The Delta State Government has been called upon to urgently provide primary healthcare centres especially those in Ughelli South Local Government Area with functional vaccine storage equipment to strengthen immunization services.
The appeal came from the Civil Society Organization on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) during an advocacy visit to the State Malaria Programme Manager, Dr. (Mrs.) Julie Aniah, at the Ministry of Health.
During the visit, ACOMIN State Chairman, Pastor Gregory Sifo, and the State Programme Officer, Sir Austin Uwede, noted that many primary healthcare centres in Ughelli South and other LGAs are struggling because they lack essential tools such as freezers required for proper vaccine storage.
They emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the government and communities to sustain the ACOMIN project, pointing out that poor storage facilities are hindering effective service delivery and reducing public trust in the health system. Uwede added that the lack of cold-chain equipment not only affects immunization but also discourages residents from seeking treatment for minor health issues. He called for urgent action to address the problem.
ACOMIN also met separately with the State Coordinator of the Logistics Management Coordinating Unit, Pharm. (Mrs.) Stella Uduaghan, where they raised concerns about shortages of essential medical supplies in some primary healthcare centres.
Pastor Sifo cautioned that without adequate medications, quality healthcare cannot be achieved and urged health workers to address attitude issues that may be affecting service delivery. Uwede stressed the importance of ensuring that basic drugs are available in all facilities.
In response, Uduaghan explained that the state’s free Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention programme is covered under the free maternal healthcare package, but beneficiaries must be enrolled in the state health insurance scheme. She also clarified that the Drug Revolving Fund acts as the main supply source for hospitals, and facilities need to be registered with the scheme to request drugs and other medical commodities.
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