The ATM (AIDS, Malaria and TB) network for the C19 RM/RSSH (COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health) has called on governments, private sectors and other stakeholders to extend the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) program to the poor and most vulnerable.
The project led by Civil Society Organisations for Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Anambra state also advocated mapping out of funds for primary health delivery, as well as sanctions against misappropriation or mismanagement to enable robust public health program at all levels in the local governments.
Speaking during a media briefing, State Coordinator, Mrs Chioma Okeke said NHIS extension would go a long way to accommodating the poor, often less educated, unemployed and those challenged by “pay out-of-pocket” for high costs associated with frequent illnesses.
She said, “The National Health Insurance program enjoyed by the formal sector should be extended to other citizens of Nigeria, particularly the poor and most vulnerable.
“The poor often are less educated and unemployed and cannot consequently pay out-of-pocket for high costs associated with frequent illnesses.
“Funding and finances for primary health delivery should be carefully mapped out and sanctioned against any misappropriation or mismanagement; to enable a robust public health program at all ward levels in the local government.
“Communication and education programs can raise knowledge and awareness and, in turn, improve testing and care-seeking.
“There is a great need to educate, engage, and empower the communities to embrace any behaviour change relevant to achieving success in malaria, HIV, and TB control in Nigeria.
“Every ward should commit to health promotion and education programs to increase awareness of prevention measures; and promote community participation and adherence to evidence-based strategies.
“Commit adequate resources through advocacy and partnerships, for the full and effective implementation of all planned interventions, including through involvement of the private sector, and community participatory approaches.
“Community members should actively support and advocate for their local Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these centres.
“Additionally, community support can manifest through volunteering, donating resources, or participating in advocacy efforts to secure increased funding and resources for PHCs.
Okeke enumerated achievements of the C19RM/RSSH Community-Led Monitoring initiative being implemented in the State to include donation of 750 litres of GP tank to Umudioka PHC by a community member in Awka Ward 3, Awka South LGA through the effort of MESHI.
“Donation of water pumping machine, drugs, commodities and consumables and construction of burn and bury pit by community members at Aguluezechukwu PHC in Aguluezechukwu ward, Aguata LGA through the effort of Spring of Hope.
“Donation of two (2) beds by the Nawgu community to Nawgu PHC in Nawgu ward, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of CIRDDOC.
“Construction of borehole and donation of 4 benches and 2 tables to Nagbana PHC Umunachi ward, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of Light of the Nation.
“Donation of one unit of a solar panel by a community member to Umueri-Neyi PHC, Umueri ward, Anambra East LGA through the effort of Restored Hope.
“Repairs of toilet chamber, construction of perimeter fence and tiling of Iruzu PHC by a community member in Ukpo ward, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of ADONHACDC.
“Donation of two mattresses, Protective Gloves, Circumcision scissors, Accouchement and a Sphygmomanometer by a community member to Ebele PHC, Achina ward, Aguata LGA. through the effort of the Victoria Clarion Foundation.
“Engagement of an ambulance driver and donation of 2 packs of Unigold, 2 packets of Oralquick, 3 Packets of condoms, 50 pieces of Disposable pads, 3 boxes of Jubilee Syringe (2.5 ml & 5ml), 1 gallon of Methylated Spirit, and 2 packets of HIV Determine to Amawbia MCH, Amawbia ward, Awka South LGA through the effort of Care Trust Development Initiative.
“Donation of 6 packets of pads for pregnant women, Drugs (malaria ACT drugs and paracetamol), cottonwool, and ORS by a community member to Otuocha PHC in Otuocha ward, Anambra East LGA through the effort of Aguata diocesan centre for community health and development.
“Repairs of the borehole by a community member at Utuh PHC, Utuh ward, Nnewi South LGA through the effort of Gender Perspective and social development.
“Donation of one hospital bed and foam, one baby cot, one delivery/theatre bed, one scale BP monitor and a drip stand by a community member to Eziama PHC in Amichi ward 7, Nnewi South LGA through the effort of DESCOM global care initiative
12. Tilling of Azigbo PHC in Nnewi South LGA through the effort of Save the World Support Foundation (SAWOR).
“Foundation laying and blocks work of Isoke PHC and Eziama PHC in Nnewi South LGA through the effort of DESCOM global care initiative (ongoing)
“Repairs of borehole for the supply of water and Installation of three solar street lights at Ozzuh PHC, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of Light of the Nation.
“Installation of two solar street lights to Isiekwulu PHC, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of ADONHACDC.
“Repairs and Installation of a prepaid electrical meter at Umuokpu PHC, Awka South LGA through the effort of the Care Trust Development Initiative.
“Construction of drainage channel and rehabilitation of entrance pavement in Nise PHC through the effort of MESHI.
“Donation of two water cistern toilets to Ukwulu PHC, Dunukofia LGA through the effort of CIRDDOC.
“Construction and rehabilitation of entrance pavement in Isiagu PHC, Akwa South LGA through the effort of Hope Givers.
“Donation and fixing of iron doors and electrical bulbs at Nkpolokwu PHC, Aguata LGA through the effort of Shoulder for Gender Support and Development Initiative.
“Construction of dug well for water reserve and reticulation of water to Azigbo PHC in Nnewi South LGA through the effort of Save the World Support Foundation (SAWOR).
“Construction of ramp with hand rail at Utuh PHC, Utuh ward, Nnewi South LGA through the effort of Gender Perspective and social development.
Underscoring importance of strengthening health systems, provision of needed financial resources, renewal of political leadership and fostering collaborations, Okeke stressed that innovations in service delivery and technological adaptations remained critical as countries targeted limit disruptions to routine services.
“Evidence-based cost-effective interventions such as Community-Led Monitoring needed to be scaled up and include community-based differentiated service delivery models, less frequent visits to a health facility with less frequent medication pick-ups, expansion of mental health strategies, offering opportunities to build back better and an improved focus on people-centred care.
Also speaking, Zonal Chairman, ACOMIN, Southeast, Prof. Dennis Aribodor, expressed need for State Government to ensure sustainability and expansion of the project billed to stop by the end of December 2023.
“Because of the huge success stories and impact associated with the Global Fund project in the 5 LGAs currently being implemented, government needs to ensure its sustainability and expansion to more local government areas before its expiration,” he said..
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike pledged his Ministry’s readiness to provide necessary support to the CBOs, revealing that a Mental Health Department had been instituted as part of such efforts.
He also disclosed that the process of restructuring the WDC structure had already commenced.
“The process will involve leadership of women, youths, religious organisations, while the OIC will serve as the secretary and a WDC chairman as members of the WDC.
“A relative structure will be instituted at the Local Government level, incorporating the Chairman and Director, Health.
“Government has also made available several kinds of delivery equipment including 3.5KVA solar power for facilities,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction with tremendous efforts of the community members in rehabilitation and renovation of the facilities, Obidike pledged commitment to sustainability and expansion of the project across other local government areas in the State.
Earlier, State Programme Officer, Wisdom Jacob presented pictorial evidence of the project’s success stories so far, both completed and ongoing, even as he informed the Commissioner of the close-out of the project in December.
