The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), has decried the inadequate medical equipment at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Akwa Ibom State.
NEPWHAN said the shortage of essential tools and facilities at the centres severely impeded the effective management of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) in the state. It also said that the inadequate equipment at PHCs has led to failed treatments, increased mortality rates, and additional financial burdens on patients.
Speaking on Thursday during a media briefing to review the organisation’s activities, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo, lamented at the rate at which many clients lack proper diagnosis and care due to limited diagnostic and treatment tools at PHCs.
She explained that many clients have decided to seek care from alternative providers such as chemists and traditional medicine vendors.
Udo however called on the state government to equip all PHCs to support comprehensive public health programmes at the ward level.
According to her funding for primary healthcare delivery should be carefully mapped out and safeguarded against misappropriation, to enable robust health programmes at the grassroots.
She also highlighted the importance of public education, stressing that awareness campaigns could significantly improve testing rates and health-seeking behaviours.
“There’s a pressing need to educate, engage, and empower communities to adopt behaviours that support the prevention and control of HIV, malaria, and TB,” she stated.
The state NEPWHAN Coordinator further urged every ward to actively participate in health promotion efforts, emphasising that community support and advocacy are key to ensuring the sustainability of healthcare interventions.
Ude also pointed out that through the ATM Networks, NEPWHAN is using a Community-Led Monitoring approach to engage stakeholders and promote ownership of health programmes. She added that the initiative is currently active in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), Dr Enobong Akpan, reiterated the need for community support in safeguarding health facilities.
Apkan pointed out that the state government is actively working to reduce the prevalence of HIV, malaria and TB, and urged citizens to avoid stigmatising those living with the conditions. He also added that community ownership is vital to the success of health programmes.
He said, “With timely treatment, people living with these diseases can lead normal lives. Stigma remains a challenge, but we are addressing it. Previously, people believed that all health efforts must come from the government.
“Now, we are bringing everyone to the table, making it clear that citizens must take ownership of the response.”