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Southeast Zonal Coordinator, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Prof Dennis Aribodo has called on Anambra State government to make treatment of the trio diseases of HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) free in the state.
He said making treatment of the diseases, particularly malaria free would not only assist in poverty reduction, but eliminate the disease from the state.
Aribodo who doubles as Founder Malaria Eradication and Safe Health Initiative of Nigeria (MESHI) spoke in Awka at a media briefing on ATM CBOs implementing COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) by Civil Society For The Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network).
He said, “There’s the need to make treatment of these three diseases free, not just affordable. Government can do that, it will only cost them small money. It can come up with a policy that from now till next one year, every child that’s down with malaria will be treated free to eliminate the scourge and reduce poverty.
“There should be budgetary allocations for these diseases so that every child, especially the most vulnerable and pregnant women can be free of malaria with assurance of adequate monitoring and supervision to ensure drugs are not stolen, sold nor diverted.
“In that way, you’re living families with more resources to address other needs. That’s one of the ways countries like Algeria eliminated Malaria in 2020. I’m sure Anambra can achieve that also.”
Aribodo further urged government to fully key into the ATM CBOs implementing COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) model to ensure the entire state was accommodated in the programme.
He argued that complete reliance on foriegn partners for assistance would not sustain the project, describing such support as sporadic and tangential.
“There are over 170 communities in the state, but we’re only covering 15 of them. We’re calling on government to key into the project and interact with implementers and stakeholders to ensure more communities are accommodated.
“If government buys into this project and escalates it, within the next six months, or one year, they’ll see the magic that will make people have confidence and key into the public health system,” he added.
Earlier, State Coordinator, TB Network, Anambra State, Ifeyinwa Unachukwu explained that multifaceted approach was critical to advancing fight against HIV, TB, Malaria (ATM), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
She called for extension of National Health Insurance program being enjoyed by the formal sector to other citizens, particularly the poor and most vulnerable, who she said were often less educated, unemployed and lack the ability to pay out-of-pocket for high costs associated with frequent illnesses.
She also underscored the need for careful mapping out of funds and finances for primary health delivery, while sanctions should be metted against misappropriation or mismanagement to ensure robust public health programme at the grassroots.
“Communication and education programmes 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 behavior change, relevant to achieving success in malaria, HIV, and TB Control in Nigeria.
“Every ward should commit to health promotion and education programmes to increase awareness of prevention measures; and promote community participation and adherence to evidence-based strategies.
“There’s need to commit adequate resources through advocacy and partnerships, for the full and effective implementation of all planned interventions, including the involvement of the private sector and other community participatory approaches.
“Community members should actively support and advocate for the development of their Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs). Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these centers.
“Additionally, community support can manifest through volunteering, donating resources, or participating in advocacy efforts to secure increased funding and resources for PHCs.
“Addressing these challenges in health systems require a robust action. Strengthening infrastructure, securing financial resources, renewing political leadership and fostering collaborations are essential.
“Evidence-based interventions, such as Community-Led Monitoring should be scaled up. Additionally, innovative service delivery models and technological adaptations are critical to minimize disruptions to routine care,” she said.
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