The National Institute of Public Health and Infectious Diseases (NIPHID), Zaria, has commenced a five-week capacity-building programme for 55 Local Government Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Supervisors from five states.
The Batch 83 training is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in detecting, managing and coordinating control activities for the three diseases at the grassroots level. The programme covers clinical tuberculosis, leprosy, monitoring and evaluation, as well as supervision.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NIPHID Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Aminu Dalhatu, said the training was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s response to the diseases, urging participants to actively engage with facilitators, share experiences and build professional networks.
The National Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, Dr. Clem, also urged the participants to approach the training with professionalism and use the knowledge gained to improve early detection, treatment and disease surveillance in their respective local government areas.
Participants were drawn from Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. NIPHID said the programme would help strengthen technical competence and improve the delivery of TB, leprosy and Buruli ulcer services across communities.
