ACOMIN Raises HIV Concern In Delta, Seeks Test Kits & More Nurses
Civil society group urges government, communities and private sector to strengthen HIV response through improved testing, medical supplies and recruitment of healthcare personnel.
ACOMIN Intensifies HIV Advocacy in Delta
THE Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called for stronger collaboration among government, corporate organisations, traditional institutions and individuals to improve HIV prevention and healthcare delivery in Delta State.
During an advocacy visit to the Ikejani-Enyi of Okpanam, Chief Felix Okafor, in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Gregory Sifo, appealed for support in providing HIV/AIDS test kits and other essential medical supplies to healthcare facilities.
Group Raises Concern Over HIV Burden
Sifo expressed concern over what he described as the growing burden of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, citing recent figures indicating that more than 51,000 people are living with HIV in Delta State.
He stressed that expanding access to HIV testing remains critical to early diagnosis, treatment and efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
According to him, the advocacy visit forms part of ACOMIN’s ongoing campaign to mobilise resources for the Ogbeobi Health Centre, which requires HIV testing kits and other medical supplies to strengthen service delivery.
Collaboration with Government Planned
The ACOMIN chairman disclosed that the organisation also plans to engage the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Chief (Hon.) Innocent Esewezie, to deepen collaboration on healthcare development.
He noted that the initiative follows the recent upgrade of the Obodogba Healthcare Facility to a cottage hospital, which presents new opportunities to improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
Traditional Ruler Pledges Support
Responding to the appeal, Chief Felix Okafor commended ACOMIN’s commitment to community health and pledged to mobilise support from prominent sons and daughters of Okpanam, particularly healthcare professionals in the diaspora.
He said efforts would be made to secure HIV test kits and other medical resources needed to strengthen healthcare services in the community.
Call for More Nurses
In a related advocacy effort, ACOMIN met with the Director of Nursing Services at the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Patricia Enagoma, to seek increased recruitment of nurses for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
Enagoma acknowledged the shortage of healthcare personnel, revealing that the nursing union had already appealed to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to approve the employment of more nurses and other health workers.
She also urged local government councils to complement the state’s efforts by supporting the recruitment of qualified personnel to improve healthcare services across Delta State.
