By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Association of Community-Based Organizations for Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called on governments, development partners, healthcare stakeholders, philanthropists, communities and the media to intensify efforts toward addressing persistent gaps in HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria healthcare services across Delta State and Nigeria.
The call was made during a media engagement on the Global Fund-supported Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project being implemented by ACOMIN today in Asaba ,Delta State.
Presenting a brief on the project, Delta State Programme Officer of ACOMIN, Mr. Austin Uwede, noted that despite significant progress recorded in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria through government interventions and support from development partners, many communities still face serious barriers to accessing quality healthcare services.
According to him, findings from the Community-Led Monitoring intervention revealed persistent challenges including weak referral systems, treatment interruptions, shortages of trained healthcare workers, inadequate health facility resources, limited screening opportunities, and rising transportation costs which continue to hinder access to healthcare services.
Uwede explained that weak referral mechanisms often delay treatment for patients diagnosed with HIV and TB, while inadequate linkages between primary and secondary healthcare facilities expose severe malaria patients to avoidable health complications.
He further disclosed that treatment interruptions resulting from transportation difficulties, drug stock-outs and economic hardship have contributed to poor treatment adherence, increased loss to follow-up cases and the emergence of drug-resistant diseases.
“Although HIV, TB and malaria treatments are free, indirect costs such as transportation, feeding and lost wages discourage many patients from completing treatment,” he said.
The Programme Officer, however, highlighted the impact of the Global Fund Integrated Community-Led Monitoring intervention, stating that the initiative has strengthened accountability within the healthcare system and improved access to quality services.
He noted that communities have contributed significantly through domestic resource mobilization, including the renovation of health facilities, provision of boreholes, hospital beds, medical consumables, malaria medications and engagement of support personnel such as volunteers and security guards.
Uwede said the intervention has also improved referral pathways, increased responsiveness from health authorities and amplified community voices in healthcare decision-making.
Despite these achievements, he stressed that challenges relating to availability, accessibility, affordability and quality of healthcare services still persist, necessitating urgent collective action.
“We call on governments at all levels, development partners, private sector actors, philanthropists, healthcare providers, community stakeholders and the media to strengthen referral systems, ensure uninterrupted access to medicines and diagnostics, invest in healthcare workforce development, expand community-based screening services and reduce financial barriers to healthcare,” he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, Delta State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Greg Sifor, charged Programme Officers across the 25 local government areas of the state to remain committed to the project and view their responsibilities as service to humanity and God.
He warned against falsification of reports, emphasizing that modern geo-coordination technology makes it possible to verify field activities and detect fraudulent submissions.
Pastor Sifor recounted the sacrifices made by ACOMIN officials over the years to sustain the organization during difficult periods, including times when staff worked for extended periods without salaries.
He urged members to remain dedicated and selfless in advancing the objectives of the organization.
“We all need to make sacrifices to ensure that ACOMIN continues to make positive impacts in our communities. Every one of us must contribute to improving healthcare delivery and community wellbeing,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of the integrated HIV, TB and Malaria intervention, describing it as a unique initiative capable of reaching more people and promoting healthier communities.
Also speaking, the State Programme Officer of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Mrs. Mercy Momoh, appealed to government authorities to strengthen monitoring of healthcare facilities, protect public health infrastructure and ensure adequate supply of essential medicines.
She commended the involvement of the media in the campaign and urged journalists to continue amplifying health messages through print, electronic and digital platforms to encourage positive behavioural change among residents.
Mrs. Momoh specifically appealed to media practitioners to help project the concerns and recommendations of ACOMIN to relevant government authorities.
Contributing during the briefing, Programme Officer for Isoko South Local Government Area, Mr. Lawrence Etadafevwerha, narrated how a healthcare facility in Olomoro was forced to abandon its borehole after it was allegedly contaminated by an unidentified individual who defecated inside it.
According to him, the situation was eventually resolved when a public-spirited individual financed the drilling of a new borehole for the facility.
Similarly, Clara Isoken Ogieva, Programme Officer of the Community Empowerment and Development Initiative (CEDI) in Ethiope East Local Government Area, appealed to the government to upgrade healthcare facilities in the area.
She lamented that residents face difficulties accessing healthcare services due to inadequate infrastructure, shortage of manpower and lack of essential medical equipment in existing facilities.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that stronger partnerships, increased domestic resource mobilization, sustained community engagement and improved accountability are critical to eliminating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as public health threats and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.