The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has intensified efforts to enhance healthcare services in Madagali, a heavily impacted community in northern Adamawa State, Nigeria.
Ms Francesca Piccin, Head of the ICRC Sub-delegation in Mubi, spoke in Madagali about the challenges faced since non-state armed groups attacked the area in 2014, devastating local infrastructure.
“So, since then, it’s been very challenging for all the communities around here. We reopened access to Madagali in April 2024 after being unable to operate here since 2018 due to insecurity,” she said.
Piccin outlined the ICRC’s collaboration with local communities to provide civilians, particularly women and children, with essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and nutrition.
The ICRC has renovated the existing central primary healthcare centre and installed a water tower and tanks to improve access to clean water.
Additionally, a new, modern primary healthcare facility with solar power and boreholes is under construction, in partnership with local leaders who provided the land.
“The current health centre is old and severely damaged. We are not just renovating but also building a new facility to expand capacity. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year,” Piccin noted.
The Madagali has become a refuge for displaced families fleeing insecurity in surrounding areas.
Read Also: NCDC Confirms Declining Lassa Fever Cases Amid Fatalities
“We continue to see many people arriving here because of conflict in surrounding regions. The new health facility and water infrastructure will help alleviate some of this pressure.
“The upcoming health centre will be fully solar-powered to ensure sustainable access to electricity, which has been a major challenge in the area,” Piccin said.
Mr Musa Adhas, Chairman of the Madagali Ward Development Committee, praised the ICRC’s efforts, stating, “The Red Cross has done a lot for our community, especially in health. They even increased the stipend for our volunteers, which has motivated them greatly.”
He noted that the current healthcare facility is inadequate for the growing population, and the new centre will reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for medical care.
NAN