By Chima Azubuike
Gombe residents have been sensitised on the need to be conversant with the state’s anti-stigmatisation law, stressing the need for healthcare providers to respect non-disclosure of patient’s health status.
The coalition include the Network of People Living with HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition, and Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Speaking during a media round table supported by Global Fund, organised under the National Agency for Control of AIDS, Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health and the COVID-19 response mechanism grant, Gombe Coordinator Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Mohammed Sabo, noted that violators would be dealt with as the state has zero-tolerance to stigmatisation.
Sabo said, “There are Antiretroviral Therapy focal persons who are well trained on non-disclosure and stigma.
“We in NEWPHAN we have 98 support groups in Gombe State in the 11 Local Government Areas we have different leadership with some LGAs having seven, five support and we provide stipends of N20,000 to support groups. We have over 80 mentor mothers. Now because of the anti-stigmatisation law our rights are protected but healthcare givers must endeavour to protect the medical reports in their care.”
Also speaking, National Human Rights Commission, Assistant Chief Administration Officer, Ndam Nanfa, noted that disclosing status of patient is an infringement of rights.
He said, “It is a grievous offence, lack of confidentiality is wrong. The public should report to us; the violator is not supposed to be there. It’s a fundamental rights violation.”
Nanfa called on Gombe residents to utilise NHRC’s services towards addressing fundamental rights infringements in the state. The NHRC officer lamented the inadequate number of medical personnel in state specialist hospital, saying “if the hospital in the state capital is experiencing such how much more others in the local government areas. A situation where doctors keep patients from morning to evening because they are unavailable.”
On his part, Coordinator of Tuberculosis in the coalition, Idris Maigari, noted that failure to site TB test facilities in Primary Health Cares has dwindled its awareness. “TB screen is only in secondary health facilities. Lack of screening close to residents in communities cause of low awareness,” he said.
On her part, ACOMIN state chairperson, Hassana Maisanda, advocated community effort in elimination of malaria in the state.
“Community leaders and members play a vital role in supporting local healthcare centres, through volunteerism, community-driven maintenance projects, and fundraising, communities can provide immediate assistance and foster a sense of ownership and accountability,” she added.
Also, Samuel Chuwang, ACOMIN state programme, urged stakeholders to be transparent and open to help build on the successes by mentioning ways, strategies even as implementation continues.
He added, “There should be sanctions by authorities on defaulting medical personnel. Community members can get involved by checkmating and asking the needed questions. Some are teachers but on payroll of health. We must take ownership to reduce the predicament.”
District Head of Wala in Lunguda, Bema Damba, while lauding Global Fund and its implementing partners, said, “We thank you for this project and we commend you. We are grateful. However, in some of our facilities there are no drugs.”
Damba bemoaned blanket approach to populating PHCs without community members’ inputs, adding that “there should be needs assessment, to understand the needs of any community.”
Speaking earlier, C-19 Gombe State Programme Officer, Haruna Mamman, disclosed the project is implemented in five out of 11 LGAs, stressing that it was a response to corona virus.
He said, “This is based on Covid-19 response. We have three CBOs in each of the five LGAs. CBOs are expected to create awareness on health facilities while waiting for government intervention.”
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