In Yobe:ACOMIN Holds Media Briefing, Calls for Strengthen Healthcare Systems to Combat HIV, TB, Malaria



By Yusuf A Yusuf Damaturu 


The Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) in Yobe State has issued urgent calls for healthcare system improvements during its first media briefing of 2026, highlighting persistent gaps in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM).

The briefing on Tuesday which brought together government officials, NGO partners, journalists, and community stakeholders in Damaturu, served as a platform to address challenges hindering progress in Nigeria's ATM response despite significant investments from the Global Fund and government initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Mohammed Shehu, Yobe State ACOMIN Program Officer, emphasized the importance of community led monitoring in ensuring local control over international funds.

He revealed that the initiative currently operates with 18 active community groups, including journalists, fund managers, representatives from the National Malaria Control Program, and Yobe State Public Health Authority officials.
While acknowledging progress made through government efforts and Global Fund support, Shehu identified critical barriers requiring immediate attention.

According to him this includes;weak referral mechanisms,treatment interruptions,shortage of trained healthcare workers,inadequate facility resources,limited testing and treatment services and economic and transportation barriers.

"Evidence generated through Community Led Monitoring shows that gaps in service delivery continue to affect health outcomes in many communities," Shehu warned.

He issued a rallying call to all stakeholders,urging them to strengthen referral systems, ensure uninterrupted access to essential medications and diagnostics,invest in healthcare workforce development,expand community-based screening services and eeduce financial barriers to healthcare.

During the meeting, Kabiru Sumaila, a program officer from COCOSOHDI, reported that focus group discussions revealed many locals were unaware that ATM services are provided free of charge.

"We clarified these services, urging locals to ensure tidy surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding habitats and encouraging them to visit facilities as ATM services are free," Samaila explained.

Other program officers shared their organizations' successes and challenges for the period under review, including Abubakar Adamu (GESDI), Amos Misheli (Hope Interactive), and Mohammed Kachallah (Freedom Initiative for Advancement of Humanity), demonstrating the collaborative multi-sectoral approach being deployed across the state.

The briefing highlighted the critical role of community engagement and local oversight in ensuring that international health funding translates into tangible improvements in health outcomes for Yobe State residents.



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