By Abel Johngold Orheruata
ASABA, Delta State – In a call to action for improved healthcare infrastructure, the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) presented an update on its ongoing efforts at a media briefing held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the NUJ Press Centre, Asaba. The event spotlighted critical issues undermining healthcare delivery in Delta State while showcasing the progress achieved under the Global Fund (GF) Malaria Community-Led Monitoring Project.
Delivering the keynote address, Sir Austin A. Uwede outlined significant challenges facing healthcare facilities in the state. He stressed that inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic medical equipment, unreliable power supply, and poor water access continue to hinder quality healthcare delivery and diminish public trust in the system.
Key Challenges in Healthcare Facilities
During his address, Sir Uwede drew attention to the dire conditions observed during project implementation:
Aging Buildings: Many health centers are housed in dilapidated structures with cracked walls and leaking roofs, posing risks to patients and healthcare workers.
Medical Equipment Deficiency: The absence of basic diagnostic tools, including thermometers and sphygmomanometers, severely limits the capacity of primary healthcare centers (PHCs).
Frequent Power Outages: Regular electricity failures disrupt medical services, particularly at night, delaying treatment and putting lives at risk.
Water Shortages: The lack of clean water supply heightens the risk of infections and compromises healthcare delivery.
“These challenges not only weaken healthcare delivery but also erode the confidence of communities in the health system,” Sir Uwede remarked.
Community-Led Interventions Yield Tangible Results
Despite the hurdles, ACOMIN’s community-led approach has driven meaningful progress in Delta State. Sir Uwede highlighted several achievements:
1. Facility Upgrades: Local communities have renovated PHCs, installed generators, repaired solar panels, and supplied essential equipment such as delivery beds and medical devices.
2. Increased Support: Local government councils deployed additional staff to understaffed centers, while community leaders and philanthropists funded borehole projects, donated water purifiers, and provided rechargeable lamps.
3. Advocacy for Ownership: Efforts to encourage community participation have fostered a sense of responsibility and accountability among residents, improving infrastructure maintenance and service delivery.
Acknowledgment of Stakeholder Efforts
Delta State ACOMIN Chairman, Pastor Greg Sifo, lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, emphasizing the value of quarterly updates to assess progress and identify improvement areas. He acknowledged the contributions of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), community members, and local authorities in driving these successes.
Dr. Julie Aniah of the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency commended ACOMIN for its dedication, expressing optimism about eradicating malaria in the state. Similarly, Dr. Charles Eboka from the State Ministry of Health highlighted Delta State’s recognition with a $400,000 award as the best-performing South-South state in primary healthcare commitment.
A Collective Call to Action
Sir Uwede concluded the briefing with a resounding call for all stakeholders to prioritize healthcare infrastructure improvements. He urged government agencies, philanthropists, religious organizations, and private sector partners to invest in the revitalization of healthcare facilities.
“Together, we can transform our healthcare system into one that delivers quality care and restores community trust,” Sir Uwede affirmed.
As the Global Fund Malaria Grant continues its implementation, the ACOMIN initiative exemplifies the power of community-led efforts in addressing systemic healthcare challenges. With sustained collaboration and commitment, the vision of accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare for Delta State becomes increasingly attainable.
