Pride of Womanhood Empowerment Initiative (POWEI) has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Ministry of Health, and the leadership of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area for their continued efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve access to quality healthcare for residents.
Through Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) activities implemented in Ibesikpo Asutan, POWEI identified a number of specific gaps in some primary healthcare facilities requiring targeted attention. The monitoring focused particularly on the delivery of Malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis services.
The CLM activities were implemented by POWEI with support from the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), under the Global Fund-supported programme, with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) serving as the Principal Recipient.
POWEI acknowledged that significant efforts have been made by government and health authorities to improve healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across the state. The findings from the monitoring exercise were therefore not intended to portray primary healthcare facilities in Ibesikpo Asutan as being generally inadequate, but rather to highlight specific areas where additional support could further strengthen the good work already being undertaken.
Among the issues identified in some facilities were inadequate water and electricity supply, leaking sections of roofs, inadequate security, lack of perimeter fencing, termite infestation, and shortages of some consumable and non-consumable items.
In keeping with the objectives of Community-Led Monitoring, POWEI has continued to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that identified concerns are communicated constructively to those in a position to support appropriate solutions.
On September 7, the POWEI advocacy team, accompanied by a member of the Ward Development Committee (WDC), paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evangelist Hon. Edidiong Inyang. The team presented some of the priority needs identified at an affected primary healthcare facility, including water and electricity challenges, leaking sections of the roof, and shortages of essential items.
The Chairman received the concerns positively and expressed his commitment to supporting the affected facility. POWEI appreciates the leadership of the Local Government Council for its responsiveness and willingness to listen to community-level concerns and explore practical solutions.
In another engagement on September 18, POWEI, alongside the WDC Chairman and the Ward Chairman of Ikot Obio Edim, met with a philanthropist to discuss the condition of Primary Health Centre, Ikot Obio Edim.
The team highlighted concerns relating to a leaking roof, inadequate security, lack of perimeter fencing and termite infestation. The philanthropist acknowledged the concerns and expressed willingness to support the facility. He also proposed a stakeholders’ meeting to bring relevant actors together to discuss priority needs and possible interventions.
POWEI recognises that improving primary healthcare requires collaboration among government, health authorities, community structures, development partners, private individuals and other stakeholders. The organisation therefore appreciates the openness demonstrated by the Local Government leadership and other stakeholders who have shown willingness to respond to community-identified needs.
According to the Program Officer, Comfort Etim, Community-Led Monitoring provides an important platform for communities to share evidence-based feedback on healthcare services and infrastructure while promoting constructive dialogue with duty bearers.
“Community-Led Monitoring is not about fault-finding. It is about working with government and other stakeholders to identify specific gaps and support practical solutions that can improve healthcare services for our communities,” Etim said.
POWEI further commends the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Ministry of Health for their continued commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system and appreciates the leadership of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area for its willingness to engage with community structures.
The organisation believes that the commitments made during the engagements provide an opportunity for continued collaboration and follow-up. POWEI will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to support constructive advocacy around identified needs, with the ultimate goal of strengthening primary healthcare services and improving the experience of residents accessing essential healthcare in Ibesikpo Asutan.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government-led efforts and promoting community participation in building a stronger, more responsive and accessible primary healthcare system across Akwa Ibom State.
