Two months after a fire outbreak razed the only hospital in Kunai, a community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, it still remains in ruins as residents lack access to healthcare.

Healthcare services have been brought to a halt, causing residents to travel far distances in search of healthcare.

According to a civil society organisation, MonITNG, residents of the community, especially the elderly, pregnant women, and children, are in a precarious situation following the closure of the hospital.

The CSO described the situation as a healthcare emergency, adding that minor ailments have become life-threatening for some residents battling illnesses.

“With no local healthcare, minor ailments are becoming life-threatening, and emergencies are nearly impossible to manage,” it said.

“The community has appealed to the government for assistance, but no concrete steps have been taken to rebuild or provide temporary solutions. The people feel abandoned in this crisis.”

The community also faces a severe water shortage. The community’s only water source is a stream, which is often contaminated. This exposes residents to waterborne diseases.

“This heightens the risk of waterborne diseases, which the community is ill-equipped to handle without a hospital. The combination of these issues has created a dire public health crisis that demands immediate attention,” MonITNG added.

While speaking with residents on the impacts of this, residents told the CSO that they have appealed to the state government to address these issues.

MonITNG also appealed to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to prioritise the reconstruction of the hospital and address the water crisis.

“Over 2,000 residents are counting on you to advocate for them and deliver tangible solutions. Your intervention can save lives and bring relief to a community in desperate need. Act now to help Kunai recover.”