Background:This study aims to assess the current status of the control programme
and the problems faced at the operational level of TB control in Ekiti State.
Methods:The study was carried out in Ekiti State, south west of Nigeria. Ten Local
Government Areas (LGA) out of the 16 LGAs in the state, selected by simple
random sampling, were evaluated. The tuberculosis control programme officers
were interviewed for this study with semi structured questionnaires and checklists
were used to obtain information on funding, training, personnel and constraints of
the TB control programme. Outcomes were compared with targets for the National
TB and Leprosy Control Programme indicators
Results: The treatment success rate was 93%, clinic coverage was 39% of target
and trained personnel met 100% of the state target. None of the LGAs however had
a budgetary allocation for TB control. Drugs were provided by the donor agency.
Activities like drug collection, clinics, report writing and public awareness
campaigns did not meet specified targets. Finance and lack of stationery were the
major perceived constraints to the control programmes.
Conclusion: The TB control programme has recorded some achievements
however the evident donor dependence and lack of counterpart funding seem to be
limiting the full implementation of the TB control programme in the State.
Increased state ownership is required for the Stop TB and MDG targets for TB
control by 2015 to be met.