The Anambra State Advocacy Team (SAT), has called for strategic budgetary allocation for primary healthcare service delivery in the forthcoming Annual Budget of Anambra State.
The team led by Ify Unachukwu — the TB Network State Coordinator and State Lead of the Advocacy Team made the call during an advocacy visit to the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Anambra State.
The engagement was to formally present the Integrated Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project being implemented by the TB Network Nigeria with support from the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).
Speaking during the visit, Unachukwu gave a comprehensive overview of the Integrated CLM Project of the TB Network Nigeria, outlining its objectives, achievements, and relevance to improving health service delivery in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) across the state.
According to her, the project aims to strengthen community engagement and accountability in the delivery of health services for three major communicable disease areas – AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria, (ATM) at the PHC level.
She explained, “The project’s goals include: empowering Community-Led Monitors (CLMs) to work collaboratively with health facility staff and stakeholders to improve quality of care and responsiveness;
“Others are: enhancing transparency and community ownership of health service delivery, supporting data-driven decision-making at facility and community levels
“Integrated CLM is also promoting patient-centered care and efficient service utilization in ATM disease areas.”
CLMs – pivotal change agents
Unachukwu highlighted that CLMs have become pivotal change agents in advancing service delivery and care within PHCs where they operate.
She explained that the CLM model aligns with the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) framework championed by the Anambra State Government, emphasizing community ownership and accountability.
The ATM State Coordinator listed some of the achievements of the intervention to include: a significant improvement in operational functionality of supported PHCs due to active CLM engagement.
“We have mobilized local philanthropists and community leaders to invest in facility upgrades and healthcare resources;
“Linkages between communities and healthcare providers have been strengthened resulting in improved patient follow-up and responsiveness.
She stated that the advocacy engagement was to urge the State Government to consider increasing allocations to PHCs in order to consolidate gains, strengthen health systems, and sustain community-driven commitments to improved care.
CLMs as community watchdogs
The State Program Officer (SPO) of the TB Network, Onyekachi Ololo, commended the Anambra State Government for its heavy investment in the PHC sub-sector, including infrastructure and service expansion.
However, he underscored that the impact and oversight of these investments would be enhanced greatly if CLMs were formally deployed as community watchdogs to monitor contractor performance and quality assurance during facility upgrades and service delivery processes.
The SPO further emphasized that recognizing and integrating CLMs within government accountability frameworks would yield greater value for money and deepen community trust in public health programs.
Other members of the SAT including the State Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), Gladys Ezembu, and State Coordinator, Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Chioma Okeke, reiterated the value of CLMs in their communities and the need for stronger support for grassroots health actors.
CSOs, CBOs very critical
Responding, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, represented by Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu, commended the team for its dedication in coordinating Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) working at grassroots and facility levels.
She acknowledged the important role these organizations play in iincreasing community awareness of government health programs, sstrengthening health-seeking behaviors among ATM patients and ssupporting government efforts toward improved public health outcomes.
Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu emphasized the State Government’s commitment not only to enhancing health outcomes but also to prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable populations.
She encouraged the SAT and partner CBOs to continue collaborating closely with government agencies by providing regular updates on development initiatives.
“You also need to report ongoing needs and challenges within PHCs while also sharing credible data and community feedback to inform policy and budget decisions.”
She assured the advocacy team that issues affecting PHCs, especially those requiring budgetary consideration, would be amplified and considered during the State’s Budget Session, particularly when presented by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).
