By Dare Akogun
In a bid to enhance and improve the standard of health services, communities have been urged to actively collaborate with health professionals in their locality.
Kwara state coordinator of ACOMIN Femi Olatunbosun made the call during a media round table meeting of the Network of People Living with media roundtable meeting HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPHWAN) held in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
Olatunbosun who emphasised the dangers of self-medication and underutilization of health facilities, urged individuals, especially those at the grassroots, to refrain from such practices.
He also highlighted the importance of not stigmatizing those with health conditions, saying that this was a significant issue in the selected Community Based Organizations (CBOs) operating in five local government areas including Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Ilorin West, Moro, and Edu.
In his remarks the Kwara State Coordinator for NEPHWAN, Alhaji Yusuf Muktar Animashaun, also appealed to community members to bolster the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
He emphasised the role everyone can play through effective education and advocacy.
Alhaji Animashaun disclosed that his organization is conducting regular monitoring to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to all patients.
He expressed satisfaction with the project’s achievements in Kwara state, noting that it has engaged fifteen CBOs to implement the project across various communities.
The Program Officer, Mr. Opah Robert, acknowledged the community members’ contributions to the program’s success in the five local government areas.
He revealed that the program has mapped out new strategies to enhance community awareness in the upcoming year.
The meeting was attended by Executive Directors from CBOs and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
