Group urges Anambra govt to invest in disease control programs

Lawrence Chudi, Awka

A coalition of civil society groups in Anambra State has urged the state government to invest in disease control programs, particularly for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria.

The group, known as the ATM Network, made the call during a recent media roundtable briefing in Awka, the state capital.

The ATM Network, a collaboration of NEPWHAN, TB Network, and ACOMIN, is implementing the COVID-19 Response Mechanism – Community System Strengthening (C19RM CSS) project in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The project aims to strengthen community-led monitoring, improve service delivery, and promote accountability in the health sector.

State Coordinator of the ATM Network, Mrs. Ifenyinwa Unachukwu, lamented that resource mobilization for ATM programming is still very limited, with a heavy dependence on donor funding.

She noted that the absence of clear budgetary lines for TB and Malaria programs within local government health allocations makes the situation even more fragile.

“The state government must demonstrate political will by showing clearly budgeting for TB, HIV, and Malaria programs,” Unachukwu said.

“We urge the government to develop an ATM-specific financing strategy, drawing support from the state and local governments, private sector, and philanthropic actors.”

Unachukwu also called for improved service delivery, stronger community-based drug distribution systems, and campaigns to reduce stigma and misinformation.

She stressed the need to establish government ownership of the community-led monitoring framework and to develop ATM-specific financing strategy, drawing support from state, local governments as well as private sector and philanthropic actors.

“Looking forward, there is an urgent need to strengthen resource mobilization for HIV/AIDs, TB and Malaria in Anambra State.

“An ATM – specific financing strategy should be developed, drawing support not only from the State and local governments but also from the private sector and philanthropic actors.

“Providing service delivery requires stronger community-based drug distribution systems and more deliberate campaigns to reduce stigma and misinformation.

“Institutionalizing CLM within State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and integrating it’s findings into health sector planning and performance reviews will go a long way in sustaining the progress achieved.”

Unachukwu disclosed that the COVID-19 Response Mechanism – Community System Strengthening (C19RM CSS) project has already achieved tremendous results in the focal five local government areas it covered including Awka North, Idemili North, Njikoka, Onitsha North, and Orumba North, respectively.

“The community-led monitoring framework has provided structured evidence of gaps in service delivery at both the primary and secondary healthcare levels, which has helped to shape constructive engagement with the state ministry of health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

“The 15 CBOs involved have been trained and empowered to play critical roles in advocacy, monitoring, and patient support, ward development committees have equally become more active in local health governance.”

The State Coordinator however made it known that the story of the C19RM project in Anambra State has demonstrated what communities can achieve when they are mobilized, equipped, and given the platform to speak.

She reminded that without sustained government commitment, particularly in the areas of funding, service delivery, and ownership of accountability systems, the gains can quickly fade.

She however called on all stakeholders especially government, to rise to the occasion and ensure that the fight against TB, HIV, and Malaria in Anambra State remains strong, community-driven, and sustainable.