The Power of People: A Community's Journey to Better Healthcare

In many rural areas, access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge, particularly for expectant mothers and children. However, some communities have demonstrated remarkable determination and unity in tackling these issues, often with limited external support. An example comes from a community that successfully established a health facility, driven by the collective will of its people and essential assistance from local leadership. 

 
Recognising a Critical Need 
Women and girls in the Yorogo community faced significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. The nearest hospital was located in Bolgatanga, about 9 kilometres away, which made it extremely difficult for expectant mothers to receive timely care. This situation was more than just an inconvenience; it posed serious risks to both mothers and their babies. 

Community members recognised that they could no longer overlook this issue. There were numerous stories of women going into labour at night and being carried in baskets over long distances by family members or neighbours. Although some motorbike riders occasionally offered transportation, they often abandoned the women halfway through, leaving them vulnerable and exhausted. It became evident that without local healthcare infrastructure, tragic outcomes could occur. 

Taking Initiative: Community Mobilisation 

Instead of waiting for government action, the community took initiative. A meeting was held at the chief’s palace, where community members discussed their challenges and brainstormed possible solutions. This meeting initiated a sustained effort to establish a local health facility and led to the formation of the Community Health Management Committee (CHMC). The CHMC is a key partner that supports communities in improving health service delivery. 

One man generously offered a piece of his land at no cost for the project, motivated by empathy. He had observed women trekking long distances for care and proposed that he could serve as the facility's watchman once it was built, thereby earning a livelihood. This gesture highlighted the spirit of cooperation that characterised the entire endeavour. 

 
Organising Labour and Resources 

 With land and materials secured through the efforts of the CHMC, the community organised itself into small groups based on different settlements served by the facility. Each group took responsibility for mobilising members to contribute labour and other resources, such as blocks and mortar.   

Volunteerism was the heart of this effort. Community members worked without pay, driven by a shared vision of better healthcare access for all. Quarterly meetings were held to keep everyone informed and engaged, with leaders regularly communicating updates to their communities to encourage continued participation. 
 

Overcoming Challenges Together 
Building a health facility under these conditions required persistence and collaboration. The community faced logistical issues, coordinated labour schedules, and maintained open dialogue to address emerging concerns.   

A key factor was the strong sense of shared responsibility passed down from previous generations of leaders who had worked to develop the village in various ways. This legacy inspired current leaders and volunteers to build on that foundation. Despite being unpaid, volunteers found ways to balance their personal lives while dedicating time to this project, drawing strength from the knowledge that their work would save lives and improve well-being for generations to come. 

Beyond Construction: Sustained Community Support 

The community continued to support the health facility in various ways. For instance, recognising that mothers and children coming for antenatal care or child welfare clinics needed seating, volunteers pooled resources to construct benches around the compound. They also worked to demarcate and secure the facility’s land to prevent encroachment.   

Community members contributed cement and blocks for these improvements, often leveraging their skills in blocklaying or carpentry. This ongoing engagement ensured the facility remained functional and welcoming. 

Enhancing Healthcare Delivery 

In addition to infrastructure, local volunteers played critical roles in health education and outreach. They travelled from house to house, educating families on child health topics such as immunisations, proper nutrition, birth registration, and the use of insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria.   

These volunteers were often women from within the community who understood local customs and could communicate effectively. Their work was not easy; they endured long foot journeys and various hardships, but small incentives like bicycles helped facilitate their outreach efforts.   

The health facility also benefited from donations, such as refrigerators for storing medicines, provided by community members who had assumed prominent positions outside the community but remained committed to giving back. 

Partnerships with organisations such as the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and UNICEF, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), provided additional equipment and resources critical to the success of the health facility in the community. 

The Yorogo community’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access exemplifies grassroots activism. By collaborating and sharing a vision, they established a sustainable health facility that meets the needs of mothers and children, improving local health outcomes and fostering unity among members. Their journey underscores the significance of community spirit in healthcare, showing that prioritising collective well-being can inspire similar initiatives in other rural areas.