USAID HANDS OVER CUTTING-EDGE TB SITUATION ROOM TO LAGOS STATE 

… Centre to Revolutionise Data Management, Enhance TB Response
 
The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with USAID and the Tuberculosis Data, Impact Assessment, and Communications Hub (TB DIAH) project, has launched a state-of-the-art Tuberculosis (TB) Situation Room. The facility, located inside the Global Fund Grant Management Unit Office space at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa-Ikeja, was officially handed over to the Lagos State Government by USAID to enhance the state’s TB data management and decision-making capabilities.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye underscored the importance of quality data in effective health programming. “Data quality and timeliness are crucial for decision-making”, he stated.

Dr. Ogboye pointed out that despite numerous review meetings, data issues persist, making it challenging to plan, make decisions, and evaluate outcomes. He expressed enthusiasm about the TB Situation Room, which will provide real-time access to high-quality data and aid in the state’s overall health strategy. 

He also addressed the broader vision for the incident room, advocating for a unified approach to data management across various diseases. “We’re not just looking at TB; we need an incident room where we plug in data for all diseases”, he said.

Noting that the integrated approach is expected to optimise resource use and improve overall health management in Lagos State, Dr. Ogboye thanked USAID for their support, expressing optimism that the situation room will enhance health outcomes in the state.

In her remarks, the Acting Office Director for HIV/AIDS and TB at USAID, Omosalewa Oyelaran highlighted the collaborative efforts between the U.S. government and Lagos State. She praised the Lagos State Government for its commitment to data-driven health strategies. 

According to her, in 2022, Lagos State identified 5,975 TB cases, contributing 3% to the national total, emphasising that the TB Situation Room will streamline data collection and visualisation, while aiding various stakeholders in making informed decisions and enhancing TB case finding and monitoring.

Speaking in the same vein, the Project Director of TB DIAH, Dr. Abiodun Hassan elaborated on the integrated approach of the new situation room. He explained that the platform is designed to unify data from various disease programmes, ensuring more comprehensive and effective management.

While maintaining that the more granular the data, the more usable and relevant it becomes for programming, Dr. Hassan praised the State Government for adopting the dynamic platform, which will improve feedback loops and enhance programme quality.

During the launch, the Director and National Coordinator, National Tuberculosis & Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP). Dr Labaran Shehu, represented by the Head of TB/HIV Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Olakunle Daramola, called for sustained commitment to the innovative TB Situation Room. 

He stressed the importance of ownership and sustainability to maximise the benefits of the investment, adding that the initiative aligns with national health agendas and has the potential to significantly impact policy-making and health outcomes.

The state-of-the-art technology and sustainability features of the TB Situation Room, including solar power to ensure continuous operation, are designed to be self-sustaining with minimal government cost. The facility is equipped with the latest technologies to ensure efficient and effective data management, enhancing the state’s ability to respond to health challenges swiftly and accurately.

The Lagos State Government’s data-driven approach is expected to serve as a catalyst for improved health programme management across all health sectors, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the state’s residents.

Looking ahead, the launch of the TB Situation Room in Lagos is part of a broader initiative, with similar infrastructure being established in other states, including Osun, Anambra, and Kano. USAID anticipates that these situation rooms will enhance TB response analytics and strategic coordination nationwide.