The Civil Society in Malaria Control Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) says its engagement with stakeholders has led to the renovation of five (5) health facilities and building as well as renovation of many public conveniences across 13 local government area of Kano state.
The state program officer of ACOMIN Malam Sharif Abubakar disclosed this while briefing journalist after 2024 4th quoter Media meeting held in Kano Tuesday.
According to him, the meeting is aimed engaging with all nongovernmental organizations working with ACOMIN so as to escalate the activities and encourage stakeholders to contributes for smooth operations of health facilities across the state.
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He said ACOMIN also encourage communities to take ownership of their health facilities, adding that government has provided them with the soul aim of catering public health.
He said “We are currently working in 13 Local Government Areas namely Gaya, Minjibir, Rano, Ungogo, Tarauni, Wudil, Bichi, Bunkure, Tofa, Gabasawa, Dawakin Kudu, Kura, and Danbatta, in collaboration with 26 community-based organizations (CBOs).”
The SPO said ACOMIN focused on sensitizing the community and encouraging them to take ownership of sanitation practices.
“This approach has led to extensive renovations, the building of new toilets, and increased community involvement. It has fostered the creation of new local organizations that will serve as a sustainability measure for identifying and addressing issues. These organizations are also conducting various advocacy efforts to resolve the identified challenges,” said Sharif.
“To address problems threatening healthcare facilities, we call on all stakeholders to step up and take decisive action. Federal, state, and local governments should prioritize healthcare infrastructure in their budgets. Increased funding is essential for renovating and upgrading facilities. Additionally, comprehensive policies should be implemented to ensure regular maintenance of healthcare infrastructure and timely replacement of outdated medical devices,” said Malam Sharif.
He said “Community Leaders and Members play a vital role in supporting local healthcare centres, through volunteerism, community-driven maintenance projects, and fundraising, communities can provide immediate assistance and foster a sense of ownership and accountability.”
“Philanthropists and Private Sector Partners are encouraged to view healthcare investment as part of their social responsibility. By funding critical infrastructure improvements or donating medical equipment, they can directly enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes,” said SPO
Malam Sharif further said “Religious Leaders and Faith-Based Organizations should leverage their influence to advocate for improved healthcare conditions. Mobilizing their congregations to support healthcare initiatives can create a powerful network of resources and advocacy, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive the attention they urgently need,” he added.
Peter Hassan Tijjani, the chief executive officer of Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development Initiatives said promoting accountability remained key in their operations at various global fund supported health facilities.
“We are working in Rano local government area, at different global fund supported facilities, we focused on promoting effectiveness and ownership of community members to facilited effective service delivery,” said peter.
“One of the best strategy that ACOMIN has developed and adopted is this community led accountability implementation project because before we entered the communities most of the people are not partaking in activities for support health facilities but now a lots of them are doing good,” he added.