ACOMIN Urges FG to Strengthen Primary Healthcare to Combat Malaria

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition in Nigeria (ACOMIN) has asked the federal government to allocate more resources towards strengthening of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) so as to help the fight against malaria.

Speaking at a quarterly media briefing in Abuja, the National Coordinator ACOMIN, Ayo Ipinmoye, said the crucial role of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in combating life-threatening disease such as malaria cannot be overemphasised.
According to Ipinmoye, statistics from 2021, revealed that Nigeria had the highest number of global malaria cases, accounting for 26.6 per cent of cases worldwide.

He added that the country experienced the highest number of malaria-related deaths, constituting 31per cent of global malaria deaths. Within West Africa, Nigeria alone accounted for an estimated 54 per cent of malaria cases, it stated.

To address the alarming situation, the ACOMIN Coordinator, said there was need for urgent collective efforts from the public to tackle the malaria scourge.
He stressed the importance of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs) as physical barriers against mosquitoes, reducing the risk of infection for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children.

He said a major way of eliminating malaria was by removing potential breeding sites, such as stagnant water collected in discarded items like plastic bottles and old tires, requires proper waste management and maintenance of drainage systems.

“Prompt diagnosis and treatment are also vital in reducing the impact of malaria. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and body aches are urged to seek immediate medical attention for testing and appropriate treatment,” he said.

While discussing steps to eliminate malaria, ACOMIN drew attention to the often-overlooked role of PHCs.
“These community-based healthcare facilities are the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare assistance. PHCs provide essential services including preventive care, diagnosis, treatment of common illnesses, maternal and child health services, family planning, chronic disease management, and health education.

“Particularly in remote or underserved areas, PHCs play a critical role in providing access to quality healthcare and reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

“ACOMIN urges the Nigerian government and institutions to invest in and support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Primary Health Care System. By providing necessary facilities, equipment, medicines, and trained healthcare professionals, PHCs can conduct tests for malaria and provide timely and affordable treatment.

“Furthermore, these PHCs can contribute to the surveillance and monitoring of malaria cases, generating valuable information for data-driven public health interventions and resource allocation.”

ACOMIN also urged the government to increase funding for PHCs to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure and enhance the capacity of healthcare workers. Furthermore, it stated that private organisations, philanthropic foundations, and individuals were called upon to contribute to the funding of PHCs, thus expanding their reach and impact.