A joint team from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health institutions visited David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) Thursday to seek collaboration on tuberculosis (TB) cases and other communicable diseases.

The team, led by Mr. Nwite Samuel from the State Ministry of Health, expressed admiration for DUFUTH's state-of-the-art facilities and announced plans to select the hospital as a training and treatment center for TB patients.

The partnership aims to support the WHO's goal of ending TB by 2030. The team offered to cover the medical bills of TB patients and donate a digital mobile X-ray machine with AI capabilities to enhance diagnosis.

Chief Medical Director, Prof. Uzoma Agwu, welcomed the partnership, citing the benefits of enhanced health services and improved facilities.

She requested that the WHO and Ministry of Health establish a dedicated account at DUFUTH to ensure timely payment of bills.

Additionally, Prof. Agwu highlighted the need for proper documentation of any drugs brought to the hospital for accountability and safety purposes.

She also expressed enthusiasm for potential collaboration in other areas, inviting the team to explore DUFUTH's facilities and equipment, with the possibility of activating some of the hospital's machines.

The team included representatives from the WHO, CARITAS, and the State Ministry of Health.

DUFUTH's HOD of Community Medicine, Dr. Onwe Francis, was also present.

The partnership is expected to strengthen DUFUTH's capacity to combat TB and other communicable diseases, with potential for further collaboration in other areas.

Obazi Elom Chijioke

Information and Public Relations Dept.

22/8/24