By Magnus Emuji
The Delta State Government has been urged to urgently equip primary healthcare centres—particularly those in Ughelli South Local Government Area—with functional vaccine storage facilities to improve immunization services.
The call was made by 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, said several primary health centres in Ughelli South and other LGAs were struggling due to the lack of essential equipment such as freezers needed for proper vaccine storage.
They stressed the need for stronger governmental and community collaboration to sustain the ACOMIN project, noting that inadequate storage facilities were directly affecting service delivery and undermining public confidence in the health system.
Uwede explained that the absence of functional cold-chain equipment not only disrupts immunization services but also discourages residents from seeking treatment for minor ailments. He appealed for immediate intervention to reverse the trend.
The organization also held a separate advocacy meeting with the State Coordinator of the Logistics Management Coordinating Unit, Pharm. (Mrs.) Stella Uduaghan, where they highlighted shortages of essential medical commodities in some primary health centres.
Pastor Sifo warned that without adequate medications, healthcare delivery would remain ineffective, urging health workers to improve attitudes that may be impeding quality service. Uwede added that basic drugs must be readily available across all facilities.
Responding, Uduaghan explained that the state’s free Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) prevention programme is accessible under the free maternal health package, but beneficiaries must be registered under the state health insurance scheme. She also clarified that the Drug Revolving Fund serves as the central supply pool for hospitals, with health facilities required to register with the scheme to request drug and commodity supplies.
