As Gifty Yensomre, a 28-year-old expectant mother, sat on a wooden bench outside the Nangodi Health Facility in the Upper East Region of Ghana, she took a deep breath—not out of pain or worry, but out of relief.
“Now, it’s not only attractive for attendance by many of my colleagues, but the financial burden we used to face when referred to the regional hospital has been lifted,” Gifty said, a smile forming as she reflected on the facility’s transformation.
Just a few months ago, the situation was starkly different. At six months pregnant, Gifty recalled a health center that lacked basic medical equipment and clean water—conditions so discouraging that nurses often refused to stay beyond two weeks. Residents were left with no choice but to travel long distances to the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for even basic healthcare needs.
Established in 1996, the Nangodi Health Facility had steadily deteriorated over the years—until a powerful investigative report by Moses Apiah, a journalist with A1 Radio, brought national attention to its condition. The story resonated widely, igniting a wave of support from both the community and development partners.
Community Action Led by Nakpalig Queen
Motivated by the report, the Queen of the Nakpalig Community, Pognaab Prisca Na’amome Yenziethe, mobilized community members and launched a fundraising campaign. The initiative raised enough funds to procure essential medical devices, including a Compressor Nebulizer, greatly enhancing the center’s capacity to deliver care.
“As a mother, I can now breathe a little easier, knowing there’s a place nearby where we can receive proper healthcare,” the Queen remarked.
CRS Joins the Cause, Transforming the Facility
The transformation gained further momentum when Catholic Relief Services (CRS) joined the effort. CRS undertook a full rehabilitation of the health center, including: complete rewiring of the building, repainting and renovation works, installation of a solar-powered borehole to ensure consistent water supply, and training for nurses in prenatal and neonatal care
Thanks to these improvements, the health center has now been designated as a hub within CRS’ Network of Practice—a model that enables smaller community health posts to refer more complex cases to Nangodi due to its upgraded capacity and equipment.
Renewed Hope for Residents
For Ndyeroug Ladhera, a 38-year-old mother of five, the change has been life-altering.
“The facility now looks like a real health center. It’s no longer a neglected place forcing us to travel to Bolgatanga for care.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Ndebil Janet, 34, a mother of four, who brought her sick child for treatment.
“We used to avoid antenatal and other services here due to poor conditions. But now, it feels like a new day for our community.”
Attendance Soars as Confidence Grows
The health center’s in-charge nurse, visibly elated, shared how daily patient attendance has skyrocketed from zero or two patients per day to nearly 20. She added that with the training received, the staff can now manage cases that previously required referrals, making a substantial difference in healthcare delivery.
“It’s a huge step forward for us. We feel empowered and supported to do more for the community.”
A Vision for the Future
As Queen Prisca Na’amome Yenziethe emphasized, this is only the beginning. The community’s long-term vision is to see Nangodi evolve into a fully functional referral center—providing comprehensive healthcare close to home and reducing both the emotional and financial stress on families.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
