NEPWHAN Calls for Enhanced Security in Rural Areas

Daftar Isi

Advocacy for Rural Healthcare in Nasarawa State

The Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has been actively working to ensure that rural communities in Nasarawa State receive adequate healthcare support. As a non-governmental organization established in 1998, NEPWHAN serves as a collective voice for individuals living with HIV across the country. Recently, the Nasarawa State chapter of NEPWHAN has called on all levels of government to focus on protecting these communities so that they can benefit from the organization’s healthcare initiatives.

Patience Samson, the State Program Officer of the NEPWHAN Covid-19 Response Mechanism project, emphasized this need during a media roundtable held in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. The event highlighted success stories and achievements from July to December 2025, showcasing the progress made by the organization in improving healthcare delivery in the region.

Samson noted that NEPWHAN is currently coordinating the implementation of the C19RM grant, a global fund project aimed at addressing gaps in health systems and infrastructure. This initiative involves collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) to achieve better outcomes in Nasarawa State over the past two years (2024/2025). However, she also outlined several challenges faced by the organization, including insecurity in certain local government areas (LGAs), poor mobile network coverage, and difficulties in reaching remote communities.

Another significant challenge identified was the fear of stigmatization among gender-based violence (GBV) survivors, who often hesitate to report their cases early. Additionally, promises from government officials require more follow-up to be fulfilled, and the short duration of three months in a community is insufficient to achieve meaningful results.

Samson explained that the Global Fund project in Nasarawa State is being implemented through ATM networks, which cover HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. NEPWHAN leads the project in the state, with key responsibilities including establishing Community Led Monitoring Teams, advocating for increased support from local governments, and improving coordination between CSOs and community structures.

The program has achieved notable success, with many communities providing resources to address issues such as leaking roofs, inadequate seating, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) in health facilities. In some primary healthcare centers (PHCs), community efforts have even led to renovations, demonstrating the impact of grassroots involvement.

Despite these successes, Samson stressed the need for greater government support. She emphasized that collaboration with counselors and politicians could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the community-led monitoring teams, ensuring that primary healthcare needs are addressed.

The C19RM project in Nasarawa State includes various activities such as identifying wards and facilities through community-based organizations, engaging Community Led Monitoring Teams (CLMT) with relevant stakeholders, conducting focus group discussions, client exit interviews, supportive supervision, monthly meetings, and media engagement sessions.

Currently, the project is being implemented in five LGAs: Obi, Nasarawa Eggon, Wamba, Kokona, and Nasarawa. It involves 15 community-based organizations, with three CBOs per LGA. The initiative aims to strengthen health systems and improve responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria through targeted interventions.

Dr. Peter Attah, the Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, expressed satisfaction with the project’s achievements. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting organizations that contribute to healthcare services for residents.

Musa Muhammed, a representative of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, commended NEPWHAN for its efforts and urged community leaders to educate their people on maintaining healthcare facilities. Safiya Ibrahim, a representative of the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in improving healthcare access and living standards in rural communities.

Ruth Dauda Aklo, the Nasarawa State Secretary of NEPWHAN, praised the state government for creating an enabling environment for the project and assured continued efforts to enhance healthcare for residents.

The roundtable brought together various stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government officials, and religious leaders. Interactive sessions and slide presentations highlighted improvements in primary healthcare centers across the state.