Money running out for projects

THE National TB Programme (NTP) is likely to be affected when the Global Fund TB grant runs out this year.
NTP manager with the Health Department Dr Paul Aia says the US$21 million TB grant given for five years will run out in a few months and the government needed to intervene.
Aia did not specify how much the government had contributed to the programme but said it was not enough.
On the government’s part, it provided facilities, drugs and laboratories among other things for the programme, he said.
Staff shortage was another problem they faced.
Availability of trained and qualified staff at health facilities would help to increase the detection and treatment of an increasing rate of tuberculosis in the country, Aia said.  
Speaking during a panel discussion for the media on the NTP implementation yesterday, he said provinces and districts needed to take ownership of the programme at their level.
As the head of the programme, Aia said he could only give directions at the national level but it was up to the provincial and district health authorities to do their part.