Anambra State has joined Lagos, Kwara and Gombe states at a two-day technical workshop aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Alternative Delivery Model (ADM) for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria services.
The workshop, supported by the Global Fund through the Society for Family Health (SFH), was held in Abuja and attracted representatives of government ministries, agencies, parastatals, implementing organisations and development partners.
The meeting focused on the TASAD Project, an innovative approach designed to expand access to essential HIV, TB and malaria prevention and treatment services through the private sector.
Anambra was represented by the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and the State Ministry of Health. Members of the delegation included the Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke; the Director of Public Health; the State Programme Coordinator for HIV/AIDS and STIs; and the State Malaria Programme Coordinator.
Speaking at the workshop, Okeke said the Alternative Delivery Model could complement government health facilities by taking essential services closer to communities.
He said, “Alternative delivery models provide an opportunity to strengthen existing public health services while expanding access to people who may not routinely seek care in conventional health facilities.”
The ANSACA Executive Director noted that Anambra’s expanding private health sector, commercial activities and extensive network of pharmacies, laboratories and other service providers could provide a strong platform for implementing the model.
According to him, “Anambra has a vibrant private sector that can play a strategic role in improving access to HIV, TB and malaria services. We must leverage these existing structures to build a healthcare system that is more accessible, inclusive and sustainable.”
Okeke further explained that stronger collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers would help reduce the burden on public facilities and improve the reach of critical health interventions.
He said the approach would also support the sustainability of HIV, TB and malaria programmes by creating additional channels through which people could access quality services.
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Participants at the workshop engaged in technical sessions covering state-level implementation strategies, coordination mechanisms, health commodity management, data reporting, quality assurance and long-term sustainability.
The Anambra delegation also contributed to discussions on how the Alternative Delivery Model could be adapted to the state’s specific healthcare needs and private-sector landscape.
ANSACA said it would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, development partners and private-sector stakeholders in developing innovative strategies to expand healthcare access across the state.
The agency expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to strengthening health services and improving outcomes for residents of Anambra State.
