Impact of Armed Banditry on Health Care Delivery in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State

Abstract

This study examined the impact of armed banditry on health care delivery in Anka local government area of Zamfara State. The research was necessitated by the growing activities of armed banditry in the zone which has led to at least 23 out of 41 health care centers being deserted, due to fear of being attacked, a phenomenon that has prevented majority of people from seeking the health care they desperately need. Furthermore, the activities of these armed bandits obstruct medical supplies, prevent vaccination/immunization campaign. They frequently adopt and sexually abuse health care workers, loot essential drugs and destroy medical facilities. Consequently, this has immensely contributed to the poor performance of PHCs and the abysmal decline of health care patronage. Between 2019-2021 antennal attendances across the 41 health facilities dropped from 13.1% to 6.5%, while skill[1]birth deliveries and immunization dropped from 7.7% to 3.4% and 8.8% to 4.2% respectively. Also, an average of 20 patients per week dropped to 5 in most PHCs. The study adopted survey research design; primary data was obtained from the 189 administered questionnaires. At the end the study findings revealed that the activities of armed bandits have denied most people access to basic health care services in Anka LGA. Therefore, the paper recommends urgent government intervention to address the agitations of the bandits through genuine dialogue, provide adequate basic amenities and permanent security outfits across the communities in the local government.