…..seeks govt intervention
By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
The Association of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation, Nutrition, and Tuberculosis Control, on Friday decried the inadequate supply of Insecticide-Treated Nets and other hospital equipment in some Primary Health Care facilities in Taraba State.
Alhaji Tanko Danburam, ACOMIN State Chairman, disclosed during an advocacy visit to the Federal Medical Centre and the Essential Drug Office in Jalingo that the situation was negatively impacting the lives of people in the area.
Danburam appealed to both state and federal governments to redouble their efforts in providing more Insecticide-Treated Nets and other hospital consumables to enable the association win the fight against malaria in Taraba State.
According to ACOMIN chairman, the high spread of malaria in some parts of the state was becoming scaring and threat to lives.
He noted that the supply of more treated Nets would curb the situation. This is just as he disclosed that the association has identify inadequate supply of essential health equipments for personnels handling TB cases in some PHC facilities in the state
“The alarming spread of malaria in some parts of Taraba is a matter that requires more governmet attention to tackle. We wish to appeal to both state and federal government to redouble their efforts in providing more Insecticide-Treated mosquito net to curb the life threatening situation.
“Our visit to Garin-Magaji PHC in Lau LGA revealed that they have not been supplied with routine ITNs and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for a long time. This is critical because of the impact of malaria during pregnancy. Additionally, the Peva PHC in Takum local government area has not been covered for mass distribution of ITNs, and the same situation exists at Angwan Yandan in Bali local government area.
“We have discovered with dismay that some PHC facilities in the state were not been supply with the required equipments to handle TB cases. Most personnel do not even use masks and gloves while attending to a patient,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mikin Yunana Taraba state ACOMIN Programme Manager, explained during the visit that the association’s component for Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), is targeted toward gathering input from service providers, recipients of services and affected communities in a routine and systematic manner.
Responding to the development, both Dr Bala Yusuf of the Taraba State Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer, and Leprosy Control Programme, and the head of Essential Drug Jalingo, Mr Shitta Rimamyaba promised to address the challenges with priority.
