The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for adequate and sustainable funding of research and development (R&D) by governments and high-net-worth individuals to combat the spread of infectious diseases.
The governor said this in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day, marked every March 24, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organs of the United Nations to raise awareness on the disease.
Obaseki also added that Edo Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP) is designed with well-equipped primary healthcare system to help in the fight against infectious diseases, especially with the intensification of immunization efforts in the state, adding that the state’s investment in human capital cuts across education and health infrastructure, noting that refurbishing of 30 primary healthcare centres through the Edo-HIP initiative across the state has improved access to healthcare services.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, the governor said it is imperative for all leaders to support genuine effort by researchers and other stakeholders to provide innovative solutions for tuberculosis, as part of measures to improve access to prevention and treatment of the disease.
Governor Obaseki also emphasized that People should be encouraged to visit hospitals to access quality and affordable healthcare on prevention and treatment of infectious disease like tuberculosis, adding that in Edo State, the compulsory Health Insurance Scheme for every resident is designed to assist them get basic medical care rather than resort to self-help.
He  added that the state government will continue to intensify campaign on immunization in the state which is anchored on the need for children to lead lives that are not shortened by vaccine-preventable diseases as his administration will continue to support the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), to stem the spread of infectious disease like the novel COVID-19, as part of government’s resolve to tackle health issues.
AISHA SAMBO
FIC BENIN
