Civil Society group, Lawyers Alert, and Media Health Organisation have called on Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG) to integrate TB, HIV, and Malaria services into a single, comprehensive care framework to improve resource utilization and holistic care for patients with co-existing conditions.
They also emphasized on need for the Akwa Ibom State Government, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and international partners to prioritize gender-transformative approaches in addressing healthcare challenges.
These were parts of the recommendation Lawyers Alert and MHR presented during a media chat following a comprehensive situational analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project, which unveiled pressing gender-related barriers hindering women’s access to healthcare services for Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Malaria in Akwa Ibom State.
This analysis identified critical policy gaps, gender disparities in healthcare access, and the urgent need for community-driven advocacy to address these challenges.
The groups harped on the necessity of strengthening healthcare systems and enhancing community engagement to tackle stigma and discrimination.
“Akwa Ibom State has consistently recorded one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria, with co-infection of TB further complicating the situation. Additionally, malaria remains a leading cause of illness and death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five.
“Despite ongoing interventions, barriers such as stigma, gender inequality, and limited healthcare infrastructure continue to hinder progress.
The two organisations recommend “provision of economic support and empowerment programs for women to reduce financial dependency and improve access to healthcare should be prioritised.
“Strengthen the capacity of women-led organizations and community health champions to advocate for gender-sensitive healthcare and challenge harmful cultural norms.
“Enhance the visibility and enforcement of existing health policies, particularly those addressing gender disparities and stigma reduction.
“Encourage collaborations with private sector entities to address funding gaps and improve the availability of essential medications and diagnostic tools.”
The “Law, Rights, and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response,”, supported by the GEF Fund, is aimed at addressing gender-related barriers to healthcare access in Nigeria, particularly for women and vulnerable groups affected by HIV, TB, and Malaria through movement building that comprises of women leaders and women-led health-focused organizations.
The project is targeted at strengthening policy advocacy, community-based interventions, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure equitable access to healthcare services in Akwa Ibom and Benue States.
