From Neglect to Renewal: A Healthcare Story Rooted in Community and Partnership

In the heart of Edo State, nestled in communities often overlooked, hope is being rekindled. For decades, families in Owan West, Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, and Uhunmwode lived with the reality of inadequate healthcare. Women walked miles, carrying sick children, only to face dilapidated structures and empty shelves at their local health centres. Midwives like Esther, nurses like Precious, and leaders like Bright bore silent witness to the mounting despair of their communities.

But today, those stories are changing. Thanks to the dedication of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and its partners, four Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in these areas have been transformed under the Adopt a Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP).

The ADHFP is an innovative initiative designed to address critical gaps in primary healthcare by rehabilitating and equipping Primary Healthcare Centres to deliver quality services. Its ultimate goal is ambitious but vital: to establish at least one fully functional, sustainable healthcare centre in every Local Government Area (LGA) across Nigeria.

By working closely with governments, communities, and stakeholders, the programme is creating systemic change, empowering communities, and ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services for all Nigerians. These transformed centres now stand as beacons of hope—symbols of what is possible when communities and organisations come together to make healthcare a priority.

The Journey of Transformation

For years, the Atoruru PHC in Owan West served as a shadow of what a health centre should be. “This place,” recalls Precious, the Officer-in-Charge, “the building was dilapidated, cracked walls everywhere. Patients were not coming in. This was even the farmers’ major road to their farms.” It wasn’t just the structure that was failing—the lack of proper facilities drove patients away, leaving the community with little trust in the system.

Idunmwwunvgha PHC in Uhunmwode faced similar challenges. Florence, the women leader explained that the absence of workers and medicines compounded the crisis. “Before the revitalisation, nothing was here, not even workers. When people came, they couldn’t get medicine,” she said. For Esther, a community health extension worker at Idunmwwunvgha PHC, the days before the transformation were nothing short of grueling. “We had no clean water,” she recalled. “During deliveries, we had to fetch water ourselves. The mothers, the babies, and even the staff were exposed to unnecessary risks.”

Now, a borehole provides a reliable water source, modern consultation rooms offer privacy and dignity, and healthcare workers like Esther have the training and tools to deliver the care their communities deserve. "It feels like we’ve been given the wings to do our jobs," she says with a smile.

The transformation extended to other centres, like Evubuodia PHC. Faith, the Officer-in-Charge, was overwhelmed with excitement as she shared how solar panels and a backup generator have made round-the-clock services possible. “We no longer have to turn away emergencies at night,” she explained. “The electricity and medical supplies have changed everything.”

For the communities these centres serve, the changes are nothing short of life-altering. One community member beamed, “I’m so excited. I might just get pregnant so I can deliver my baby here!” Her laughter carried the joy and trust these revitalised centres have inspired.

Now, these centres are unrecognisable. At Atoruru PHC, Precious proudly shares, “If patients come, there is now equipment we can use to attend to them, like the BP apparatus, wheelchair, and the likes.” ?Bright echoes this sentiment, celebrating the improvements at Evbuodia PHC: “The revitalisation has given the nurses and matron the verve to put in their best.”

Real Lives, Real Impact

Beyond the speeches and the ribbon cutting, the true impact of this initiative is written in the stories of people like Esther and Faith—and the countless patients who now have access to quality primary healthcare. These revitalised centres mean mothers no longer have to choose between risking their health or that of their children and enduring long, dangerous journeys to access quality healthcare.

For many, these centres represent dignity restored. As a community elder put it, "We feel seen and valued. For the first time in years, we feel like our health matters."

The changes are not just structural—they are deeply personal, resonating with the healthcare workers who can now provide care with dignity. Mercy, a midwife at Idunmwwunvgha PHC, expresses her gratitude: “We deeply appreciate the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for this revitalisation, as it has enabled us greatly to better dispense our services to humanity.”

The renewed centres have brought back hope. “This centre was once an eyesore,” said Bright, reflecting on the journey of Evbuodia PHC. “Now, it is a place where people can receive care, and the nurses are motivated to give their best.”

The community has recognised the importance of partnerships in driving this transformation. “I will appreciate other NGOs to collaborate with the government in continuing to improve access to healthcare services,” a nurse shared, highlighting the broader need for partnerships in strengthening healthcare systems.

A Celebration of Partnership

The transformation of these centres is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, in partnership with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EdoSPHCDA), and local leaders, made this vision a reality.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Atoruru PHC, the air was thick with emotion. Dignitaries, community members, and healthcare workers celebrated not just the rebirth of these facilities but also the collective effort that made it possible.

Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede delivered an inspiring message, reminding everyone, “These centres are more than buildings. They are proof of what we can achieve when we work together.”

Why It Matters

The rehabilitation of these four centres goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about restoring faith in Nigeria’s healthcare system and saving lives “This level of results-oriented development is commendable,” said Dr. Olufunmilola Kolude of the World Health Organisation. “We are deploying our expertise to ensure adherence to compliance standards and promote sustainability. Other institutions should take a cue from the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and direct investments into primary healthcare.”

Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of PSHAN added, “This is about more than buildings. It’s about ensuring that these facilities are truly owned by the communities they serve.”

A Call to Action

With 18 centres already adopted in Edo State and a long-term plan for nationwide impact, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation continues to call on private-sector organisations, stakeholders, and Nigerians everywhere to support this vision. Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede captured the essence of this mission: “When we prioritise healthcare, we prioritise life. Together, we can give every Nigerian the opportunity to live healthy and full lives.” Whether through partnerships, advocacy, or direct contributions, every effort brings us closer to a healthier nation.

The ribbon may have been cut, but this story is just beginning. These centres will continue to grow, and their impact will ripple through the lives of those they serve. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the field. Together, we’re building a future where quality primary healthcare isn’t a privilege but a right.

To learn more about the Foundation, click https://www.aigimoukhuedefoundation.org/.

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