Cross River Gov’t Distributes Motorcycles to Boost TB Control, Rural Health Outreach
By Ebi Collins
In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery and accelerate the fight against Tuberculosis (TB), the Cross River State Government has distributed 36 motorcycles to health personnel across the state’s 18 local government areas.
The official handover ceremony, held Tuesday at the State Essential Drug Program Stores in Calabar, was presided over by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, in collaboration with the Director General of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Vivian Otu.
Each LGA received two motorcycles—one exclusively for TB surveillance and treatment, and the other to support broader primary healthcare services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ayuk issued a firm warning against misuse of the motorcycles. He emphasized that the vehicles are government property and must be used strictly for official duties—not for personal errands, farming, or political activities.
“These motorcycles are not for markets, bars, or private farms,” he stated. “They are tools of service—meant to enhance TB case detection, deliver treatment, and extend healthcare access to underserved areas. Anyone found misusing them will face disciplinary measures, including salary deductions.”
The commissioner also cautioned local government officials against attempting to appropriate the motorcycles for political or personal gain. He stressed that only mobile, field-ready health workers should be assigned the bikes, insisting that the vehicles are intended solely to improve health outcomes.
“If you cannot operate outside your facility or move between communities, you have no business using these bikes,” Dr. Ayuk declared.
Dr. Ayuk concluded by thanking Governor Bassey Otu for his steadfast support of the health sector and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Global Fund and the Federal Ministry of Health in the ongoing effort to eliminate TB by 2030.
Echoing the commissioner’s sentiments, the State TB Program Manager, Mrs. Ajom Ikongha, reminded TB officers and their assistants of the critical role they play in combating TB. She acknowledged that while the motorcycles arrived later than in other states, the delay should not diminish their impact.
“These bikes are not symbols of status; they are instruments of service,” Ikongha said. “They must not be seen at political events, markets, or farms. Their sole purpose is to reduce the TB burden and improve healthcare access.”
She also announced that a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts would be circulated to all recipients to ensure responsible and effective use.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Archibong Nyong, the TB Supervisor for Akpabuyo LGA, expressed deep appreciation to the state government for the intervention. He pledged that the motorcycles would be used judiciously to support the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP) and other integrated health initiatives, in full compliance with the stipulated guidelines.
