The Akwa Ibom State Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme’s (AKSTBLCP) nomination for the prestigious Konchon Prize has drawn international attention to the state’s innovative and integrated approach to combating tuberculosis (TB), while reinforcing calls for greater domestic investment to eliminate TB, leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
Presented annually, the Konchon Prize honours individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in tuberculosis care, prevention and community support. This year’s award focuses on programmes that successfully integrate TB services into broader health systems and community development initiatives.
AKSTBLCP’s nomination, submitted by local, national and international partners, reflects decades of sustained commitment to expanding access to quality TB services across Akwa Ibom State and strengthening community-based disease control.
The Programme described the nomination as a collective achievement, expressing appreciation to all individuals and partner organisations who worked diligently to complete the rigorous nomination process within a limited timeframe.
Building an Integrated Model for TB Control
Operating under the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, AKSTBLCP provides tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer services across all 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
Over the years, the Programme has evolved beyond conventional TB treatment by integrating tuberculosis services into several public health programmes and community platforms, significantly improving case detection, diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Among its most impactful innovations is the integration of childhood tuberculosis screening into Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) activities, particularly during Maternal and Child Health Week campaigns, enabling thousands of children to be screened alongside routine health services.
The Programme has also strengthened community diagnosis through the strategic deployment and coordination of Portable Digital X-ray technology, expanding access to screening in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Active case finding, household contact tracing and community outreach have become central pillars of the Programme’s strategy, ensuring early detection and prompt treatment for vulnerable populations.
Partnerships Driving Innovation
A defining strength of AKSTBLCP has been its deliberate integration of tuberculosis services into other health and development programmes through strategic partnerships.
Working with KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, the Programme has successfully engaged Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs), expanding access to early TB detection and referral services within communities where many residents first seek healthcare.
Tuberculosis interventions have also been integrated with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through collaborations with RedAid Nigeria and the Helen Keller Foundation, helping maximise community outreach while improving efficiency in disease surveillance and service delivery.
The Programme has strengthened TB and nutrition services through RMNCAH+N platforms, recognising the critical relationship between malnutrition and tuberculosis outcomes.
Recognising the close relationship between TB and HIV, AKSTBLCP continues to collaborate with ECEWS and Heartland Alliance to provide integrated TB/HIV screening, diagnosis and treatment services, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care.
Beyond clinical services, the Programme has incorporated human rights into tuberculosis programming through partnerships with Lawyers Alert and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice, promoting equitable access to care, reducing stigma and protecting the rights of people affected by tuberculosis.
The Programme also maintains strong collaboration with malaria, epidemiology, disease surveillance and other public health units, reflecting a truly integrated healthcare approach.
Leadership Behind the Progress
Much of the Programme’s recent success has been driven by strategic leadership and a commitment to innovation.
The current Programme Manager, Dr. Nsisong Asanga, has strengthened integrated public health programming while building on a legacy of excellence established by previous Programme Managers.
A respected public health physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Asanga previously volunteered during the Ebola outbreak response in Liberia and was honoured with the African Union Medal of Honour for his contribution to disease control efforts on the continent.
The Programme also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Programme Managers—Dr. Valie Obot, Dr. Etop Antia and Dr. Bassey Akpan—whose leadership established many of the systems and partnerships that continue to deliver measurable results today.
Government Commitment and Partner Support
AKSTBLCP expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for his commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
The Programme also recognised the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem John, for providing policy direction and institutional support, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Patrick Essiet, and Director of Public Health, Dr. Bassey Akpan, for their continued technical leadership.
The nomination equally celebrates the dedication of development partners, healthcare workers, Local Government TB teams, community volunteers, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and media practitioners whose collective efforts have strengthened tuberculosis control across Akwa Ibom.
Renewed Call for Domestic Investment
Despite the international recognition, AKSTBLCP emphasised that tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge requiring sustained financing and broader community participation.
The Programme called for increased support from government, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to expand public awareness campaigns, active case finding, community screening, diagnostic services, operational research, staff capacity development and advocacy programmes.
According to the Programme, stronger domestic investment is essential to complement donor support and ensure equitable access to quality tuberculosis services for every resident of Akwa Ibom State.
A Shared Responsibility
AKSTBLCP also appealed to political leaders across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas, three Senatorial Districts and Federal Constituencies to sustain their commitment to tuberculosis control.
The Programme further invited private sector organisations—including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Seplat Energy, Hensek Integrated Services, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Ibom Air, Guinness Nigeria Plc and other socially responsible businesses—as well as foundations, philanthropists and Akwa Ibom indigenes at home and in the diaspora to partner in expanding life-saving tuberculosis services.
For AKSTBLCP, the Konchon Prize nomination represents far more than international recognition. It is an affirmation of the power of integrated healthcare, strategic partnershi, s and sustained public health leadership. More importantly, it provides a platform to mobilise greater local ownership and investment in the fight against tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer.
As Akwa Ibom continues to strengthen its disease control programme, the message remains clear: every person diagnosed early, every patient successfully treated and every community reached brings the state closer to ending tuberculosis as a public health threat.
