BY: MUNIRA HASSAN MUHAMMAD, KANO
The Civil Society in Malaria Control Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has urged federal government of Nigeria, states governments, local government areas and donor agencies to increase funding for health sectors especially in the fight against Malaria as its remained deadly disease to Nigerians.
The Kano state program officer of ACOMIN Malam Sharif Abubakar stated this while briefing journalist shortly after quarterly monthly coordination meeting held in Kano at the weekend.
According to him, improving funding and resources for primary healthcare delivery to enable and robust public health program at the community level.
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“Every local government area should commit to health promotion and education programs to increase awareness of prevention measures; and promote community participation and adherence to evidence-based strategies. Community members should actively support and advocate for their local Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these centers,” he said.
“Additionally, community support should manifest through volunteering, donating resources, or participating in advocacy efforts to secure increased funding and resources for PHCs. When we are persistent, strategic and scientific in our approach, we will significantly move forward in our collective journey towards the elimination of malaria,” Sharif said.
The SPO said some of the success recorded including renovation of dilapidated health facility building at Yan Awaki Primary Health Care (PHC) in Rano local government area of the state.
“Dilapidated facility building at Yan awaki PHC, Rano LGA in quarter 9 reported by Voice of Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiative (VOHEDI). The issue has been lingering for the past 3 years but with the intervention of the ACOMN project, it is now resolved through the follow-up by the CAT/WDC which the community and some stakeholders contributed and renovated the facility. The monetary value of the project worth N 35,000,000 Thirty-five million naira only.
“Dilapidated facility building at Joben kudu MPHC, reported in q9 by Dawaki Community Health Initiative (DCHI). The issue has been lingering for the past 3 years but with the ACOMIN and continued follow the issue has now been resolved. The monitoring value of the project is worth N50,000.000 (fifty million naira only,” the SPO noted.
Sharif also hinted that “Lack of water at Dadin Duniya HP, Gabasawa ward, Gabasawa LGA. The issue has been lingering for the past 2 years but with our intervention and several advocacies conducted with various stakeholders at the LGA. The issue has now been resolved through the intervention of the WDC committee who contributed and repaired the spoiled borehole and water is now available at the facility.”
Malam Abubakar stressed the need for gregarious campaign for the creation of awareness to the general public about the overall perception of people with regards to Tuberculosis especially in 25 local government area of the state.
“Lack of awareness of HIV, and TB almost cut across the 25 LGAs. The intervention of GF/GC7 through the FGD activity has impacted a behavioral change in the perception of HIV TB.
The SPO went further to say “Lack of HIV test kits and TB sputum cups at Dawakiji PHC, Dawakin Kudu LGA reported by the Coalition to Fight Against TB, HIV, AIDS and Malaria (CEFTAM). The issue lingered for 2 years but our intervention and several advocacies were conducted to several stakeholders in the LGA. The issues were resolved through the intervention of the PHCC which supplied a substantial quantity of HIV test kits and sputum cups. The monitoring value is worth two hundred thousand naira only (N200, 000). On the challenges which hinders the smooth operation of many health care facilities, Malam Sharif listed inadequate staffing, equipment shortages, regular stock outs of medical supplies, and high treatment costs.
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Others according to him are the shortage of human resources at the facilities places a heavy burden on the existing staff, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency in healthcare delivery.
GLOBAL TRACKER learned from the World Health Organization WHO’s report published in 2022 that Nigeria accounted for approximately 27% of the global malaria burden in 2021 and 31% of the estimated malaria deaths worldwide. The WHO also estimated that severe malaria caused 194,000 deaths in 2021, with about 80% of these fatalities occurring in children under five. The high incidence of malaria cases in Nigeria calls for sustained engagement by relevant stakeholders.