BY FATIMA MOHAMMED USMAN, DEPARTMENT MASS COMMUNICATION, BORNO STATE UNIVERSITY, MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE.
Monguno Local Government Area, a strategic hub in Borno State, stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
Over the years, the people of Monguno have endured the devastating impact of insurgency, economic hardships, and infrastructural neglect. Despite these challenges, the community remains steadfast in its hope for a better future.
However, one glaring deficiency threatens to undermine this hope—a lack of a functional hospital to cater to the health needs of its growing population. Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, renowned for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Borno State, has been a beacon of progress in the region. His leadership has brought significant transformations in education, housing, agriculture, and security. Yet, the cries of the people of Monguno, yearning for a fully equipped and operational hospital, demand urgent attention.
Monguno serves as a refuge for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled their homes due to insurgent attacks. The local population has swelled significantly, stretching the already meager health facilities to their limits.
At present, residents rely on a few ill-equipped clinics and private dispensaries that lack the capacity to handle severe medical cases. Expectant mothers face alarming risks during childbirth, children suffer from preventable diseases, and emergency cases often result in fatalities due to delays in accessing better-equipped hospitals in Maiduguri.
Health workers in Monguno are doing their best under dire circumstances, but they are overwhelmed. The absence of critical medical equipment, sufficient medications, and specialized care exacerbates the suffering of the residents. For a community with such a large and vulnerable population, this is an injustice that should not persist.
A well-equipped hospital in Monguno would not only provide timely healthcare services but also restore a sense of dignity to the people. It would reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates, ensure effective management of disease outbreaks, and cater to the health needs of the elderly and chronically ill. Moreover, it would serve as a critical infrastructure for addressing the health challenges of the IDP camps in the area.
Governor Zulum’s administration has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of healthcare by upgrading several hospitals and building new ones in various parts of the state. Expanding this vision to Monguno would align with his commitment to inclusivity and equitable development.
The Borno State government has proven adept at leveraging partnerships with international agencies and NGOs.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Red Cross, and UNICEF have played key roles in supporting healthcare initiatives in conflict-affected areas. Mobilizing these partnerships to establish and sustain a hospital in Monguno is a viable strategy.
Additionally, the government can allocate resources from its ongoing development programs and explore Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to ensure the project’s sustainability. Engaging local leaders and stakeholders in Monguno would also foster community ownership of the facility, ensuring its proper maintenance and functionality.
Your Excellency, the people of Monguno trust in your vision and commitment to transforming Borno State. Your administration has been a symbol of hope for Countless communities, and Monguno seeks to be part of this progress. Addressing this urgent healthcare need will not only save lives but also reaffirm the trust and loyalty of the people in your leadership.
As the state continues to recover from the scars of insurgency, investing in Monguno’s health sector will serve as a reminder that no part of Borno is left behind. It is time to turn the hope of the people into a reality, a functional hospital in Monguno is not just a necessity; it is a promise of a healthier and more prosperous future for all. The people of Monguno are watching, praying, and waiting. The time to act is now.