Civil society organisations (CSOs) and health workers in Akwa Ibom have identified social stigma, cultural restrictions, and inadequate medical facilities as primary obstacles preventing residents from accessing treatment for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
The stakeholders made these observations during a meeting in Uyo to evaluate compliance with gender-responsive health policies in the state.
Participants warned that despite existing government policies, these barriers continue to keep vulnerable populations, particularly women, from seeking essential medical services. The discussions highlighted a significant gap between the existence of health frameworks and the actual accessibility of services for those in need.
Edidiong Enang, the programme manager of Vitonia Lead Foundation, noted that cultural beliefs often prevent women from speaking up about their health concerns. She added that economic hardship and a lack of financial independence frequently cause delays in women seeking medical help.
Ms Enang also pointed out that many health facilities are not sufficiently gender-friendly and that concerns over patient confidentiality continue to discourage residents from visiting clinics, even when services are available.
Legislative delays and healthcare accessibility
A critical challenge identified by stakeholders is the delay in providing legal protections for patients. Enobong Akpan, the project manager of the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS, revealed that while the state has domesticated several HIV-related policies, an anti-stigma law passed by the State House of Assembly is still awaiting assent from Governor Umo Eno.
Mr Akpan stated that the bill has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for review before it reaches the Governor’s desk. The absence of this law has been linked to avoidable deaths and increased infection rates within the state, as it leaves patients vulnerable to discrimination.
Representing the state Ministry of Health, Ubong Ekpo said the government is actively working to identify tuberculosis cases, including through house-to-house testing in rural communities. He also noted that the state currently operates three sexual assault referral centres located at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Iquita Hospital in Oron, and Immanuel Hospital in Eket.
Regarding malaria, health workers clarified that treatment in the state is free once testing confirms the infection. They explained that the state’s policy requires patients to undergo diagnostic testing before receiving medication to ensure that treatment is accurately targeted.
The discussions were part of the Gender Equality Fund project, a two-and-a-half-year initiative launched by Lawyers Alert and the Media Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR) in October 2024. The project is supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, in partnership with GSK and ViiV Healthcare, and is being implemented in both Akwa Ibom and Benue states.
To address these gaps, CSOs have called on the government to improve public awareness, equip primary healthcare centres with better facilities, and train health workers to maintain strict patient confidentiality and treat all individuals without discrimination.
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