By Abdullahi Idris,Dutse
The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) convened a significant media meeting yesterday, themed “From Shortages to Solutions,” addressing the pressing challenges faced by primary healthcare facilities across the country.
Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) in Jigawa, emphasized ACOMIN’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of Nigerians. The organization advocates for and implements programs aimed at malaria prevention, improving immunization coverage, and boosting nutrition.
He said key objectives of the project include, informing the public about healthcare challenges and available services, facilitating access to essential medical services and supplies, strengthening community health systems and collaborating with stakeholders to empower local ownership of healthcare facilities among others.
ACOMIN recognizes and applauds Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for his exemplary leadership and impactful initiatives that have transformed Jigawa State’s healthcare landscape. His administration has renovated over 130 healthcare facilities, enhancing service delivery and ensuring essential care reaches vulnerable populations, including free medications for pregnant women and disadvantaged individuals.
Notably, the approval of the federal salary scale for health workers in Jigawa, along with the recruitment of 924 primary healthcare workers, 200 senior health professionals, and 250 midwives, represents a critical investment aimed at addressing long-standing staffing shortages. The establishment of a new School of Nursing and Midwifery in Hadejia, set to produce 720 healthcare personnel annually starting in 2025, will contribute to a sustainable workforce for the future.
Despite these advancements, ACOMIN urges the government to improve the conditions of healthcare facilities in the state. They appealed for additional functional toilets, reliable power supply, and proper medication storage.
The project commended Governor Namadi for deploying security guards to health facilities and urged for more recruitment of health personnel. Additionally, the meeting called on the government to address commodity stock-outs, ensuring essential drugs and testing commodities for HIV, TB, and malaria are readily accessible to patients.
ACOMIN Coordinator Baba Ali Hadejia emphasized the necessity for continued collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, media organizations, and community leaders. “Together, we can address the challenges of commodity stock-outs and infrastructure decay, fostering a resilient healthcare system that prioritizes community well-being.”
The meeting featured contributions from Bilya Haruna, Manager of the Malaria Elimination Programme at the Ministry of Health, Jigawa State, along with various media practitioners.
The project urges the community and philanthropists to support Governor Namadi’s vision for a healthier Jigawa State. Through united action and commitment, we can achieve transformative change in healthcare delivery for all.