By Emmanuel Amara; Abakaliki
The Global Fund GC7 Integrated Community-Led Monitoring (I-CLM) Project for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has recorded landmark achievements in Ebonyi State, including the mobilization of about ₦11 million by Ochafu Community in Izzi LGA to revive a health centre abandoned for seven years.
The Programme Officer for the I-CLM Project in Ebonyi State, Mr. Okemini Ogbonna, disclosed this during the Quarter 4 Media Engagement briefing held in Abakaliki.
Mr. Ogbonna said Nigeria still faces significant burden of TB, HIV/AIDS and Malaria, with poverty, stock-outs of ATM commodities, stigma, discrimination and high out-of-pocket expenses responsible for poor health outcomes, adding that transportation costs and long distance to facilities further discourage health-seeking behaviour by patients.
He explained that the Global Fund GC7 I-CLM Grant is implemented by the ATM Networks, comprising Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria (TB Network), Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), and Association of Civil Society Organizations on Malaria, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), in collaboration with Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), covering the 36 States of the Federation and FCT.
According to him, TB Network coordinates implementation in 11 States, including Ekiti, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, FCT, Anambra, Plateau, Zamfara, Enugu, Ebonyi and Bayelsa, covering 33 LGAs, 99 wards and over 200 health facilities.
Mr. Ogbonna said the Ebonyi State implementation has complemented Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs on Health through community resource mobilization and advocacy.
He narrated the success story of the projects especially in the area of Community Resource Mobilization and Infrastructure, where he said Ochafu community in Igbeagu Ndietta Ward, Izzi LGA, mobilized ₦11 million to revive Ochafu Health Centre abandoned for nearly seven years, which is currently at 80% completion, with roofing, plastering and ceiling completed.
Other interventions of the project include rehabilitation of access road to Echara PHC in Ezza South LGA; repair of Edukwuachi MDGs Health Facility signpos, restoration of Ikwuator MDGs Health Facility generator and installation of solar light at GOPD, labour and delivery unit and inpatient wards at Ufuezereaku PHC, Ohaozara LGA.
He also mentioned procurement of sphygmomanometer and glucometer for Ikwuator facility, drip stand for Umuakuma PHC, adult and pediatric weighing scale, and repair of hospital bed frame at Ndufu Ameka PHC without forgetting a donation of ITNs and SP drugs to Echara PHC by a philanthropist to support malaria prevention among pregnant women.added that a philanthropist donated
On TB Case Finding, Mr. Ogbonna disclosed that collaboration between CLM teams and Active Case Finding teams facilitated PDX-supported outreaches, leading to identification of seven drug-susceptible TB cases: two in Ndigwe, Izzi LGA; one in Amuzu; and four in Ndufu Ameka, Ezza South LGA. Six have commenced treatment at DOT facilities, while follow-up is ongoing for one case in Ndufu Ameka.
He noted that through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, client exit interviews and advocacy, I-CLM has strengthened collaboration among communities, healthcare providers and government stakeholders.
Mr. Ogbonna called on government at all levels, development partners, private sector, CSOs, community leaders, the media and citizens to expand health insurance coverage to vulnerable populations, ensure adequate and transparent health financing for PHCs, prioritize health education to reduce stigma, mobilize sustainable resources and promote community ownership of PHCs through volunteering and local resource mobilization.
He said the achievements in Ebonyi State demonstrate the value of community-led advocacy and stakeholder collaboration, noting that sustained financing, political commitment and inclusive partnerships are essential to scale up gains and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
Some health stakeholders who attended the event including the Executive Secretary, Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) Dr. Ovuoba Phillip Emeka, the Executive Secretary, Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS( EBOSACA), Prince Andrew Chibueze Iteshi, the TB Coordinator and State Program Manager, State TB, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP) Mr. Nwite Samuel and the Coordinator State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEPI) Mrs Okocha Chizobam among others commended I-CLM Project reaching for closing the service gap between the urban and rural settings in accessing healthcare, the advocacy team for mobilizing local resources to advance healthcare delivery and sensitizing communities to take charge of their facilities and make best use of it.
They also promised to consolidate of their gains and collaborate effectively for better service delivery to Ebonyi residents.