ACOMIN Calls For Collective Effort To Tackle Fake, Expired Drugs

ACOMIN Calls For Collective Effort To Tackle Fake, Expired Drugs

By Magnus Emuji 

The Delta State Coordinator of the Civil Society Organisation on Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) CE-SI project, Pastor Gregory Sifo, has called for collective efforts in tackling the unabated cases of fake and expired drugs plaguing the health system.

Pastor Sifo made the call in Asaba during an advocacy visit to the State Malaria Programme Manager in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Julie Aniah.

He described the issue of fake drugs as worrisome, noting that it is responsible for many deaths in Nigeria.

Sifo stressed the need for consistent monitoring of health institutions and pharmacies where drugs are sold, to ascertain the quality and reliability of healthcare service delivery.

He told the State Malaria Programme Manager that the visit was to appreciate her for her unwavering commitment to ACOMIN interventions and, more importantly, to be updated with relevant information concerning the treatment of malaria.

He reiterated that the responsibility of ACOMIN is to ensure accountability of the health care providers and for communities to take ownership of their facilities.

The State ACOMIN Coordinator disclosed that the State Government had approved the renovation of 41 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the State, according to the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Aniah stated that ACT (Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy) has been approved for the treatment of malaria among pregnant women, assuring that they would continue to carry out routine monitoring of healthcare facilities.

She said health workers are sometimed overwhelmed with enormous tasks due to shortage of staff, adding that they need support.