February 27, (THEWILL) – Some non-governmental organisations have decried the high rate of contagious diseases like HIV, TB and malaria infection in Benue State, which constitute a hindrance to women’s access to quality healthcare.
The organisations, Lawyers Alert (LA) and Media Health Organisation (MHO), have lamented over the poor state of health in which Benue has continued to struggle with the high prevalence of 4.9% and a significant tuberculosis burden.
Addressing the Media, President of Lawyers Alert, Barr. Rommy Mom said such a rate was followed by HIV-TB rates, excluding 25% with 10% of Nigeria’s TB cases reported in the state.
According to him, a comprehensive situational analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project unveiled pressing gender-related barriers hindering women’s access to healthcare services for Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and malaria in Benue State.
He noted that the report underscores systemic inequalities, cultural norms, economic constraints, and policy gaps that continue to obstruct women’s right to equitable healthcare.
“Malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five. Despite ongoing interventions, barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and limited healthcare infrastructure continue to hinder progress”, Mom added.
He identified stigma and discrimination associated with TB and HIV as factors discouraging women from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, adding that fear of social ostracism and blame for infecting spouses often leads to delayed care.
The NGOs said that traditional beliefs such as attributing diseases to witchcraft, reliance on native treatments, and delayed access to modern healthcare services should be dropped, and they recommend empowerment of women-led organisations and community health champions to challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender-sensitive healthcare.
It suggested increased funding for healthcare facilities, ensuring consistent availability of medications and expanding access to diagnostic tools, particularly in rural areas.
Calling on the Benue State Government to address gender disparities in TB, HIV, and Malaria response for women in the state.
