The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating Tuberculosis, with a renewed push to transition from global policy frameworks to localized, community-driven action.
At the state’s commemoration of World TB Day 2026 held on March 24, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the government’s health agenda is focused on reaching vulnerable populations with innovative diagnostic tools and sustained care.
Delivering the keynote address, Ayuk noted that the 2026 theme “Yes! We can End TB,”centered on country leadership and collective responsibility, aligns with Cross River’s mission to convert innovation into measurable impact.
“Our health agenda is centered on reaching the most vulnerable populations with innovative diagnostic tools and consistent care,” he said. “By shifting from global policy to localized, country-led action, we are ensuring that no Cross Riverian is left behind in the fight to end TB.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening health security at the grassroots.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that commitments made at high-level international meetings translate into accessible treatment at the primary healthcare level,” Bassey stated. “This administration remains dedicated to the total eradication of TB through collective responsibility.”
The event drew participation from key development partners, including the World Health Organization, CCCRN, ECEWS, and other health programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the partners, the Senior Program Officer for KNCV Nigeria–Cross River State, Cynthia Onwuteaka, highlighted the role of collaboration in driving innovation in TB detection and care.
“Through our collective partnership, we are now detecting TB in asymptomatic patients, those who show no outward signs, using Portable Digital X-ray machines equipped with Artificial Intelligence,” she said. “This allows us to provide the right care faster and effectively halt the spread of the disease.”
She added that the integration of advanced diagnostic tools, backed by strong leadership and sustained investment, is significantly improving outcomes in the state.
In his remarks, the State TB Programme Manager, Eugene Ajegi, emphasised the importance of community engagement and the strength of existing partnerships in delivering results.
“Our collaboration with partners creates a multi-layered shield,” Ajegi said. “By working with community-based organisations, we are turning innovation into impact exactly where it is needed most, ensuring the right care reaches the right people at the right time.”
The event concluded with a unified call for residents to take advantage of free TB screening and treatment services available at designated health facilities across the state.
Kingsley Agim
