A Non-governmental organization, ATM Networks, has called on the government at all levels to improve funding to enhance delivery of quality health care aimed at addressing HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Nigeria.
The organization also urged Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons living with HIV or tuberculosis rather they support and encourage them at all times.
The Programme Officer of ATM Networks, Tayo Akinpelu, said this during a media briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Akinpelu said lack of financial resources can undermine the effectiveness of treatment; with a plea for more financial support from government and other stakeholders.
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Tayo also noted the poorest communities are more vulnerable to the diseases due to lack of adequate health facilities, access to information and quality education.
While TB treatment is free, he explained that out-of-pocket costs including transportation to clinics may make treatment unaffordable.
“Generally, we have a high level of stigmatization and this is due to a lack of or inadequate information. There is no reason to stigmatize someone treating tuberculosis or a person living with HIV. There are always pockets of them because they interact with these persons and once we have such a case we know that there is inadequate knowledge and what to do is to provide the prerequisite information.
“We are gradually getting to the point where both the community members and health workers are reducing stigmatization,” he said.
Tayo revealed that more community education about HIV, TB, and malaria services had been carried out in Abeokuta South, Ado-Odo Ota, Obafemi, Ikenne, and Sagamu Local Government Areas of the state.
In her remarks, the state coordinator, Olufunmilayo Olatunji, urged the government officials and policymakers to prioritize and increase funding for Secondary and Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs).
“Adequate financial support is crucial for these centres to deliver quality healthcare services, including prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and others to the community.
“By allocating more resources to healthcare, governments can strengthen infrastructure, enhance workforce capacity, and ensure that essential services are accessible to all,” she said.
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