When Hajara, the younger sister of the youth leader, died during childbirth, he vowed that no other family members in the centre of the farm would suffer the same fate. That night led to a community-built primary health care center (PHC), and now it has become a life-saving spark.
“I’ve seen maternal deaths over the past year. This is how influential this (new) center is,” said Yakubu M. Wakili, community leader in the community.
Tunga, a farm centre, a community around urban areas in Niger, did not have functional medical facilities. Residents were forced to seek costly care at distant private clinics and government facilities.
The tragedy of Hajara, who died in labor due to delayed care, was inspired by his actions. With support from the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), the community has secured 18 million animals with government intervention and raised an additional 6 million, leading to the establishment of a PHC. It is classified as a Level 2 facility and now serves hundreds of people each month, significantly reducing mother and child mortality. Its central location means residents walk only 2-10 minutes to access care.
“When my son convulsed from malaria, I ran to the centre with him,” Samira Mustafa said. “The nurse saved my life. Previously, there was no chance.”
Esther John, a mother of three, praised the speed of PHC vaccination.
“I used to walk long distances for prenatal care,” said Hashiya Yusuf, another resident. “Now it’s just nearby. It changed everything.”
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“The facility has brought hope, but it requires beds, microscopes and security fencing. With more support, there’s more to do.”
PHC improved health-seeking behaviors, improved vaccination rates, and improved prenatal attendance. However, despite being a PHC focused on the Basic Healthcare Delivery Fund (BHCPF), it faces resource constraints from limited beds, diagnostic tools, and spaces that impact service delivery. The community-led efforts to build the farm centre tunga PHC are consistent with the Nigerian government’s four-point health agenda of 2023-2027, particularly the promotion to an efficient, equitable and quality health system under the second pillar.
This is a call to the government, stakeholders and relevant authorities.
Support the clinic with more beds and equipment. Provides microscopes and more instruments for accurate diagnostics. Funding for expanded wards and boundary fencing. Encourage similar community-led initiatives across Nigeria.
“We’ve come far, but with more help, we can go further,” Kuta said.
