An Assessment of the Impact of Armed Banditry on Health Care Delivery in Gusau Local Government Zamfara State Nigeria

This study investigates the profound impact of armed banditry on healthcare delivery in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, Nigeria. The surge in armed banditry in the region has led to significant disruptions in the provision of healthcare services, resulting in the abandonment of at least 23 out of the 41 healthcare centres in the LGA. These centres have been deserted primarily due to the constant fear of attacks by bandits, leaving vulnerable populations without access to essential healthcare services. As a result, many residents are unable to seek the medical care they desperately need, exacerbating public health challenges. In addition to direct attacks on healthcare facilities, the activities of these armed bandits have obstructed the transportation and delivery of medical supplies, severely disrupting immunization and vaccination campaigns. Health workers have become frequent targets, with many being abducted, sexually assaulted, or coerced into silence. The bandits also loot essential drugs, equipment, and other medical supplies, further diminishing the ability of healthcare providers to care for patients. Medical infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics, has also been destroyed in these violent raids, undermining the already fragile healthcare system in the region. The consequences of these violent activities have been catastrophic for healthcare delivery. This study highlights the significant decline in the performance of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, where essential health services have been drastically reduced. Between 2019 and 2021, antenatal clinic attendance across the 41 health facilities dropped from 13.1% to 6.5%, while the percentage of skilled birth deliveries fell from 7.7% to 3.4%, and immunization rates plummeted from 8.8% to 4.2%. Additionally, the number of patients seeking treatment at PHCs declined sharply, with the average number of weekly visits dropping from 20 to just 5 patients per facility. To understand the full extent of this crisis, the study adopted a survey research design, gathering primary data through the distribution of 184 questionnaires to healthcare workers, community leaders, and residents of the affected areas. The findings from the survey underscore the widespread and debilitating impact of armed banditry on the availability and accessibility of healthcare services in Gusau LGA. The results further reveal that the insecurity caused by the bandits has not only led to a decline in healthcare access but has also significantly impaired the trust and confidence of the local population in the healthcare system. Based on these findings, the study makes several recommendations to mitigate the crisis. First, it calls for urgent government intervention to engage in dialogue with the bandits, addressing their grievances through peaceful negotiations. Second, it emphasizes the need for the provision of adequate basic amenities, including healthcare infrastructure, to rebuild the healthcare system in the region. Finally, the study advocates for the establishment of permanent security arrangements, including the deployment of security forces, to protect healthcare workers and facilities and ensure the safety of the population. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of armed conflict and public health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of armed banditry on healthcare delivery in Nigeria.