ANAMBRA JOINS GLOBAL FUND PUSH TO EXPAND HIV, TB, MALARIA SERVICES THROUGH PRIVATE SECTOR
By Obianuju Isima
Anambra State has joined Lagos, Kwara and Gombe States in a two-day Technical Assistance Workshop on the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM), aimed at strengthening private-sector participation in the delivery of HIV prevention, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria services.
The workshop, supported by the Global Fund through the Society for Family Health (SFH) in Abuja, commenced on Aug. 12 and ended Aug. 13. It brought together representatives of government ministries, agencies, parastatals, implementing partners and non-governmental organisations to strengthen the implementation of the Technical Assistance Supported Alternative Delivery (TASAD) model Project.
The Alternative Delivery Model seeks to harness the capacity of private healthcare providers to complement public health services and bring essential interventions closer to people, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing conventional health facilities.
Speaking during the technical sessions, The Executive Director, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke emphasised the importance of expanding innovative service delivery approaches that can improve access to essential health interventions while supporting the sustainability of HIV, TB and malaria programmes.
He noted that Anambra’s vibrant commercial environment and extensive private health network, comprising pharmacies, laboratories, businesses and other service providers, offer significant opportunities for strengthening public-private collaboration in healthcare.
According to him, engaging private sector providers more effectively could help reach populations that do not routinely access public health facilities, ease pressure on existing service delivery points and improve the availability of essential services within communities.
He said that sustained collaboration and locally responsive solutions would remain important in building a stronger and more sustainable health system for the state
ANSACA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the State Ministry of Health, development partners and private sector stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery, exploring innovative approaches that can improve access to services for Ndi Anambra.
The Anambra delegation participated in technical sessions on state specific implementation strategies, coordination, commodity management, data reporting, quality assurance and sustainability of the ADM approach.
The workshop also provided participating states and partners with an opportunity to exchange experiences and develop practical strategies for integrating private-sector providers into the response to HIV, TB and malaria.
Anambra was represented by the state Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme, the State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS and STIs, Dr. Tonia Maduagwu and the State Malaria Programme Coordinator, Mr. Okechukwu Martins.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State