information about TB symptoms, prevention and treatment options. They also offer support to individuals affected by TB, including counselling and treatment adherence support as well as lobbying for improved TB policies and funding,” he stated.

Mr Ogala also identified the media as instrumental in shaping public perception and disseminating information.

“The collaboration will enhance broadcasting accurate information about TB prevention, symptoms and treatment. It will also help in running targeted campaigns to reach diverse audiences and addressing and reducing stigma associated with TB through positive messaging,” he said.

The programme manager further said that the partnership would create a platform for public discussion and question-and-answer sessions with health experts.

He said that media engagement with CSOs would be working with local radio stations, newspapers and community blogs to address TB within specific communities in the state.

(NAN)