November 27, (THEWILL) – The AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Network has called for active community involvement in the management of Primary Healthcare Centers across Cross River State to ensure their sustainability and effectiveness.
Speaking during a media roundtable in Calabar, the ATM Network emphasized the critical role communities play in strengthening health outcomes. Achu Agbor, the State Deputy Coordinator of the TB Network and lead coordinator of the initiative urged residents to take ownership of their local health centers.
He stated, “Community involvement is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of these centers.
“We need to educate, engage, and empower communities to embrace behavioral changes that will help control malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis.”
He added that community support could come in various forms, including volunteering, resource donations, and advocacy efforts aimed at securing increased funding for PHCs.
According to Agbor, these centers often serve as the first point of care during emergencies before patients are referred to secondary facilities.
Victor Ogwuche, the State Programme Officer for the project, highlighted that the initiative is in its second phase and currently being implemented in five local government areas: Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Etung, Bekwarra, and Obanliku.
In collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the network is utilizing the COVID-19 Response Mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health Grant to address critical gaps in the healthcare system.
Ogwuche explained that the grant focuses on integrating communities and civil society organizations into the healthcare response to drive sustainable, efficient, and effective health outcomes.
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
