By Nahum Sule (Taraba State Correspondent, in Jalingo)
The Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and nutrition, (ACOMIN), a non governmental organization, has urged government at all levels to increase their budgetary allocations for health facilities to improve the fight against malaria and other diseases.
Taraba State chairman of the organization, Mr Muhammad Tanko Danburan, noted during a press briefing in Jalingo, that the move would create capacity building for health facilities and help improve the fight against malaria and other diseases in the country.
Tanko disclosed that the ACOMIN's decision to advocate for improved health facilities budgetary allocation and sensitization of citizens for improved hygiene was to complement the federal government's efforts toward eliminating malaria through community sensitization in the country.
The NGO called on the citizens to prioritize their health by keeping their environments clean, as it will also help eliminate the breeding of mosquito.
"We wish to call on the government at all levels in Nigeria to increase her budgetary allocation for hospital and other health facilities to help improve the fight against malaria and other diseases. Government should also implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals and prioritize the development of reliable electricity and water infrastructure in healthcare facilities.
"We wish to advise citizens to prioritize their health by taking Swift and decisive actions to improve their environmental hygiene and eliminate the breeding grounds responsible for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Waste management systems is key in ensuring efficient and effective waste disposal and developing sustainable solutions and initiatives, aimed at improving the citizens hygienic conditions.
"Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headeche, and body aches, should seek medical attention promptly for testing and appropriate treatment in cases of malaria infection.
"As part of national effort to address the challenges of Malaria in Nigeria, ACOMIN is working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) on the ongoing Global Fund (GF) Malaria Grant to continue implementing the civil society component. The grant is presently being implemented in the thirteen (13) GF-supported states, which includes Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Ogun, Osun, and Delta States.
"ACOMIN is using the Community Led Monitoring approach to engage community stakeholders to take ownership of health interventions, particularly an malaria, to identify gaps hindering effective malaria service delivery", the group advocated. NNL.
