The COPPER CE Programme Coordinator Mr Paul Balogun during an advocacy to Director Public Health Bauchi state.
By Ishaq Haruna Hardawa
The Jana Health Foundation, in collaboration with SUFABEL Community Development Initiatives, has called for the inclusion of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) involved in pandemic preparedness in Bauchi State’s Health Strategic Action Plan.
Paul Balogun, Programme Coordinator for Community Engagement in Pandemic Preparedness and Response (COPPER CE), made this appeal during an advocacy visit to the State Director of Public Health in Bauchi.
Balogun explained that CSOs working on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria should be included in the state’s risk communication meetings.
This, he said would ensure they receive accurate information for dissemination within their communities.
He emphasised that CSOs already have established structures in various communities, which could help reduce the spread of diseases during outbreaks in the state.
The COPPER CE Programme Coordinator highlighted that Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states are currently battling a Lassa Fever outbreak.
He stressed the need to engage CSOs in combating the spread of Lassa Fever and other public health concerns in the affected states.
“It is important for us to advocate for these communities to be fully integrated into the pandemic platforms in the state. If we have a one-health structure, CSOs can also contribute to information dissemination,” Balogun noted.
He further reiterated the need to involve AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Networks in implementing the Health Strategic Action Plan in Bauchi State.
“In this regard, we are also requesting an increase in the allocation of slots for CSO activities related to pandemic response within the state’s strategic plan. Additionally, we seek budgetary provisions for these activities, so that even if the state has limited funds, other organisations can support them. This will significantly reduce the impact of disease outbreaks,” Balogun stated.
Responding to the appeal, the State Director of Public Health, Alhaji Abdullahi Dan’Asabe, assured that the State Rapid Response Team had already suggested integrating CSOs to help relay verified information to communities. This would aid in curbing the spread of diseases at minimal cost.
He commended Jana Health Foundation and SUFABEL Community Development Initiatives for their efforts in pandemic preparedness and pledged sustained collaboration with CSOs in Bauchi State.
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