People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nasarawa State have called on both the federal and state governments to increase domestic funding for the upgrade of health infrastructure in rural communities and to intensify programmes aimed at combating diseases such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.
The appeal was made by the State Coordinator of the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Mr. Hamza Jonathan, during a media roundtable held in Lafia, the state capital.
The roundtable brought together stakeholders, including community-based organisations, government officials, and religious leaders, to discuss the ongoing implementation of the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism Grant Programme.
Nasarawa is among the states where the advocacy-driven initiative is being implemented to strengthen health facilities, particularly at the primary healthcare level for improved service delivery on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and gender-based issues.
In her remarks, the Nasarawa State Project Officer, Mrs. Patience Samson, highlighted the critical role of community-based civil society organisations in catalysing change and empowering communities to actively participate in addressing the challenges facing primary health care in their areas.
She stressed the importance of sustained advocacy and deliberate policy measures to enhance healthcare delivery, especially for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
Represented by NEPWHAN’s Secretary, Mrs. Ruth Dauda Aklo, Mr. Hamza Jonathan commended the Nasarawa State Government for providing a conducive environment for the smooth implementation of the COVID-19 Response Mechanism Grant. He, however, emphasised the need for increased domestic funding and locally driven health and gender-based violence interventions, noting that continued reliance on foreign donors was unsustainable.
Representatives from the State AIDS Control Agency Hajiya Safiya Ibrahim and the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Justina Shama respectively, reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to improve the health sector and enhance living standards in rural areas.
Speaking on behalf of implementing community-based organisations, Mrs. Mary Asheneye and a representative of Jama’atu Nasril Islam Alhaji Musa Muhammed noted that the project has triggered steady community engagement and improved access to quality healthcare.
The event also featured interactive sessions and a video presentation showcasing upgraded primary healthcare facilities in the state achieved through community-driven advocacy and support.(Radio Nigeria).
