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Ukorebi Esien | October 24, 2025
CALABAR – In a renewed effort to deepen community participation and accountability in tuberculosis (TB) response, over 30 stakeholders drawn from civil society organizations, TB survivors, and community-based groups in Cross River State have undergone a two-day start-up training on Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) of TB services.
The training, organized by the Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network) with support from the Global Fund through the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), is part of a national pilot project being implemented across 11 states in Nigeria, including Cross River, and will run until 2026.
According to Olayide Akanni, the National Coordinator of the Civil Society for the Control of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network), the CLM model is designed to place communities at the heart of service delivery improvement.
Akanni explained that in Cross River State, three Local Government Areas; Odukpani, Ikom, and Obudu, have been selected for the pilot phase, strategically drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state based on TB burden and accessibility indicators.
She noted that the project seeks to strengthen the feedback loop between service users and providers by empowering community monitors to collect real-time data on service delivery, stigma, and human rights concerns, which will be used to inform corrective actions.
Speaking with our correspondent, Elder Mrs Ajom Ikongha, the Cross River State Program Manager for Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, commended the initiative, describing it as "an extra cap" added to the state's TB response.
In her goodwill message, the Dr Vivien Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) represented by a key staff of the Agency Grace Ikung, described the CLM initiative as "a bold step toward localizing solutions for better health outcomes."
CALABAR – In a renewed effort to deepen community participation and accountability in tuberculosis (TB) response, over 30 stakeholders drawn from civil society organizations, TB survivors, and community-based groups in Cross River State have undergone a two-day start-up training on Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) of TB services.
The training, organized by the Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network) with support from the Global Fund through the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), is part of a national pilot project being implemented across 11 states in Nigeria, including Cross River, and will run until 2026.
According to Olayide Akanni, the National Coordinator of the Civil Society for the Control of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network), the CLM model is designed to place communities at the heart of service delivery improvement.
"The whole idea of Community-Led Monitoring is to go into the communities, identify the challenges limiting the uptake of TB services, and find ways to resolve them. We're not just going to be finding problems; we are working with communities to solve them," Akanni stated.
"This is about partnership, learning, and shared responsibility. The communities are not just beneficiaries; they are co-creators of solutions that make TB services more accessible and effective."
Akanni explained that in Cross River State, three Local Government Areas; Odukpani, Ikom, and Obudu, have been selected for the pilot phase, strategically drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state based on TB burden and accessibility indicators.
She noted that the project seeks to strengthen the feedback loop between service users and providers by empowering community monitors to collect real-time data on service delivery, stigma, and human rights concerns, which will be used to inform corrective actions.
Speaking with our correspondent, Elder Mrs Ajom Ikongha, the Cross River State Program Manager for Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, commended the initiative, describing it as "an extra cap" added to the state's TB response.
"This project will help us diagnose more cases and build confidence among those affected. When TB survivors speak up and say, 'I've been there and I'm fine,' it reduces stigma and encourages others to come out for testing and treatment," Ikongha said.
"Even though only three LGAs are part of the pilot, we're happy Cross River was selected. The lessons here will eventually benefit the entire state."
In her goodwill message, the Dr Vivien Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) represented by a key staff of the Agency Grace Ikung, described the CLM initiative as "a bold step toward localizing solutions for better health outcomes."
"We are proud to see communities take ownership of TB response. When citizens monitor, report, and suggest solutions, government gets the clarity needed to act faster and smarter," She said.
"Our Agency is committed to working closely with the TB Network to ensure that these community-generated insights translate into real policy and service improvements."
The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) representative, Barr. Ann Awah emphasized the intersection between health, rights, and gender, stressing that TB survivors, especially women, must be empowered to speak without fear of discrimination.
"TB is not a moral failure; it's a public health issue. Women living with TB face double stigma, so part of our advocacy is ensuring that no woman loses her dignity or access to care because of her diagnosis," she said.
Similarly, a representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Remi assured participants of the Commission's commitment to safeguarding the rights of TB patients and health workers.
"Our role is to ensure that no patient is denied treatment or discriminated against because of TB. We will continue to provide platforms for redress and ensure that every citizen enjoys their right to health without bias," the NHRC official stated.
Participants were trained on data collection tools, community feedback systems, and advocacy engagement techniques, understanding human rights, types of violations and the role of data in monitoring Abuses. They also developed a state-level monitoring plan to ensure that findings from the field are channelled into actionable steps for system improvement.
The training, described by participants as "a practical and inclusive approach to public health accountability," is expected to boost TB case notification, enhance service quality, and build trust between communities and health facilities in Cross River State.
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