Civil Society in Malaria Control Immunisation and Nutrition says regular stockout of medical supplies and high treatment costs and shortage of human resources are some of factors impeding control of malaria in Gombe State.
The Chairperson of ACOMIN; Hassana Maisanda, made these disclosures on Friday while delivering her address at a state media briefing in Gombe State.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that ACOMIN is implementing the Global Fund malaria community-led monitoring project.
According to her, through ACOMIN’s community-led monitoring activities it has uncovered loopholes affecting the elimination process, urging for urgent intervention by government and other stakeholders.
She said, “However, our community-led monitoring activities indicate that some challenges that hinder effective service provision still subsist. These challenges include inadequate staffing, equipment shortages, regular stock outs of medical supplies, and high treatment costs. The shortage of human resources at the facilities places a heavy burden on the existing staff, leading to burnout and reduced efficiency in healthcare delivery.
“Also, it has been seen that accurate and timely documentation is essential for effective healthcare delivery, but, due to limited staff, documentation often takes a back seat to immediate patient care needs, leading to incomplete, inconsistent, and sometimes inaccurate records.
“Poor record keeping and documentation in turn directly impact inventory management, it hinders the ability to track patient history, monitor health trends, keep inventory of medical supplies and make informed decisions on healthcare interventions. Without precise records of supplies and usage, forecasting needs becomes challenging, leading to frequent stockouts of essential medicines and medical supplies. These disrupt the continuum of care and hampers the delivery of healthcare service and can have dire consequences for patients, especially those requiring regular medication.”
Speaking further on Gombe State community-led monitoring project being implemented by ACOMIN, Maisanda added, “Challenges and problems that arise from inadequacy of staffing at the PHCs having been established above, it is important to state that the communities and their leadership can and do play significant positive roles in resolving these problems. Approaching the fight against malaria through community- centred initiatives – such as the Community-Led Monitoring project being implemented by ACOMIN – brings many advantages. These include increased ingenuity, flexibility in tackling challenges by identifying and addressing the root cause of failed interventions; and enhanced accountability among others.”
Also speaking, ACOMIN Programme Officer, Samuel Chuwang, encouraged stakeholders to intensify their efforts towards malaria control.
He added, “In order to achieve progress in the journey towards the elimination of malaria, we as a people under the leadership of our governments at National, state and Local levels should implement a combination of measures that include prevention strategies, improved access to diagnostics and treatment, health education and promotion anel community partnership.
“We call on governments, the private sector stakeholders, and especially community leaders to commit to the improved funding and resources for primary health care delivery to enable a robust public health programme at the community level.
“Every LGA should commit to health promotion and education programmes to increase awareness of prevention measures; and promote community participation and adherence to evidence- based strategies.
“Community members should actively support and advocate for their local Primary Healthcare Centre. Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these centres. Additionally, community support should manifest through volunteering, donating resources, or participating in advocacy efforts to secure increased funding and resources for PHCs.”
Also, Rev Billison Agwala, who spoke on behalf of religious leaders promised to support the acceptance of malaria prevention kits.
According to Agwala, “We all understand the impact of religious leaders in convincing members. So we ask that we should be supported so that we can give right information
