A coalition of civil society organisations has expressed concern over inadequate health facilities and out-of-pocket medical expenses incurred by some patients in a bid to access tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV services.

The CSOs, through the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria, and TB Network, raised the concerns at a news conference in Abuja.

The group said that some patients, especially those in rural areas, travel more than 30 kilometres to access TB, malaria, and HIV services.

Nathaniel Salifu, FCT coordinator of the TB Network, noted that TB, HIV, and malaria are more common among vulnerable populations due to inadequate health facilities and insufficient financial resources, which he said can undermine treatment.

“Even where treatment is free, such as in the case of TB, transportation to clinics and other hidden out-of-pocket costs for patients may pose challenges. Some patients had to travel more than 30km away from their homes in rural areas to access TB, HIV, and malaria services, which can be unaffordable for many,” he said.

He stated that the coalition was collaborating with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable System for Health grant to enhance health outcomes in 18 states.

Mr Salifu added that they donated solar energy systems to Dabi-Bako PHC, hospital consumables to Kwali Central PHC, and completed a soak-away project at Chibri PHC, among other projects in Abuja.

He, therefore, urged the government and other stakeholders to implement measures that include prevention and treatment, health education and promotion, and community partnership to successfully address the diseases.

Deborah Azeez, a health educator at the FCT Public Health Department, highlighted their role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and saving lives.

The C19RM/RSSH project being implemented covers 315 wards in the 105 LGAs in 18 states of the country.

(NAN)