…as CBOs working on C-19RM/RSSH Grant intensify advocacies on Community ownership of health facilities
There is an appreciable increase in the numbers of people patronizing public health facilities in some councils across Ekiti State compared to the past.
The local governments with such positive development are Oye, Ikole, Ijero, Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun where CBOs engaged by ACOMIN are implementing C19RM/RSSH grant.
According to findings by Roundoffnews, most of the health facilities which have hitherto been deserted by members of communities have now continued to witness regular visit for cases such as malaria treatment, TB, and child birth.
According to statistics obtained during the monthly coordination meeting of the advocacy group working on the Global Fund C-19RM/RSSH Grant, the numbers of babies successfully delivered in some of the health facilities have increased drastically while records of patients shows appreciable improvement.
The positive development noticed in the facilities is sequel to the support received from some members of the affected communities after successful advocacies and awareness campaigns carried out by the CBOs working on the Global Fund C-19RM/RSSH Grant with them.
Members of the communities donated various materials and health facilities which had inturn enhanced the operations of the health facilities and restore confidence of patients who now feel comfortable at visiting them.
According to Prince Adebola of Positive Care Support Group, a former member of the House of Representatives Hon. Wale Aribisala renovated and repainted the old building at Comprehensive Health Centre, Ayedun-Ekiti, repair of the damaged roof and provision of 16 beds and mattresses while the king of the community helped to employ a security personnel and payment of his salary.
Other CBOs also highlighted their success stories which include donation of solar energy power by community members, provision of baby birthplace, provision of toilet, clearing of environment at various facilities they were working on.
At Irepodun Ifelodun, Igede ward B, Aaye basic health centre, two solar lights were provided by the community and the repair of the main gate was carried out.
Also a big tree which was almost bringing down the fence was cut off to enhance better health care services.
CBO working in Igede said:” the Community helped in the repair of the roof of the facilities while two groups have donated, plastic chairs and benches.A security man was also appointed to man the facilities.
The CBOs confirmed that though some of the facilities were still confronted with challenges with a call on well-meaning individuals in the affected communities to attend to.