February 6, 2025 | Matt Clark
In July 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Kebbi State, located in northwest Nigeria, to assess the healthcare landscape and infrastructure across ten General Hospitals. This effort was part of an initiative sponsored by the Innovation for Empowerment and Sustainable Peace Initiative and conducted in partnership with Project C.U.R.E.
Project C.U.R.E. has a simple yet powerful mission: to provide medical resources to hospitals and clinics in need, empowering healthcare providers to better serve their communities. In Kebbi State, this mission takes on heightened significance. The healthcare facilities I visited—General Hospitals in Bunza, Jega, Aleiro, Dakingari, Yauri, Argungu, Gwandu, Kangiwa, Birnin Kebbi, and Zauro Ambursa—operate under severe resource constraints, struggling to meet the demands of an ever-growing population.
The lack of medical equipment and infrastructure has a direct impact on patient care, leaving hospitals vulnerable in their ability to treat routine medical conditions, much less emergencies. This is where Project C.U.R.E.’s work becomes vital. The organization steps in to fill these gaps by delivering much-needed supplies and medical devices, ensuring that healthcare providers can offer better treatment and care to their communities.
During the assessment, I witnessed firsthand the deep need for medical infrastructure. The hospitals I visited serve thousands of patients, yet most facilities operate with outdated or insufficient medical equipment. Doctors and healthcare workers perform admirably under difficult conditions, but the strain on resources is evident.
By partnering with Project C.U.R.E., these hospitals will be able to access medical equipment and supply donations, which could include anything from diagnostic machines to essential surgical tools. These donations can dramatically improve healthcare outcomes for patients, particularly in regions like Kebbi, where access to healthcare can be limited by both geography and socio-political instability.
Moreover, Project C.U.R.E.’s work in Kebbi State goes beyond delivering equipment and supplies. It also fosters relationships with local healthcare providers, helping to establish long-term plans for training medical staff and providing treatment to the community via other programs conducted by Project C.U.R.E. These efforts not only enhance the immediate ability of hospitals to provide care but also create a framework for sustainable healthcare development in the region.
As Nigeria continues to grow, healthcare remains one of its most pressing needs, particularly in rural areas like Kebbi State. The assessments I conducted highlight both the challenges and opportunities for healthcare improvement in the region. Organizations like Project C.U.R.E. are critical in ensuring that communities receive the support they need to thrive despite these challenges.
Project C.U.R.E.’s life-saving work in places like Kebbi State depends heavily on its vast network of dedicated volunteers and donors. From sorting and packing medical supplies to delivering essential equipment across the globe, volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Whether contributing time or financial resources, anyone can play a role in transforming healthcare in underserved regions, making a tangible difference even from thousands of miles away. The reward of knowing that your efforts help improve lives in areas like Kebbi State is immense. I encourage you to join Project C.U.R.E.’s mission—volunteer today or donate to support their impactful work.
Meeting with the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris
The open air nature of General Hospital Yauri was representative of many of the facilities throughout this project.
Despite the seasonal occupancy that the staff described, the Pediatrics Wards is consistently in high demand.
Our hosts from IESP, along with the staff of General Hospital Dakin Gari
Our hosts displaying one of several non-functioning operating theater lights, an area of high need for this facility
At the Governor’s Administrative Office, my hosts introduced me to the 35 year-old Tik Tok star, “Mr. Little Big Man”. Our video went viral and was seen over 350,000 times.