Residents of the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in the Federal Capital Territory have appealed to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to reopen the Primary Health Care () centre in the camp.
The facility, the community’s only formal healthcare centre, has remained closed since 2022, leaving residents — especially women and children — without access to essential medical services.
The PHC, donated in 2016 by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, originally served as the camp’s primary healthcare facility. It was shut down after a dispute between residents and a doctor posted to the facility by the FCT Administration. Authorities subsequently withdrew the doctor and sealed the centre.
Residents told reporters that although they acknowledged their role in the incident and submitted written apologies as requested, the PHC had still not been reopened, worsening health challenges in the camp.
Findings from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) showed that only 46 per cent of births nationwide are attended by skilled health providers. It also revealed widening vaccination gaps, with zero-dose children rising to 30 per cent. The survey further indicated a decline in treatment-seeking for childhood illnesses, underscoring growing vulnerabilities in underserved communities.
Residents of Wassa said the continued closure of their PHC exposes them to even greater risks.
Usman Ibrahim, Vice Chairman of the camp, said residents had struggled to access basic healthcare since the closure.
“Lack of access to care has become a major burden for us, especially for women and children who now travel long distances for treatment or rely on unregulated providers,” he said.
He recalled that the absence of a functional PHC led to severe consequences during previous disease outbreaks.
“Some years ago, we had cholera and lost up to 12 children. Some pregnant women also died during childbirth. If there is an emergency, we take people to Kabusa, but it is far and we always contribute money for transport,” he added.
“We are pleading with AMAC to help us bring back our doctor or post another one. They should also renovate the place and provide equipment and medicines. If they can do that, we will be happy,” he said.
He explained that the dispute that led to the closure began when a volunteer accused the AMAC-posted doctor of hoarding and selling medicines meant for residents.
“It resulted in an argument, and one resident slapped the doctor. AMAC withdrew the doctor and shut the facility. The fault is from us. They asked us to write an apology and we did. Please let them return our doctor,” he said.
Mrs Hafsatu Haman, Women Leader of the camp, said the closure had further worsened the economic and health conditions of families.
“Often our children lack proper food or balanced meals. When they fall sick, there is no hospital to run to because the only one established for us is no longer operational,” she said.
She appealed to government, organizations and philanthropists to support families with livelihood opportunities to reduce malnutrition, school dropout rates and other challenges.
Attempts by reporters to reach AMAC officials for comments on the prolonged closure were unsuccessful.
Residents urged AMAC to reopen the centre or provide an alternative facility, stressing the urgent need for maternal and child healthcare.
