Improving livelihoods of people in SW: AIVDP constructs, equips seven health facilities worth almost 500 MFCFA.

The structures, worth close to 400 million FCFA and equipment worth over 100 million FCFA, have been constructed and equipped by the Agriculture Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Programme, AIVDP. This is part of its drive to improve on the livelihoods of the population of the Region.

The different structures in all these communities consist of 16 rooms; divided into offices, maternity wards, wards for male patients, female patients, VIP patients, mini theatres, restrooms, pharmacy, laboratory etc. 

The equipment include; work trolleys, removable trolleys, beds, drip stands, generators, refrigerators, stoves, forceps, ice packs, trash buckets, brand new delivery beds, matrasses, tables, laboratory equipment, maternity beds, surgical beds and a host of other equipment to cater for the needs of patients. 

In Bachuo Akagbe, the villagers celebrated the structure and the equipment, saying it was the first of such structure in the community, since the health facility was created by government in 1973. 

The old structures used as a health facility in the community were constructed by the community, since none was provided by government. 

The new structure, constructed by AIVDP, according to Etchutanyor Daniel Ashutambe, Chairman of the Health Management Committee in Bachuo Akagbe, will improve on the performance of the facility in serving the community and neighbouring villages.

The Bachuo Akagbe health facility covers 14 communities in the Bachuo Akagbe health area and acts as a satellite health centre providing healthcare services to the 14 communities and taking care of people from four integrated health centres within the health area. 

Some of the health facilities in neigbhouring communities have been destroyed as a result of the Anglophone crisis, highlighting the impact of the project on the health and wellbeing of the population.

Community overwhelmed, hails gesture

Speaking to the press, Etchutanyor Daniel Ashutambe, Chairman of Health Management Committee in Bachuo Akagbe, said the community is overwhelmed and welcomes the gesture. 

“We are overwhelmed by this marvelous structure because AIVDP did not only give us a structure, but also equipment to take care of everyone who visits this health facility. They gave us medical equipment and materials worth millions. That is why the entire community is jubilating,” he said. 

“This structure, material and equipment donated will mitigate the challenges our people are experiencing to cater for their health needs. Without this facility, our people will have to move long distances to access health care in other communities,” Etchutanyor noted.

Some of the equipment donated

To better serve population 

For his part, Munge Enongene Pat, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Post for the Kang Barombi Integrated Health Centre, said the gifts will help them better serve the population. 

“…we want to say we are so grateful for these gifts. They will go a long way to improve the standard of this health facility. Since these gifts came, we have had an influx of patients unlike before...a lot has changed. We had archaic structures, andequipment, but since we had the new equipment from the AIVDP, there has been a lot of improvement in the health facility with an influx of patients for consultation and delivery,” he added.

Eben Emmanuel, a laboratory technician at the Kang Barombi Integrated health centre, said the structure and equipment have made his work easier. 

“…this equipment have made my work easier. Before, we had a single refrigerator, which made it difficult for us to function. But we had to manage them like that. With the new one donated by AIVDP, we are able to put our vaccines and preserve in good condition. This is because the laboratory is the first line of diagnosis to enable the doctor or the nurses treat patients,” Eben said.

For her part, Mofa Celia Eteh, the mother of a sick child undergoing treatment at the centre, expressed satisfaction with the services now being offered at the health facility thanks to the donation. 

“…I really admire it. I feel like falling sick so I can be taken care of in this new-look health facility and the environment. The water is also clean and the beds comfortable,” she said. 

Speaking to the press, Vakunta John Vakwefon, Chief of Centre of Bachuo Akagbe Integrated Health Centre, said AIVDP had given them a befitting structure to better serve their community. 

“…we are very grateful because it has changed everything. The old structure was not befitting of a health facility. The consultation rate has increased and also the quality of care has changed. With the new beds and other equipment, nurses and patients are more comfortable working here,” he said. 

“Here, we prioritise quality. The structure and equipment are helping us achieve such a goal. We are a junction village with a huge population from this village and the neighbouring villages around,” Vakunta added.

Newly constructed Kang Barombi integrated health centre

New structure vital for nursing mothers’ care 

Agem Golda, a nursing mother at the Bachuo Akagbe health facility, said the new structure is vital for their care as young mothers, given that they are vulnerable immediately after birth. 

“We have a modern water system toilet, which is quite important for mothers who give birth. We can no longer be exposed to diseases. There’s cleanliness here.

The beds, matrasses, rooms and everything are in just too comfortable. I am very comfortable in this facility now,” she said.

Enowobi Catherine, a patient, said the structure has reduced the stress of her illness because of the clean environment. 

“The new building is beautiful compared to the old one. It has good beds. Being here on good beds and the clean environment, give me hope that I will get well soon,” Enowobi said.