A group known as a Civil Society Organizations on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Delta State chapter, has called for stronger collaboration among community leaders, government, and health institutions to tackle pressing challenges in the health system.
The appeal was made by the Delta State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Gregory Sifo, during an advocacy visit to Engr. Ehi Luke Emiantor, who is a Chairman of a Landlord Association in one of the areas in Okpanam.
Pastor Sifo said ACOMIN is a Global Fund-supported NGO with the mandate to drive advocacy and accountability at community and facility levels.
He explained that the visit was to seek stakeholder support for the purchase of HIV test kits for Ogbeobi Comprehensive Healthcare Centre in Okpanam.
In his response, Engr. Emiantor thanked the ACOMIN team and pledged to take the message to his network for possible support.
He also called on government and relevant agencies to carry out regular monitoring of healthcare centres to identify and address operational challenges.
“Healthcare service delivery has continued to be low because healthcare workers are overwhelmed,” Engr. Emiantor said. “The poor service delivery is largely due to the continuous lack of manpower.”
He further urged residents not to conceal health issues, but to visit health facilities early for proper diagnosis and treatment.
As part of the advocacy drive, Pastor Sifo and his team also visited Okpanam High School, Okpanam.
Pastor Sifo encouraged students to prioritize both their health and academics. He informed them that they can access services at Ogbeobi Health Facility free of charge.
He also advised students to shun bullying and to report any case to their teachers immediately.
The Principal of Okpanam High School, Mr. Williams Dickson, commended ACOMIN for the outreach. He charged the students to know their rights and to be “at the right place at the right time.”
By Magnus Emuji
