In order to address the prevalence of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Gender Based Violence in Nigeria, the Tuberculosis Networks, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition ACOMIN, and Network of people living with HIV and AIDS have called on government at all levels to ensure that more Nigerians are captured under the National Health Insurance scheme which is being enjoyed by the formal sector.
The Tuberculosis Networks, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition ACOMIN, and the Network of people living with HIV and AIDS are tripartite Organizations funded by Global Fund to mobilise members of the public to take ownership of government health facilities and support their sustainability.
Addressing journalists during an Advocacy Focused Media Meeting held in Ado Ekiti, coordinators of the Organizations also proposed the need for governments at all levels to set aside 15% of their annual budgets for health.
First to speak during the meeting was the EKiti State Coordinator of Tuberculosis Network, Dr Taiwo Benson who explained that the vulnerable people are mostly affected by tuberculosis and malaria due to socio economic disparities, urging government to take pragmatic steps to ens the scourge.
Dr Benson used the forum to call on well meaning Nigerians to commit their resources to health promotion and education programs to increase awareness of prevention measures, promote community participation and adherence to evidence-based strategies.
Speaking of the achievements of the pro, Ekiti State Coordinator of ACOMIN, Sir Olu Ogunrotimi explained that through the programme many health facilities have received improved attention and people have continued to enjoy better health care services.
He said four units of toilets have been constructed in Afao Comprehensive Health Centre, Ikere Ekiti, procurement of Plasma TV, Gotv Recorder at Araromi Health Centre, Ikere Ekiti, installation of twenty solar powered security light poles at Usi Ekiti Health Centre, donation of plot of land with one thousand blocks to start the building of a new facility at Ugele Community, Ikere Ekiti
Others were repair of borehole at Oke Osun Health Centre, Ikere Ekiti, supply of treated mosquitoes nets at Algon, Health Centre Ilawe Ekiti, installation of one solar powered light at Ifaki two, Health Centre, employment of security personnel at Imesi Ekiti Health centre, renovation of dilapidated building at Ikogosi, Health centre among others.
On her part, the programme officer of the project in Ekiti State, Mrs Funke Omojola noted that the programme which had contributed to the well being of Ekiti residents would be terminated by the end of 2025 and appealed to all communities to adopt the Community Led Monitoring approach for a better health outcomes for all
The Organizations highlighted some of the challenges experienced to include Inadequate Funding saying TB control programs in Ekiti rely heavily on international donor funding.
” However, domestic funding for TB control is limited, making it challenging to sustain programs and ensure universal access to TB services.
“Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient healthcare workers, and limited access to TB services in both public and private health services in the state.
“Low community awareness about TB symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Some leaders of the benefiting towns and Villages appreciated Global Fund for the support, promising to make good use of the facilities and other equipment provided for them.
