Abuja: A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has expressed concern over inadequate health facilities and out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred by some patients in a bid to access Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and HIV services.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the CSOs, through the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), and TB Network, raised the concern at a news conference in Abuja. The group highlighted that patients, particularly those in rural areas, often travel more than 30 kilometers to access essential health services for TB, malaria, and HIV.
Mr. Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator, TB Network, pointed out that TB, HIV, and malaria are more prevalent among vulnerable populations due to inadequate health facilities and insufficient financial resources, which can undermine treatment efforts. “Even where treatment is free, such as in the case of TB, transportation to clinics and other hidden out-of-pocket costs for patients may pose challenges. Some patients had to travel more than 30 km away from their homes in rural areas to access TB, HIV, and malaria services, which can be unaffordable for many,” he noted.
The coalition is collaborating with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (C19RM/RSSH) grant to improve health outcomes in 18 states. Salifu mentioned that they have donated solar energy systems to Dabi-Bako PHC, hospital consumables to Kwali Central PHC, and completed a soak-away project in Chibri PHC, among other initiatives in the FCT.
He urged the government and other stakeholders to implement comprehensive measures that include prevention and treatment, health education and promotion, and community partnership to effectively address these diseases. “There is an urgent need to strengthen health systems, provide needed financial resources, renew political leadership, and foster collaborations. Evidence-based cost-effective interventions such as community-led monitoring need to be scaled up and include community-based differentiated service delivery models. Finally, innovations in service delivery and technological adaptations remain critical as countries aim to limit disruptions to routine services,” he emphasized.
Mrs. Deborah Azeez, Health Educator, FCT Public Health Department, underscored their role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and saving lives. “We engage in awareness creation, and despite government efforts to promote health, we also encourage communities to participate and take ownership of these programs before the grants are over,” she stated.
Additionally, Mr. Isah Likita, representing Kabusa Ward Development Committee, emphasized the need for the government to reintroduce fumigation exercises aimed at eliminating pests that carry diseases like malaria. “I was at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada for three weeks recently, and the rate of mosquitoes there was even more than the one outside. If the government re-introduces such initiatives, it will help to eliminate these diseases, especially at the community level,” he suggested.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the C19RM/RSSH project being implemented covers 315 wards in 105 local government areas across 18 states of the country.