FOCEI, in collaboration with BudgIT Foundation and with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is currently implementing the “Strengthening Community Engagement and Accountability for Primary Healthcare (SCEAP)” project in Gombe State. This project utilizes technology to bolster community engagement and enhance institutional improvements, ultimately driving positive societal change. It focuses on improving primary healthcare service delivery in various Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across Gombe Central, which includes Akko and Yamaltu Deba Local Governments of Gombe State.

The SCEAP project merges social advocacy with modern tech tools to promote transparency and accountability in government. It seeks to empower communities to advocate for and monitor healthcare service delivery, financing, and technological infrastructure. The project also aims to facilitate transparency and accountability in government spending, strengthen citizen and community involvement in PHC advocacy and accountability, and enhance the use of data and evidence to drive institutional engagement on fiscal matters.

The project is currently underway in the three senatorial zones of Gombe State: Gombe North, South, and Central. FOCEI is responsible for implementing activities in the Gombe Central senatorial zone, specifically covering Dadin Kowa and Lano Communities/Primary Health Care in Yamaltu/Deba LGA, as well as Akko, Kumo, and Pindiga Communities/Primary Health Care in Akko Local Government.

Key project activities include advocacy efforts directed towards community leaders and facility managers within the project’s coverage areas. These activities aim to lay the groundwork for effective community engagement and advocacy in healthcare service improvement.

The SCEAP project is slated to span eighteen (18) months, commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on December 31, 2024.

FOCEI, in partnership with BudgIT Foundation and with funding from the Bill and Melinda

Key Achievements: During the period under review, FOCEI achieved several significant milestones within the SCEAP project. They successfully mobilized community members, fostered active engagement, and garnered support from community leaders, stakeholders, and facility heads across five target communities. This collective effort was aimed at enhancing service delivery within these communities.

A notable accomplishment was the implementation of Patient Satisfaction Surveys in all targeted facilities, employing advanced technology tools such as the Primary Health Care    (PHC) Accountability Tracker (PAT) and KoboCollect. Specifically, the project conducted interviews with 400 clients, generating valuable data and insights into their healthcare experiences for further action.

Moreover, the project proactively addressed pressing concerns identified during town hall meetings. For instance, in Akko Community of Akko LGA, persistent challenges like power outages prompted the community to mobilize resources and tackle these issues head-on. Committees were formed, and advocacy initiatives were launched to strengthen the availability of essential resources and services in healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, FOCEI established community champion groups in Lano Community, Yamaltu Deba LGAs, yielding commendable results. These groups successfully mobilized resources, facilitated the repair of damaged walls in the Lano Primary Health Care facility, and replaced a facility signboard that had remained broken for several years.