A Team from LIGHT Consortiums visits Nigeria

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Introduction:

In a significant effort to combat the widespread impact of tuberculosis (TB), Rachael Thomson (LIGHT’S CEO) and Prof. Bertie Squire embarked on a visit to the Zankli Research Centre in Nigeria. The purpose of their visit was to foster collaboration with the LIGHT Team, a dedicated group working towards eradicating TB through research and intervention programs. This blog post explores their visit to the Zankli Research Centre, their courtesy visit to Bingham University's Vice-Chancellor, their meeting with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), their engagement with KNCV Nigeria, and their visit to the FCDO. Lastly, we'll delve into their visit to the Kodape Community and the efforts made to raise awareness about TB in the region.

 



Strengthening Collaborative Efforts at the Zankli Research Centre:

Rachel and Bertie were warmly received by the LIGHT Team at the Zankli Research Centre, located in Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa state. The team's enthusiasm was evident as they recognized the visit as a catalyst for bolstering their commitment to the LIGHT program. The team lead Dr. John Bimba for Nigeria introduced Bertie and Rachael, outlining their respective roles within the Consortium. After discussing the week's itinerary, Bertie and Rachael were given a comprehensive tour of the center, witnessing firsthand the cutting-edge facilities and research being conducted.

 


Building Partnerships: Courtesy Visit to Bingham University's Vice-Chancellor:

The Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. W.B. Qurix, expressed his delight at the collaboration between the university and the LSTM (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), acknowledging the value it brought to their institution. Prof. Qurix emphasized the positive results emerging from the collaborative research on tuberculosis and other diseases. He proposed expanding the collaboration to include faculty and student exchange programs, as well as joint seminars on various health issues.

 



Prof. Bertie Squire, an esteemed visiting team member, praised the Zankli Research Centre for its commendable work in the field. He highlighted the positive outcomes of the collaborative tuberculosis research and the establishment of a correlation between gender and the disease. Bertie welcomed further collaboration between the two institutions, recognizing the value of their joint efforts.

 

Rachael also commended the Zankli Research Centre and expressed gratitude for the university's support. She mentioned the ongoing student exchange program, which would facilitate knowledge sharing between the two institutions.

 

Engaging with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme:

The visit to the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) provided an opportunity for the team to meet with The National Coordinator. 

The National Coordinator, Dr.  Chukwuma Anyaike appreciated the visit and was particularly pleased with the recent Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM) training and prayed that the training be conducted again for other stakeholders that were not invited for the training as the training will help TB managers in presenting their research work that will bring about informed decision. 





Prof. Bertie expressed their delight at meeting Dr. Obioma and conveyed their commitment to strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders. Collaboration in data sharing and research work was discussed, with Rachael emphasizing the importance of eradication efforts against TB in Nigeria. Dr. Obioma praised the Zankli Research Centre's contributions to the LIGHT program and appreciated their visit. They discussed possibilities of future collaborations, research, and publications.

 

Collaboration with KNCV Nigeria:

Dr. Ebuka delivered a presentation on the LIGHT Consortium DESTINE Research, highlighting the gendered pattern of TB burden in Nigeria. The presentation outlined the research approach, which included qualitative research, scoping reviews, stakeholder engagement, and a field implementation trial. The collaboration between the LIGHT-ZRC and KNCV Nigeria, an organization implementing USAID's LON grant, was also discussed. The meeting laid the foundation for future cooperation in the fight against TB




The presentation outlined the research approach, which included qualitative research, scoping reviews, stakeholder engagement, and a field implementation trial. The collaboration between the LIGHT-ZRC and KNCV Nigeria, an organization implementing USAID's LON grant, was also discussed. The meeting laid the foundation for future cooperation in the fight against TB.

 

Exploring Opportunities at the FCDO:

The LIGHT team visited the FCDO at the British High Commission to discuss the progress and current activities of the LIGHT Consortium. The purpose of the visit was to improve access to research grants and maximize opportunities. The Early Career Researcher (ECR) provided an overview of the research questions LIGHT aimed to address in Nigeria, along with the research approach and timelines. The meeting also focused on the gendered pattern of drug-resistant TB occurrence and its impact on prevention therapy uptake and completion.

 

Creating Awareness at the Kodape Community:

The LIGHT team visited the District Head of Kodape Community, along with other village heads, to raise awareness about tuberculosis. They emphasized that TB treatment is available free of charge at local health centers, urging the community members to seek care. Additionally, the importance of encouraging men to undergo testing and complete TB treatment was highlighted. The District Head appreciated the visit and recognized the significance of such awareness initiatives within his community. 





 

Conclusion:

Rachael and Bertie's visit to the Zankli Research Centre and their interactions with various stakeholders showcased their commitment to fighting tuberculosis in Nigeria. The collaboration between LIGHT and local institutions, such as Bingham University, KNCV Nigeria, and the NTBLCP, demonstrates the concerted effort to address the challenges posed by TB. By sharing research findings, fostering partnerships, and raising awareness at the community level, the LIGHT team is making strides toward the eradication of tuberculosis in Nigeria.



Written by Andrew Oguntolu, Communication Officer LIGHT/Zankli Research Centre

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