Akwa Ibom CSOs Advocate for Unified HIV, TB, and Malaria Care Framework

Civil society organizations, Lawyers Alert and Media Health Organization (MHR), have urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to integrate the response to HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria into a single, all-inclusive healthcare framework.

They argue that such a model would not only improve resource utilization but also ensure comprehensive care for individuals dealing with co-occurring diseases.

The call for integration follows a detailed scenario analysis conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project in Akwa Ibom.

Speaking at a virtual press conference over the weekend, Dr. Rommy Mom, President of Lawyers Alert, and Alu Azege, Head of MHR, revealed the key findings of the study:

• Frequent shortages of essential medications in medical facilities
• Over-reliance on traditional remedies instead of modern medicine
• Stigma and gender inequities affecting access to healthcare

To address these challenges, they urged government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector stakeholders to collaborate on:

• Bridging healthcare funding gaps
• Ensuring consistent availability of essential medicines and diagnostic tools
• Enhancing awareness and enforcing existing health policies

Dr. Mom emphasized the urgent need to empower women-led organizations and community health advocates to promote gender-sensitive healthcare and challenge harmful cultural practices.

According to the statement:

“Women face significant barriers, including economic dependency, stigma, and caregiving responsibilities, which limit their ability to access timely healthcare.”

• Stigma associated with HIV and TB prevents women from seeking care
• Cultural and religious beliefs promote traditional remedies over modern treatments
• Economic dependence makes it difficult for women to afford healthcare

To combat these issues, the Akwa Ibom State Government was urged to:

• Enhance financial support and empowerment programs for women
• Strengthen community-based interventions for gender-sensitive healthcare
• Improve access to prevention, treatment, and care services

The organizations called on healthcare providers, policymakers, and international partners to prioritize gender-transformative approaches in tackling the state’s healthcare challenges.

They stressed that addressing the frequent stockouts of medications and reducing reliance on traditional medicine would create a more effective and equitable healthcare system in Akwa Ibom.