In Gombe State, Global Fund’s community-led monitoring initiative being implemented by Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition, has yielded successes in the outgoing year 2024.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the milestones include construction of a new health facility in Zongomari community, construction of a reservoir for water storage at PHC kwami Model facility, recruitment of volunteers across some facilities within the LGAs of implementation, securing a land for construction of a facility structure successfully registered a women group and opened a bank account as requested by a politician to support the facility building.
Additional achievements include the renovation of a dilapidated facility structure and staff quarters by community stakeholders. Furthermore, awareness campaigns were conducted to address the low knowledge of free malaria services in the community. As a result, community members are now benefitting from these free services, which they were previously charged for in Pantami community.
Disclosing this on Tuesday at a media briefing on the Global Fund malaria community-led monitoring project being implemented by ACOMIN in Gombe State, Coordinator of ACOMIN Hassana Maisanda, said “implementing CBO in Akko LGA successfully got into partnership with a Keke Napep driver who voluntary gave himself to serve the community during mid night referrals’ services as it was difficult for the community to be referred at night because of transportation challenges in the community of implementation.”
Continuing Maisanda added, “Increase in the supply of HIV test kits in all implementing facilities in the month of July, 2024. Interlocking of the facility premises by the community members in Funakaye. Increase in facility support and taken ownership in most facilities of implementation by community stakeholders, Construction of social amenities across various facilities of implementation to include but not limit to toilets, supply of electricity, supply of facility equipment’s like BP apparatus, thermometers and drugs revolving funds in some of the facilities.”
Maisanda urged the federal, state and local government areas to prioritise healthcare infrastructure in their budgets.
She said, “Through this medium, we wish to mobilise Government Agencies, private sector, mass media and communities to increase investments in upgrading and maintenance of the much-needed facilities.
“During the ongoing implementation of the community-led monitoring project, it was observed that many health facilities are housed in ageing buildings that have significantly deteriorated over time.
“These structures often exhibit visible cracks and leaks, roofs are on the verge of collapse, raising serious safety concerns for both patients and healthcare workers.
“The compromised states of these buildings not only undermine the quality of healthcare services but also deter community members from seeking care. Many of these facilities are long overdue for extensive renovations or complete rebuilding to meet the required standards of safety, functionality, and patient comfort.”
Maisanda also lamented the inadequate medical equipment in some facilities, noting that there are also significant issues with the lack of functional medical devices in some primary healthcare centres.
“These include essential diagnostic tools such as weighing scales, sphygmomanometers, and thermometers. Without these functioning devices, healthcare workers are unable to perform basic procedures, which then result in delays and misdiagnoses.
“When PHCs consistently fail to meet patients’ needs due to a lack of medical equipment, communities lose trust in the healthcare system. As a consequence, patients travel to better-equipped facilities or private clinics to access necessary diagnostic and treatment services, which lead to increased out-of-pocket expenses,” she added.
The Coordinator frowned at power shortage, noting that frequent power outages significantly strain healthcare delivery, particularly impacting services during nighttime, adding “The lack of generators or alternative power supplies plunge the facilities into darkness, interrupting critical medical procedures, delaying diagnoses, and risking patient lives. When power is lost, laboratory tests are delayed and even basic lighting in treatment rooms may be unavailable. Healthcare staff are then forced to either wait for power to be restored or refer patients to other facilities. This situation not only prolongs patients’ wait time but also demoralises healthcare staff, who find themselves unable to perform their duties effectively.”
On inadequate water supply Maisanda described the ongoing lack of water supply in some facilities as persistent issue, stressing that insufficient access to clean water raises the risk of infections, “hinders patient recovery, and compromise overall public health. Additionally, this situation increases the burden on healthcare staff, who must search for water sources, ultimately reducing their morale and efficiency.
These issues compromise service delivery and erode the morale of healthcare workers who strive to provide quality care under increasingly challenging conditions,” the coordinator disclosed.
The coordinator counselled governments to address these urgent problems, calling on all stakeholders to step up and take decisive action.
According to her, Federal, state, and local governments should prioritise healthcare infrastructure in their budgets, adding that increased funding is essential for renovating and upgrading facilities.
“Additionally, comprehensive policies should be implemented to ensure regular maintenance of healthcare infrastructure and timely replacement of outdated medical devices.
“Community leaders and members play a vital role in supporting local healthcare centres, through volunteerism, community-driven maintenance projects, and fundraising, communities can provide immediate assistance and foster a sense of ownership and accountability.
“Philanthropists and private sector partners are encouraged to view healthcare investment as part of their social responsibility. By funding critical infrastructure improvements or donating medical equipment, they can directly enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes.
“Religious leaders and faith-based organisations should leverage their influence to advocate for improved healthcare conditions. Mobilising their congregations to support healthcare initiatives can create a powerful network of resources and advocacy, ensuring that healthcare facilities receive the attention they urgently need.
Speaking earlier, State Programme Officer Samuel Chuwang, commended the executive directors of the various community-based organisations, urging them to show more commitment.
He noted that ACOMIN has recorded tremendous achievements in Gombe State especially the implementing Local Government Areas, adding “We should rise up to the expectations by showing funders that even when supports stop the programme can continue.”
On his part, District Head of Jesu, Balanga Local Government Area, Maina Laban, commended ACOMIN for choosing his community, saying “through interventions brought to my community a lot of lives have been saved. This project has added value to my community.”
