Delta NGO Raises HIV Alarm, Seeks Test Kits and Nurses to Strengthen Healthcare

The Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has called on governments, corporate organisations, community leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to support healthcare facilities with HIV/AIDS test kits and strengthen the fight against the growing burden of the disease.

Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Ikejani-Enyi of Okpanam, Chief Felix Okafor, in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Gregory Sifo, expressed concern over the rising number of HIV cases across Nigeria.

According to Sifo, recent statistics indicate that Delta State has over 51,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, stressing the need for urgent interventions to prevent further spread of the virus.

The Ikejani-Enyi of Okpanam, Chief Felix Okafor (3rd left) in a group photograph with the State Chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Gregory Sifo and his team during an advocacy visit to Chief Okafor in Okpanam.

He explained that the visit was a follow-up to earlier engagements aimed at mobilising support to equip the Ogbeobi Health Centre with HIV test kits and other essential medical supplies.

Sifo also disclosed that ACOMIN plans to engage the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Chief (Hon.) Innocent Esewezie, to strengthen collaboration in improving healthcare delivery, following the upgrade of the Obodogba Healthcare Facility to a cottage hospital.

Responding, Chief Felix Okafor pledged to reach out to distinguished sons and daughters of Okpanam in the diaspora, particularly medical professionals, to seek support for the provision of HIV test kits and other healthcare needs. He also commended ACOMIN for its sustained advocacy and contributions to healthcare development in Delta State.

In a related advocacy visit, ACOMIN met with the Director of Nursing Services, Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Patricia Enagoma, to press for the recruitment of more nurses to address the acute manpower shortage in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Enagoma revealed that the nursing union had already written to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori requesting the employment of more nurses and other healthcare personnel. She added that local government councils should also support efforts to recruit qualified health workers to improve healthcare services across the state.