Esther Thelfid Foundation Commences Community-Led Monitoring Activities in Jahi Community under the Global Fund GC7 Grant
Esther Thelfid Foundation (ETF) has officially commenced activities in Jahi Community, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), under the GF/GC7/NGA-C-IHVN/TBN Grant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The project is being implemented through TB Network Nigeria, acting as the Technical Service Organization (TSO) for the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project under the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7).
As one of the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) selected to support implementation, ETF joins other NGOs and CBOs working across five Area Councils of the FCT to strengthen community-led monitoring systems and improve access to quality, people-centered Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and Malaria services.
Community Entry into Jahi Community
As part of project commencement activities, ETF conducted a formal community entry process in Jahi Community. This engagement involved the ETF CLM Team [consisting of the ETF Program officer, a TB survivor, and the Ward Development Committee (WDC) representatives], key stakeholders, including community leaders, healthcare workers, and facility management teams,
The Entry Focused Group Discussion [FGD]
The purpose of this engagement is to:
- Introduce the Community-Led Monitoring Project
- Explain project objectives and expected outcomes
- Obtain stakeholder buy-in and support
- Gather community perspectives on the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of TB services
- Identify existing gaps and opportunities for strengthening service delivery
The engagement provided an important platform for dialogue and collaboration between community members and health service providers, laying a strong foundation for successful project implementation.
Conducting Client Exit Interviews (CEIs)
A major component of the CLM project is the conduct of monthly Client Exit Interviews (CEIs) at Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) facilities.
Through these interviews, ETF engages clients immediately after receiving healthcare services to gather unbiased feedback on their experiences. The interviews assess:
- Accessibility of services
- Availability of commodities and treatment
- Affordability of care
- Acceptability of services
- Quality of healthcare delivery
The information generated through CEIs will provide valuable evidence for identifying service delivery challenges and recommending improvements that promote patient-centered care.
Client Exit Interviews at Jahi Primary Health Centre
ETF Programme Officer and the CLM team were actively engaged in conducting Client Exit Interviews with clients accessing services at Jahi Primary Health Centre as part of the project’s accountability and quality improvement framework. The obvious complaints are delays in services and the attitude of some of the health workers. TB treatment is free, and drugs are readily available, and clients get their monthly refills without any problem.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Recognizing that sustainable healthcare improvements require community ownership, ETF will also conduct advocacy visits and stakeholder engagements throughout the project lifecycle.
Target groups include:
- Traditional leaders
- Religious leaders
- Community influencers
- Women’s groups
- Youth groups
- Ward Development Committees
- Healthcare providers
These engagements aim to strengthen awareness, increase demand for services, promote accountability, and support improved health outcomes within the community.
Key Informant Interviews and Community Feedback
ETF will conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community stakeholders, health workers, and opinion leaders to better understand factors influencing service utilization and quality.
The insights gathered will contribute to evidence-based recommendations for improving TB, HIV, and Malaria services in the FCT.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Concerns
In line with ETF’s commitment to health equity and social justice, the project will incorporate community sensitization and outreach activities addressing:
- Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
- Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
- Human rights barriers affecting access to healthcare
- Stigma and discrimination
These interventions will help create safer and more supportive environments for vulnerable populations seeking healthcare services.
Collaboration and Coordination
ETF will actively participate in coordination meetings with:
- TB Network Nigeria
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)
- Community stakeholders
- Health facility managers
- Media organizations
- Government agencies and development partners
These engagements will ensure effective implementation, knowledge sharing, accountability, and continuous improvement of services.
Looking Ahead
Through the Community-Led Monitoring Project, Esther Thelfid Foundation remains committed to amplifying community voices and ensuring that healthcare services are responsive, equitable, and people-centered.
By strengthening accountability mechanisms, promoting community participation, and generating evidence from the grassroots, ETF is contributing to the broader goal of improving health outcomes and advancing Nigeria’s response to Tuberculosis, HIV, and Malaria under the Global Fund GC7 Grant.
Community-led monitoring (CLM) empowers local populations to collect data and oversee projects in their neighborhoods. Its greatest impact is shifting power to the residents. By putting community voices at the center, CLM ensures projects actually meet local needs, increases accountability, and builds long-term trust between residents and governing institutions
Together with communities, stakeholders, and partners, ETF will continue working to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing quality healthcare services.
