The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with Borno State Ministry of Health and State Primary Healthcare Development Board, inaugurated today a new Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) in Monguno town, Borno State in northeast Nigeria.
According to the statement by ICRC, the facility, which is fully functional now, will be providing 24-hour medical care to both the host community and internally displaced persons (IDPs). It offers a range of services, including reproductive health, emergency care, general medical treatment, free essential drugs, mental health services, and support for survivors of sexual violence. With a 20-bed capacity, the centre can provide consultations to an average of 207 patients daily, serving over 80,000 people.
The PHC is part of ICRC’s efforts to provide sustainable and improved access to basic medical care for communities affected by armed conflict and violence. It replaces the temporary facility in the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) IDP camp, which was destroyed by fire.
The centre is now managed by the Monguno Local Government Area, with ongoing support from the ICRC for medical supplies.
Communities in Monguno and surrounding areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly after years of armed conflict,” said Serge Zogg, ICRC’s Head of Sub-delegation in Maiduguri. “This new center aims to provide emergency care and address preventable diseases while enhancing overall quality of healthcare offered to the communities,” he added.
ICRC’s primary health care program began in Borno State in 2014. Since then, the ICRC has supported 12 primary health care facilities across the State. Currently, it is supporting seven PHC facilities.
The support includes monthly supplies of essential drugs, regular staff capacity building, supervision, and community sensitization and educational programs to prevent diseases and enhance community health practices.
PRR/ICRC