A non-governmental organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) yesterday launched community advocacy clubs in three states to address public health and developmental challenges in the communities.
Mr Steve Aborisade Advocacy and Marketing Manager AHF disclosed this at the inaugural launch of FCT Community Advocacy Club in Waru community Abuja.
Aborisade said the advocacy clubs were inaugurated in three communities across AHF states of operation which includes; Waru community in Abuja, Seriki Noma community in Kogi state and Guruku community in Nasarawa state.
According to him, the establishment of the advocacy forum was aimed at mobilizing and educating community members to participate in community led advocacies.
“The establishment of advocacy forums in the communities is to revitalize and mobilize patients and non-patients interest and participation in community led advocacy.
“They are to advocate for their fundamental rights, engage with decision makers and champion courses that address public health issues and their wellbeing.
“It has become important to identify community actors, bring them together and empower them with skills on advocacy, so that they can push the development agenda in their communities.
“This therefore is in the realization that when communities own an intervention, it becomes easier to achieve set out objectives, hence it’s sustainability is guaranteed through community ownership.
Aborisade further listed criteria for selecting the club members, which includes; individuals dedication to community service, outstanding qualities, willingness to commit time without expectation of payment among others.
Mr Goon David, a resident of Waru community Abuja, said that, the Waru advocacy club would steer and enlighten the community members on the need to support one another.
“This notable club would also change the negative narrative held by uninformed populace of Waru in regards to drug abuse, HIV and AIDS, stigmatization, child abuse and early marriage.
Also speaking, Mr Bala Namama from kogi advocacy club expressed great pleasure in AHF for selecting their community to establish such platforms.
Namama however, pledged the commitment of the community and support from community heads and chieftains to support the clubs and ensure they all succeed in improving the development situation of the communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the advocacy community club concept would be implemented across 13 AHF Africa Bureau countries.
