Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDs remain a top public health priority in this year’s Impact Health budget allocation.

Under the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA), a sum of K262,000 has been earmarked under four activities which includes case funding linked to patient care, treatment, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and community engagement.

This funding is parked under the Health Sector Strategic and Investment Plan (HSSIP) trust account and strictly follows the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act process.

Speaking during the opening of the five-day TB review program, Acting Director Corporate Services Carol Malisa said the objective of allocating this funding is to ensure improved outcomes and to secure future financial support.

“We must ensure that TB funds are used effectively and transparently and in line with expectations from donors and ENB PHA”

She also stressed on strict budget discipline, noting that expenditures will only be expounded on approved lined items.

“We will further not spend outside the budget where activity does not correspond with any tied down activity.”

Timely reporting and keeping track of supporting documentation for transparency are key expectations that have been stressed to the health staff for improve outcomes going forward.

The ENB PHA is focused on strengthening the TB systemin charge of TB to ensure outcomes are improved going forward including identifying gaps, turning practical solutions into clear actions, to implementing its provincial and district facilities for 2027 onwards.

However, the TB program must take into account that the delay of procurement itself may lead to treatment interruptions, weak monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and a lack of meaningful impact.

If the allocated money sits idle, donors may ultimately revoke the funding and allocate it elsewhere.