By Emeka Nwokocha
As the Global Fund for ATM sponsored free malaria treatment project continues in select local government areas of Delta state, the non-governmental organisation charged with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the project, ACOMIN (Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition), has called on the leadership of the local government areas where the free malaria treatment is ongoing to contribute their quota to ensure unhindered implementation of the project.
The Delta State Programme Officer of ACOMIN, Mr. Austin Uwede made the call on Monday 26, July, 2021, while briefing the leadership of Isoko North, and Ughelli North local governments on the ongoing free malaria treatment in designated health facilities in their local government areas.
Speaking to the Executive Secretary, Isoko North LG Health Authority, Dr. Eric Jarikre, at the Council’s Secretariat, Ozoro, Austin Uwede intimated him with some challenges in the ongoing free malaria treatment project in Aradhe, Ellu, Ofagbe and other communities. He listed the challenges as non-regular water supply, leaking roof, shortage of personnel (nurses), and inadequate furniture (chairs and tables).
Speaking further, Uwede stressed the need to secure the health facility in Ofagbe with fencing, noting that erosion poses serious challenge to the facility. He also requested that the overgrown grasses around the facility be cleared.
Responding to the complaints and request made by Uwede, Dr. Jarikre said that the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Christian Itire will be duly briefed on the matter, assuring that urgent steps would be taken to address the challenges to ensure the free malaria treatment continues without any hitch. He however, stated that shortage of manpower has been an age long challenge to the health facilities in the council, noting that it is the responsibility of the Delta State government to recruit more staff to address the problem, even as he expressed concern about the situation, saying, “there is embargo on employment in the state.”
Speaking to the ES, Ughelli North local government Council, Dr. Johnson Uyovwiesevwe, at his office, in Ughelli, Mr. Uwede acquainted him with the challenges in the ongoing free malaria treatment project in some of the facilities in Ughelli North, noting that the facility in Afiesere is in a very bad shape, adding that solar powered refrigerator is needed at the facility to enable preservation of vaccines.
Responding, Dr. Uyovwiesevwe, said that the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Godwin Adode would be duly briefed on the challenges noted by Uwede, adding that the leadership of the Council would do the needful to ensure the free malaria treatment project runs smoothly.
