Says access to quality services still limited
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The Integrated Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative, has unveiled a nationwide study on the state of healthcare interventions in rural communities in Nigeria, particularly as it concerns responses to HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria scourge.
The CLM initiative jointly executed by the Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria that is the full meaning of TB Network, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) said they worked with communities to gather evidence on the realities of accessing HIV, TB and Malaria services.
The findings presented at a National Advocacy-focused Media Dissemination Meeting on Integrated Community-led Monitoring (CLM) in Abuja showed health system challenges ranging from shortages of skilled healthcare workers, frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and diagnostic commodities, weak health infrastructure and limited access to quality services, particularly in underserved communities.
The findings also highlighted high out-of-pocket and transportation costs that discourage people from seeking care, persistent stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV which affects access to services as well as delays in viral load testing and result turnaround gaps in retention and continuity of treatment.
It showed limited awareness and uptake of HIV prevention services among priority populations and delayed TB diagnosis and treatment initiation.
In addition, the study indicated periodic shortages of TB medicines and laboratory commodities, inadequate infection prevention and control measures in some health facilities
Senior Operations Manager, ACOMIN, Hajiya Fatima Kolo, who read the report to journalists said the findings highlight both the progress made and the challenges that continue to affect service delivery.
She said though Nigeria has made notable progress in the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria through the collective efforts of government, communities, civil society and development partners but that significant challenges still remain
According to the study, while investments have improved access to life-saving services, many Nigerians still face barriers to timely, equitable and quality healthcare”.
Kolo said that evidence showed encouraging progress in community engagement, collaboration between health facilities and service users, and greater responsiveness to community concerns.
At the same time, she said the findings highlighted persistent challenges, including “shortages of health workers, frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and diagnostics, stigma and discrimination, weak health infrastructure, and barriers that continue to limit equitable access to quality healthcare’.
On malaria intervention, the findings showed there were stock-outs of malaria medicines and rapid diagnostic test kits, inadequate access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets and other prevention commodities.
It further highlighted weak community awareness and prevention practices, gaps in surveillance and timely response to malaria cases.
The CSOs said the findings underscored, ” the need for sustained investment in resilient health systems, uninterrupted access to essential commodities, meaningful community engagement, and stronger accountability to ensure that every Nigerian can access quality healthcare when and where it is needed”.
Apart from urging the media to promote evidence-based reports they also expect government to be guided by community evidence in its policy thrust.
“While communities have demonstrated that meaningful engagement can improve accountability and responsiveness, many of the issues identified require stronger policies, sustained investment and collective action”.
The ATM Networks call on all stakeholders to translate community evidence into practical actions that strengthen health systems, improve service delivery and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians
While communities have demonstrated that meaningful engagement can improve accountability and responsiveness, many of the issues identified require stronger policies, sustained investment and collective action.