Success Story

Community's Dream for Better
Healthcare Becomes a Reality 

September 2006 - In 2004 the farming community of Gadabiyu in the Federal Capital Territory lost nine children to measles in a day. A migratory population of 10,000 located just 105 km from the capital, the predominantly Hausa speaking community owns one primary and one junior secondary school, but lacks a health facility. Even more important is the lack of even outreach services which might have saved nine young lives two years ago. Most community members travel to Abaji General Hospital, about 40 km away, in search of healthcare.

Used to complications or emergencies which could have been averted by the presence of a nearby health facility, the citizens of Gadabiyu willingly share their stories. "Two weeks ago, we lost a woman during 'self-help' [home] child delivery. Before we could rush her to the clinic, she died," says Community Coalition Chairman, Shehu Sani Gada-biyu. Another community member, Omar Umar, has given birth to all four of her children at home. During the birth of her fourth child she had serious complications and had to travel to two different health centers to assure her survival and the survival of her baby.

Omar is only one of several women in the community who have suffered complications at delivery because they lacked access to the routine anenatal care which might have identified a high-risk pregnancy. Like most rural women in northern Nigeria, the women of Gadabiyu still deliver their babies at home by themselves, or occasionally with the help of a traditional birth attendant.

In the 10 years since, the community has applied three times for a health facility to be built, but their request to the government was one of many competing for a portion of the minimal resources available. However, with support last December from the USAID-funded COMPASS Project, Gadabiyu formed a Community Coalition to address its healthcare needs. At the first meeting, a resounding vote was cast for construction of a health facility, but this time by the community members themselves. Two members of the community immediately donated land, a gesture which inspired other members to make contributions, ranging from money to labor.

Members of the Community Coalition also invited government officials and community and religious leaders to a forum soliciting support for its initiative. During the forum, the Honorable Sidi Ali, member of the House of Representatives, rose to thank COMPASS for catalyzing a solution to the problem of healthcare in the community. He called on everyone present to support construction of the clinic “with everything they can.” He set the example by donating 3,000 cement blocks, two truckloads of gravel and two of sand, and N300,000 ($2,310). 

When asked if she planned to have other children, Omar answered in the affirmative. "I hope the clinic will be completed soon so that I can deliver my next baby there." Her husband also added that his wife would attend antenatal care sessions. Another member of the community who anticipates completion of the health facility is Chairman Shehu. "My wife is heavy now, but the cost of transportation is very high so she cannot attend antenatal care. We are working towards completing the health facility soon. Who knows, my wife might deliver our next baby there!" At a loss for words, Gada Biyu's Sarki Hausawa said, "Truth is truth, we now know what COMPASS stands for and may God reward you for your good work."