Community loan funds and transport services for obstetric emergencies in northern Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Focus group discussions and a community survey indicated that inadequate funds and transport caused delays in deciding to seek emergency obstetric care and in reaching facilities.


METHODS
Following improvements in the quality of obstetric services, a community loan program was established in early 1995. Community members determined its features: compulsory contributions; community administration; loans for obstetric complications only; no interest; a 6-month grace period; and 24-month repayment. A transport system was also established, in which private vehicle drivers agreed to respond to calls for emergency transport and charge a set fee.


RESULTS
The equivalent of US $20,500 was collected from 81 annual and 2273 one-time contributors. Eighteen loans were approved in 9 months. Repayment data are not yet available. For the transport system, 23 drivers pledged permanent participation and 58 pledged to take part in 6-month rotations. They transported 18 women.


RESULTS
The cost of these interventions was $3409 for the loan fund and $2272 for the transport system. Sixty percent of the cost was paid by the community and the rest by the PMM project.


CONCLUSIONS
Community-managed loan and transport systems for women with obstetric emergencies can be established and may contribute to reducing delay in obtaining emergency obstetric care.
Essien
E
E
Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
Ifenne
D
D
Sabitu
K
K
Musa
A
A
Alti-Mu'azu
M
M
Adidu
V
V
Golji
N
N
Mukaddas
M
M
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005381:Financing, Organized; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D014187:Transportation of Patients / Q000191:economics*