By Praise Chinecherem
Civil Societies in Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called on government officials and policymakers to prioritize and increase funding for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.
The group also urged religious organizations and leaders to invest in Primary Healthcare as well as ensure communities were integrated into healthcare response towards fostering sense of ownership and accountability.
The State Coordinator, Chioma Okeke made the call in Awka during a press briefing on COVID-19 response mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable system for health (C19RM/RSSH) project.
She described adequate financial support as crucial for the centres to deliver quality healthcare services, including malaria prevention and treatment to the community.
According to her, allocating more resources to PHCs, governments could strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure, enhance healthcare workforce capacity, and ensure essential services were accessible to all.
She said, “We encourage religious leaders to invest in Primary Healthcare as they have the power to influence and mobilize communities towards positive change.
“Through their leadership and guidance, they can help ensure that communities are integrated into the healthcare response, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
“We encourage community members to 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.
“We call upon private organizations, philanthropic foundations, and individuals to contribute to the funding of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs).
“Private and philanthropic funding plays a pivotal role in supplementing government resources and expanding the reach and impact of PHCs.
“By investing in PHCs, these stakeholders can support the provision of comprehensive healthcare services, to underserved communities.
Also speaking, State Coordinator, TB Network, Ifeyinwa Unachukwu said the group’s intensified advocacy contributed to government’s recent decision to recruit more workers in the PHCs after several years.
She said, “All the interventions we’ve recorded so far are from members of the community. Before now, most of the locals feigned ignorance of their relationship with the PHCs. They see it as government business.
“But today, they can now appreciate that it is 60:40 between them and government. They’re now accessing the facilities and also contributing towards improving service delivery in their various domains.”
Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) Chisom Uchem commended the organization for its contributions to the growth of the PHCs, assuring continued partnership.
Uchem, represented by her Aide, Chidebere Onwudinjo further disclosed that the agency has instituted mechanism targeted at appreciating performing staff and punishment to erring ones.
Earlier, Program Officer, ACOMIN, Wisdom Jacobs listed some of the challenges militating against the group’s responsibilities to include insecurity, funding, political interests, inadequate staffing, equipment, regular stockouts of commodities and high treatment costs.
He regretted negative impact of the challenges on quality of care and access to essential services, soliciting attention and efforts of government at all levels, the private sector and community members to address the challenges.
“When we identify challenges, we identify key stakeholders in the communities who can assist us address them. As such, the more we produce results, the more they have confidence in us protecting their interest,” he stressed.
According to Jacobs, the group had covered 30 wards, and 30 health facilities across the five Local Government Areas of implementation with unprecedented achievements since October 2022 it kicked off.
He added, “In Anambra State, the community-led monitoring initiative of the project is implemented by ATM Networks in Five LGAs namely Aguata, Awka South, Anambra East, Dunukofia and Nnewi South LGA.
“The 2023 successes 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 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 solar panel unit 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 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 center 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
“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 Care Trust Development Initiative.
“Construction of drainage channel and rehabilitation of entrance pavement in Nise PHC through the effort of MESHI.”
