By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
IBADAN – In a move to strengthen healthcare delivery, the Family Counseling Center, in collaboration with the Oyo State chapter of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has secured a commitment from the State Primary Healthcare Board to resolve critical supply and infrastructure shortages in several health facilities across the state.
The advocacy visit, led by Family Counselling Centre, the community-based organisation that carries out the activities, is supported by NEPWHAN Oyo State, which sought to address gaps identified through the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) project.
According to the NEPWHAN state coordinator. Mr. Olawale Faith Abiola, The CLM initiative is a key component of the Global Fund’s GC7 project, which focuses on interventions for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
During the meeting, Dr. Akande, the Director of Special Duties at the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, acknowledged the reports brought forward by the NEPWHAN team.
He immediately addressed concerns regarding the lack of essential medical consumables—including syringes, cotton wool, and antiseptic spirits—by initiating direct communication with Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of the affected facilities to expedite supply deliveries.
Furthermore, regarding the lack of potable water in some centers, Dr. Akande disclosed that the Board is working on a temporary solution by piping water from nearby functional boreholes in neighboring schools, pending the installation of dedicated water systems at the facilities.
Speaking on the impact of the CLM project, Mr. Alawale highlighted the success of community data collectors in combating treatment default rates.
“One of the primary benefits of this project is our ability to reach people living with HIV who have defaulted on their medication,” Alawale stated. “Our members go into the communities to locate these individuals and encourage them to return to care. We are receiving very positive reports, particularly from the Shaki area, where our efforts are successfully bringing patients back to the facilities to resume their treatment.”
The delegation expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, noting that the immediate response from the Board marks a significant step forward in ensuring better health outcomes for residents of Oyo State.
