From Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The State Advocacy Team of the Association of Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition in Taraba has stepped up efforts to improve malaria service awareness and fix gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure across the state.
The advocacy drive, held on May 11, 2026, was carried out under the Community Component of the Global Fund Grant for Malaria, which targeted communities where low awareness and weak facilities are limiting access to free malaria interventions.
Alh. Muh’d Tanko Danburam, ACOMIN State chairman met with officials at the Taraba State Ministry of Health to discuss poor sensitization around free Global Fund malaria services.
Danburam noted that the visit covered facilities including Mbiya PHC, Gidan Isa PHC, Mayolope PHCC, Tudun Beekhan PHC, and Benbal Health Post.
According him, the lack of awareness is crippling vulnerable residents from accessing support that is already available.
“Poor awareness of free malaria services contributes to low service uptake and prevents vulnerable community members from benefiting from available Global Fund-supported interventions,” he said.
Executive Director of GMCN RHP, Mr. Godfrey Jarama Filiya, warned that weak public sensitization could lead to commodity leakages and push more citizens into paying out-of-pocket for care that should be free.
Also speaking, Alh. Mustapha Yahaya Umar of Yelwa Progressive and Cooperative Union called for urgent action to expand community awareness and reduce malaria prevalence and deaths in Taraba.
Responding, State Health Educator and Promotion Officer Mr. Dahiru Zakari promised to mobilize Local Government Health Educators and the Mama to Mama structures to intensify community sensitization, and stressed that he would escalate the matter to the Director of Public Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
In a separate visit, the team met with the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency over the poor state of Laiden Jessi PHC and Mayo Kam PHC. The SAT urged immediate renovation to make the facilities safer and more functional.
Executive Secretary Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa acknowledged the challenges and said efforts are underway to mobilize interventions.
He disclosed plans to engage the Community and Social Development Agency for possible support to rehabilitate the facilities.
