Edo Faces Growing HIV, TB Threat Amid Drug Shortages

Edo State is facing growing concern over HIV and tuberculosis as patients in several communities continue to struggle with drug shortages, long travel distances and limited access to treatment.

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, NEPWHAN, raised the concern at a media roundtable in Benin City, where it highlighted major gaps affecting HIV, TB and malaria services across the state.

According to the group, some residents in Jattu, Iyakpi and Uromi travel long distances before they can access antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis treatment.

NEPWHAN also reported shortages of HIV, TB and malaria commodities in several health facilities in Etsako West, with Edo State University Teaching Hospital identified as an exception.

Similar stock-outs were reported at Oluku Primary Health Centre in Ovia North-East and Ubiaja Primary Health Centre in Esan South-East.

The group said the situation could make treatment more difficult for patients who depend on regular access to medicines and medical care.

Concerns were also raised over inadequate infrastructure at Stella Obasanjo Hospital and General Hospital, Ekpoma, as well as shortage of health workers in Esan South-East and Esan West.

Speaking at the meeting, NEPWHAN National Coordinator, Ibrahim Abdulkadir, represented by the Edo State Coordinator, Christopher Osayande, said communities must be more involved in monitoring the quality of health services available to them.

He said the Community-Led Monitoring initiative allows patients and other service users to identify problems in health facilities and report them to the relevant authorities.

The initiative, which is being implemented under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, covers 13 states.

State Programme Officer/M&E, Mrs Ngozi Fapohunda, said the monitoring process also looks at the availability of medicines, quality of care, attitude of health workers, stigma, discrimination and other barriers affecting patients.

She said findings from the communities are forwarded to health authorities for action.

NEPWHAN called on journalists to help raise awareness about the challenges facing people living with HIV, TB patients and other vulnerable groups.

The group also appealed to local government chairmen and the Edo State Commissioner for Health to intervene and address the shortages and other gaps identified in the affected communities.

It said advocacy visits had already been made to health facilities and relevant stakeholders as part of efforts to improve access to treatment.

Other organizations at the roundtable included Global Women for Sustainable Development Initiative, Access to Health and Right Development Initiative, and Amber Care and Right Development Initiative.