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Background

Sanga Village, situated in Ngasamo Ward of Busega District, faced a critical healthcare challenge due to the lack of a dispensary. The village's remote location, 5-15 kilometers from the nearest health facility, posed a significant barrier to accessing essential medical services. Pregnant women were forced to rely on traditional birth attendants, leading to an alarming number of maternal and child deaths.

FODEO's Intervention

In response to the community's urgent need for improved healthcare, FODEO launched the Safe Motherhood Project, funded by Tanzania Communication and Development Center from 2016 to 2018. The project aimed to encourage pregnant women to deliver their babies at health facilities to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.

Community Mobilization and Collaboration

Recognizing the challenges faced by the Sanga community, FODEO partnered with the representative of Ngasamo Ward to spearhead a campaign to construct a clinic in the village. However, initial efforts were met with skepticism from the community, as previous attempts to raise funds had failed to materialize into a completed facility. FODEO addressed the community's concerns by emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds. To ensure proper oversight, three committees were formed: one to coordinate donations, another to collect building materials, and the third to oversee construction. This approach instilled confidence in the community, encouraging them to actively participate in the project.

Securing Additional Funding and Government Support

FODEO's efforts to secure additional funding for the project proved successful. The organization received a generous donation of £8,000 from Tanzania Development Trust, a UK-based charity. This contribution enabled the completion of the building's structure, including the roof and plastering. To advocate for further support, FODEO presented the Sanga community's plight at various stakeholder meetings and engaged with government leaders. Their persistent efforts eventually bore fruit, as the District Council took the initiative to submit a formal request to the Ministry of Health and TAMISEMI (President's Office - Regional Administration, Local Governments and Local Authorities) seeking funding to complete the clinic's construction.

Project Completion and Improved Healthcare Services

The government responded positively to the District Council's request, allocating Tshs 50 million for the completion of the Sanga Dispensary. With this additional funding, the construction was successfully finalized, and the Ministry of Health provided essential medical equipment. Today, the Sanga Health Facility stands as a testament to the power of community mobilization, collaboration, and advocacy. It provides much-needed healthcare services to the Sanga community, ensuring that pregnant women receive adequate care and children have access to essential medical interventions. The facility has effectively eliminated the reliance on traditional birth attendants, significantly reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the village.

Key Takeaways

The establishment of the dispensary in Sanga village has had a transformative impact on the community's health and well-being. Pregnant women now have access to essential prenatal and postnatal care, significantly reducing maternal and child mortality rates. The Sanga Health Facility underscores the crucial role of community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy in addressing critical healthcare challenges. FODEO's dedication to empowering communities and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders played a pivotal role in bringing about this positive transformation. The Sanga community's resilience and determination to improve their healthcare situation further highlight the importance of community ownership and active participation in development initiatives.