*******Adirieje Advocates Stronger TB Preparedness in Africa’s Conflict Zones
**********AHOA Says, “Tuberculosis Most Persistent Threats to Public Health Development in African Continent”.
By Victor Bieni, Abuja
The Chief Executive Officer of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, has called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen tuberculosis preparedness and response in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings across Africa.
Royal Paradise Media (News Online) learnt this from Nigerian Global Health & Development expert in a telephone conversation with our reporter today being on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 as Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje brief our reporter on the outcome of the just concluded 90-minute Life and Health Dialogue Session convened by AHOA.
Speaking to our reporter, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje stated that, the session was themed “Emergency Tuberculosis Preparedness and Humanitarian Health in Conflict Settings in Africa. In the key address, TB is seen by AHOA as one of the continent’s most persistent public health threats”.
“The impact of TB as a Public Health issues is significantly worsened in regions facing conflict, displacement, and fragile health systems. The populations in conflict settings are especially vulnerable due to disrupted health services, weakened supply chains, and limited access to care. These conditions complicate efforts at prevention, early detection, and treatment”.
“Despite the difficulties, effective emergency preparedness and coordinated humanitarian interventions can significantly reduce TB-related deaths and suffering. The dialogue brought together health professionals, policymakers, humanitarian actors, and civil society organisations. Participants examined strategies for managing TB in some of Africa’s most challenging environments”.
“The forum also explored operational challenges and evidence-based interventions for strengthening TB control in fragile contexts. AHOA, had also stressed the importance of integrated health service delivery and cross-sector collaboration”.
“Addressing TB in crisis settings requires a blend of public health expertise and humanitarian response mechanisms. Participants shared real-world case studies and innovative practices aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and emergency preparedness for infectious diseases”.
“AHOA as the organiser of the session aimed at Deepening understanding of TB trends in conflict-affected regions. It has also helped to identify key barriers to diagnosis and treatment and provide practical insights into emergency preparedness. Participants had developed actionable recommendations to enhance resilience, strengthen health systems, and improve coordination among governments, non-governmental organisations, and community actors”.
“I hereby urge all stakeholders to leverage the platform for meaningful engagement and knowledge exchange that can inform policy and programme decisions. We reaffirmed AHOA’s commitment to advancing health equity and humanitarian preparedness. Also, stress the need for sustained collaboration to ensure that populations in the most difficult settings are not left behind in the fight against tuberculosis”.