ACOMIN: Osun Government, Stakeholders Urged To Prioritise Health Systems Strengthening, Improve On Facilities Infrastructure
By Abisola Ariwodola,
Accountability of Civil Society Organisations On Malaria Immunisation and Control ACOMIN has called on Osun state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke and other stakeholders to prioritise health systems strengthening through increased and better targeted investments.
This is as the organisation also called on the government to improve on the infrastructure of healthcare facilities, by investing in it, same way road construction and other infrastructure development hold in Osun state.
This was relayed by the ACOMIN state Chairman, Ambassador Dr Aremu Stephen Akinyele at the Bi-annual meeting of the non governmental organisation, held at the Conference hall of Omilas Continental Hotel Osogbo, on Monday.
According to him, ACOMIN has done a lot in the state, in terms of accountability, transparency and working with government of the day and holding it accountable and supporting the community in health sector development of the state.
He applauded the success story achieved by the ACOMIN Civil Society Organisations, and stakeholders in communities, adding that the success is a step forward of impactful health services delivery.
He urged the state government to do more in providing human resources and infrastructure for the health sector, and maintaining that health is wealth, with the facilities being more accessible, commodities made more available and staff shortage addressed with employment of relevant personnel.
The various goodwill messages relayed by Osun ACOMIN Excos and members of the Civil Society Organisations pointed at progress in service delivery despite gaps, cooperation of community members, lively and accessible health centres.
Osun ACOMIN in its bid to ensure sustainable solutions, urged all stakeholder to get involved, act decisively, and collaboratively to strengthen Nigeria’s community health system, opining that ACOMIN remains committed to supporting efforts, empowering communities, and promoting accountability to ensure better health outcomes for all.
It called on Government Agencies: Federal, state, and local governments to prioritize recruitment and retaining of qualified health workers, ensuring a consistent supply of HIV, TB, and malaria commodities also; renovating and expanding dilapidated facilities.
It stated that Private Sector and Philanthropists, such as the business community and philanthropic organizations must play a crucial role in bridging existing resource gaps, by partnering with the government and civil society, sponsor staff welfare initiatives, supply essential medical commodities, and support the refurbishment of healthcare infrastructure.
While it also called on Media Organizations to remain a vital ally in amplifying community voices, spotlighting the realities on ground, and holding decision-makers accountable, adding that Journalists can help sustain public attention on health sector challenges, advocate for transparency in resource allocation, and celebrate success stories of communities driving change through the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative.
The Community, Traditional, and Religious Leaders were urged to strengthen trust and accountability within the health system, and also encouraged to mobilize their communities to actively participate in monitoring the delivery of HIV, TB, and Malaria services, ensuring that identified gaps in staffing, health commodities supplies, and infrastructure are brought to the attention of relevant authorities.
Osun ACOMIN also emphasised that by leveraging on their influence, these leaders can foster behavioral change, dispel myths about healthcare services, and advocate for improved government and partner investments in health facilities. “Their united voice can inspire greater community ownership and sustain local action toward stronger, more resilient healthcare systems.”
In his remarks, the State Programme Officer, SPO David Amoto appreciated Osun government and all for their investment in the health sector, while reiterating the need to improve on it.
Pointing out the challenge across Nigeria’s health facilities, which he says needs coordinated action from the government, private partners, media, and communities, he added that through advocacy and investment, there can be transformation of the health facilities into reliable centers of care.