A Non Governmental Organization, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition,(ACOMIN) has called on the governments at all levels and relevant stakeholders to prioritise healthcare delivery by making adequate budgetary provision for the sector.
The call was made at a media briefing on the global fund malaria community -led monitoring project being implemented by ACOMIN in Kwara state.
ACOMIN is a network of CSOs that envision a healthy Nigerian society free of Malaria, Polio, Tuberculosis Meningitis and other communicable and preventable diseases with access to basic, sustainable and health promoting nutrition.
Speaking during the meeting held at the state Ministry of Health ACOMIN state Project Coordinator, Mr Femi Olatunbosun, said ACOMIN has recorded tremendous achievement in Kwara state, under the period under review
Mr. Olatunbosun also commended all partners in the project, State Malaria Elimination Programme, TB programme, the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and Kwara State Ministry of Health for their unflinching support for ACOMIN over the years.
He said all stakeholders needed to work together to improve the standard of healthcare delivery across board.
The project coordinator noted that, comprehensive policies should be implemented to ensure regular maintenance of healthcare infrastructure and timely replacement of outdated medical devices.
He enjoined community leaders, philanthropists and private sector partners,religious leaders and faith -based organizations to support local healthcare centers and see healthcare investment as part of their social responsibility.
“The state of our healthcare infrastructure is a collective concern and its restoration requires a united effort”, he said.
Olatunbosun therefore appreciated the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unrelented efforts in making healthcare delivery available for its citizens.
Briefing pressmen on the activities so far in the state , State, Programme Manager Audu Oluwatosin stated that the Community – Led monitoring initiative being implemented by ACOMIN has yielded a huge success in the state.
According to her, the constitution of health committees showing improvement in community involvement: FDF and KHDI constituted health committees at Alagbado and Pampo communities has improved the health care delivery in the areas.
“Others achievements include provision of alternative power supply at the health facility: At PHC Ndacheko, Edu LGA, the Etsu of Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Kawu, donated a solar panel worth N45,000 to power the facility. Similarly, Alanamu community provided solar lights worth #19,000 to illuminate the health facility surroundings at night.
“Engagement of volunteers by the community to address the acute shortage of staff at some health facilities: FDF mobilized Alagbado community to employ a security guard at a monthly salary of N30,000. Belawu Ajoke also achieved this effort at Tanke Ile-Iwe PHC.
“Repairs at health facilities: AIGL mobilized Adewole community to construct a well at Adewole Basic Health Care as an alternative source of water at a cost of N95,000.Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Our CBOs have encouraged healthcare providers to procure PPE for their safety when government and agency supplies were inadequate. IVESS recorded a success story in this regard on.
“Ensuring a clean and conducive environment: All our CBOs have consistently ensured that the health facility environment is clean and conducive for healthcare providers and clients”.
Audu noted that all these aforementioned achievements are some of the successes achieved through the efforts of the CBOs in their respective health facilities, where the project is being implemented
In her remark, the Director, Planning and Statistics, state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr Ayo Aliyu said the presentation administration has tremendously improved healthcare services in kwara state.
Ayo who spoke through Mrs Ruqayah stated that the state government recently approved the recruitment of over one thousand health workers that will be distributed across the 16 local Government of the state.
