BY MAGNUS EMUJI
THE role Community Led Monitoring (CLM) team play in strengthening the healthcare system in any society has been described as pivotal for Improved Healthcare delivery.
The Delta State Chairman, Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Pastor Greg Sifo stated this at the opening ceremony of a two day stepdown meeting organized by ACOMIN, on behalf of the ATM networks, for state partners and the Community Based Organisations, on the operational modalities of the Community Led Monitoring and Community System Strengthening.
Sifo, who said that many people in the state were now aware of the importance of making use of their primary healthcare facilities dues to the intensity of advocacy being carried out by ACOMIN in communities, noted that when community people are enlightened on the benefits of taking ownership of their health care centres, there would be seamless healthcare delivery system.
He told the community based organizations to continue to sensitize communities about the sustainability plan .
Sifo listed the role of CLM in strengthening the health systems to include accountability and leadership, contributing to disease control and public health, improving quality of health services and creating an enabling environment for evidence based advocacy.
Earlier in her keynote address, the State Program Officer of ACOMIN, Juliet Obiajulu explained that strengthening integration with government structures, improving capacity building and enhanced referral system to optimize healthcare delivery were some of the recommendations that needed to be achieved.
Obiajulu stated that strengthening the community systems through community framework was essential in addressing health challenges in Nigeria such as HIV, TB and malaria by enhancing coordination, building capacity and fostering sustainable partnership between civil society organizations, governments and community based organizations.
Responding to a concern raised about the deplorable condition of Ogbe-Obi Comprehensive Health Centre, Okpanam, Dr. Yinkore clarified that the state government would soon intervene in the facility and other primary healthcare facilities in the state with a view to achieving access to universal basic health.
