The Lazuru Primary Healthcare Centre in Kaduna State has been completely rebuilt. Learn how community members and a project called SCEAP worked together to make it happen, and what it means for other rural areas.
A New Beginning for Healthcare in Lazuru
In many rural communities across Nigeria, getting good healthcare can be a big problem. But in Lazuru, a ward in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, people have shown that they can change their own story. This is the inspiring story of how a run-down health centre was completely rebuilt, all because of the hard work of the community and a special project that showed them how to speak up. This change has brought new hope and has set an example for others to follow.
The Healthcare Problem in Lazuru
For many years, the Lazuru Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) was in a very bad condition. The building was weak, and there was no proper place for medical tests. This meant that doctors and nurses had to guess what was wrong with sick people, making it difficult to give the right treatment. Expectant mothers and small children were the ones who suffered the most from this. Many of them had to travel long distances to find another health centre, or they simply went without the care they needed. This made the people of Lazuru feel frustrated and helpless.
The SCEAP Project: Empowering Communities
The change in Lazuru started with a project called the Strengthening Community Engagement and Accountability for Primary Healthcare (SCEAP). This project was led by the BudgIT organization, working with a local group called the Family Health Advancement in Nigeria Initiative (FHANI).
The main goal of SCEAP was simple: to teach people that they have the power to change things in their own communities. The project held meetings and workshops to show citizens and health workers how to work together and talk to government leaders to get the things they needed. By empowering the community, SCEAP created a strong foundation for the changes that would later take place.
How the Community Took Action
After the SCEAP meetings, the leaders of the Ward Development Committee (WDC) in Lazuru realized they could not just wait for the government to act. They decided to take the first step themselves. They brought together the community members to discuss what they could do to fix their health centre.
The community decided to build their own laboratory. They gathered local resources and called on people in the community who had skills. Young people volunteered their time, and local artisans offered their skills to build a new laboratory using traditional mud bricks. The spirit of unity and determination was strong, and what started as a simple idea quickly began to take shape.
Building a Lab with Mud Bricks: A Smart Idea
The decision to use mud bricks was a very smart one. Mud bricks are easy to find in rural areas, which made them a cheap and sustainable choice. This method also meant that the community did not have to wait for money from outside to start their project. In just a few weeks, the new laboratory was almost finished. It was a clear sign to everyone that the community was serious about solving its own problems.
Advocacy Brings Big Results
The community's hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2024, the SCEAP team, with the support of FHANI, used the community’s action to advocate to the state government. They showed the government the poor health situation in Lazuru and asked for more help.
Because of this strong and respectful advocacy, a major decision was made. The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Representatives decided to help. With support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Speaker committed to completely rebuilding the Lazuru PHC.
Rebuilding Lazuru PHC: Completion and Celebration
By the first half of 2025, the new Lazuru PHC was completely finished. The old, weak building was gone, replaced by a modern health centre. The new building has a good environment for staff and patients. Inrebe Magaji, the person in charge of the PHC, was very happy. He said, "We now have a conducive workplace. We appreciate the Speaker and SCEAP Team who advocated for us."
Real Impact: Stories from the Community
The new health centre has brought great joy and confidence to the people. Fatima, a 25-year-old expectant mother, shared her story. She had lost a child before because of poor healthcare services. But now she has a different feeling. She said, "I’m confident I’ll receive proper care at the PHC now. SCEAP has given me a real chance to carry this pregnancy safely.” This story shows how good health services can change lives and rebuild trust.
Why This Story Matters: A Blueprint for Others
The Lazuru story is more than just about one community. It is a powerful example of how sustained citizen advocacy, teamwork, and a government that listens can lead to real development. The SCEAP model, which teaches communities how to take action, can be used as a blueprint for other rural areas that want to improve their health centres.
Challenges That Remain
Even with the new building, some challenges still remain. The health centre still needs more staff and new equipment. Also, it is important to make sure there is continuous funding for the health centre to run well. The community has to continue to be involved so that the new building does not fall into disrepair. The success of the project will depend on how well these challenges are managed in the future.
What Policymakers and Donors Can Learn
The Lazuru story gives important lessons to government leaders and donors. It shows them that:
- It is a good idea to invest in community-driven projects.
- They should support local organizations like FHANI that work directly with the people.
- Community-based advocacy is a strong way to bring about change.
A Stronger Future Starts Here
The new Lazuru PHC is not just a building; it is a symbol of hope. It proves that citizens have the power to solve their own problems. It shows that with the right partnership between the community and the government, even a small town can build a better future for its people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the main problem at Lazuru PHC?
The main problems were that the old health centre was in a bad state and there was no proper laboratory for blood tests and diagnosis.
What is the name of the project that helped the Lazuru community?
The project is called the Strengthening Community Engagement and Accountability for Primary Healthcare (SCEAP) Project.
Who helped the community to build a new laboratory?
The Ward Development Committee (WDC) worked with local artisans and youth volunteers to build the new laboratory using mud bricks.
Which government official helped to rebuild the PHC?
The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Representatives committed to reconstructing the health centre after the community’s advocacy.
What is the full meaning of NPHCDA?
NPHCDA stands for the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
What role did FHANI play in this project?
FHANI led local mobilization and community education as the community-based organization for the SCEAP project in Lazuru.
What lesson can we learn from this story?
The story of Lazuru shows that when citizens and community leaders work together and speak up, the government can listen and bring about meaningful development.
Source: budgit.org