The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has conducted advocacy visits to key government health agencies in Taraba State to address gaps in health service delivery.

The visits, which took place on Wednesday and Thursday in Jalingo, were aimed at presenting community feedback on challenges affecting malaria control, maternal health, and HIV services across some health facilities in the state..

Team Lead of ACOMIN, Alhaji Mohammed Tanko Danburam, said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that residents have access to essential health services and life-saving interventions.

Danburam explained that many patients are currently forced to travel to other health facilities or buy medicines from private pharmacies due to shortages in some public facilities, a situation he said increases the cost of care and delays timely treatment.

According to him, the advocacy team engaged four agencies, including the Taraba State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency, where they presented key issues identified by communities.

He noted that among the concerns raised was the absence of ultrasound scanner services at Nyaja Primary Health Care Centre, as well as stock-outs of malaria treatment commodities in some facilities.

Danburam listed the affected facilities to include First Referral Hospital Sunkani and Manji Primary Health Care Centre in Gassol Local Government Area, and Denden Primary Health Care Centre in Donga Local Government Area. The team also highlighted a shortage of HIV testing kits at Lufu Primary Health Care Centre in Takum Local Government Area.

“We are representing community voices, and the lack of malaria drugs and HIV testing services compels patients to travel to other facilities or purchase medicines from private pharmacies, thereby increasing costs and delaying timely access to care,” he said.

He stressed that addressing the identified gaps would help strengthen community health systems and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.