A network of civil‑society organisations in Akwa Ibom State, known as the ATM Network, has urged community stakeholders—especially youths—to take ownership of health interventions and projects in their areas. The network, which includes ACOMIN, TB and NEPWHAN, made the appeal during a media briefing marking the completion of its two‑year COVID‑19 response and resilient health‑systems project. Sponsored by the Global Fund through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, the project covered nine local government areas in the state.
The network called on community members to focus on service delivery for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis treatment, to identify gaps and prioritize their needs. Mr Wisdom Jacob, Programme Officer for the C19‑RSSH project, emphasized that communities must protect their assets—including health facilities and equipment—from vandalism and theft. He cited incidents of stolen solar‑powered cold‑chain cables and damaged health facilities, underscoring the need for local responsibility.
The project has implemented several initiatives, such as drug stocking, borehole refurbishment and equipment installation. The network also urged effective monitoring by the State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency, and called for staff training on proper documentation and record‑keeping. Mrs Elizabeth Udoh, NEPWHAN Coordinator in the state, explained that the C19‑RM/RSSH project aims to support government efforts to strengthen healthcare systems in health centres, highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure, a robust health workforce and effective disease surveillance in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Dr Boniface Ukpong, Akwa Ibom State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, praised the Global Fund for sponsoring the project and the ATM Network for its implementation. He noted that the initiative helped mitigate malaria‑commodity shortfalls following the withdrawal of US funding and commended the state government’s efforts to remodel the health sector, particularly in rural areas. Dr Ukpong emphasized that locals must take ownership of facilities to ensure their sustainability.
The ATM Network’s call to action underscores the importance of community involvement in healthcare development and the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen health systems in Akwa Ibom State. As the state continues to grapple with health challenges, the network’s initiative serves as a reminder of the critical role community stakeholders play in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of health interventions.
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