The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called on the Niger state government state to improve funding for primary health care delivery so as to ensure the elimination of malaria in the state.
While disclosing that it will enable a robust public health program at community level, the State Coordinator, ACOMIN, Olasukanmi Kalejaiye, also called on community members to actively support and advocate for their local primary health care centers (PHCs).
Speaking during an interactive session with the media on the Global Fund Malaria Community-Led Monitoring Project being implemented by ACOMIN over the weekend, Kalejaiye however disclosed that following the successful completion of the NFM 3 malaria grant, Global Fund has approved another three year malaria grant for Nigeria.
According to him “we call on governments at all levels, the private sector, stakeholders and especially community leaders to commit to the improvement of funding for Primary health care delivery.
“When we are persistent, strategic and scientific in our approach, we will significantly move forward in our collective journey towards the elimination of malaria.”
He however disclosed that, ACOMIN has recorded outstanding successes at Boku and Bankogi communities following the rejuvenation of Ward Development Committees which have been dormant.
Accordingly, he said “at Boku community, the villagers donated a piece of land for the construction of PHC and at Bankogi an action team has reawakened the community members commitment to the abandonment of the extension of facility project”.
Furthermore, he said, the community led monitoring project being implemented by ACOMIN is spread across 10 local government areas of Chanchaga, Bosso, Suleja, Paikoro, Bida, Mokwa, Lavun, Gbako, Kontagora and Wushishi.
Speaking also, Executive officer, Hurting Hearts Foundation, Mrs Hassana Kpetu said efforts made so far are yielding positive results.
According to her, “we work in communities and see his we can encourage them to provide unskilled staff to the facilities in other to augment the shortfall of staff ravaging some of the facilities”.