After three years of delivering essential medical care to underserved communities in Cross River State, (MSF) has officially concluded its humanitarian health project in Akor and Old Ndibeji in Akamkpa Local Government Area. The transition marks the successful handover of healthcare services to the , ensuring that local health authorities will continue providing critical medical services to the communities that benefited from the project. For many residents in these remote areas, MSF’s presence over the past three years represented more than healthcare—it represented hope, access, and dignity. Bringing Healthcare Closer to Remote Communities Before the project began in 2022, many people living in Akor and Old Ndibeji faced significant barriers to accessing basic healthcare. Health facilities were often located far from their communities, forcing patients to travel long distances—sometimes for hours—over difficult terrain just to receive basic medical attention. For pregnant women, sick children, and people facing medical emergencies, these delays could mean the difference between life and death. Recognizing the urgent need, MSF launched a comprehensive medical project designed to bring free, quality healthcare closer to the communities that needed it most. Over the course of three years, MSF operated and supported two primary healthcare centres in these communities, providing free consultations, maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for common illnesses such as malaria. Delivering Lifesaving Care The impact of the project has been profound. Through sustained humanitarian efforts, MSF teams provided: More than 73,000 outpatient consultations, ensuring that thousands of patients received diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses. Over 8,000 hospital admissions, allowing patients with serious conditions to receive proper medical care. More than 2,100 safe maternal deliveries, helping mothers give birth safely under professional supervision. Over 9,300 vaccinations, protecting children and adults from preventable diseases. Each of these numbers represents a life touched, a family supported, and a community strengthened. Behind the statistics are countless stories of mothers who delivered safely, children who recovered from illness, and families who no longer had to travel far distances to seek treatment. Read also: MSF Launches Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Cases Rise in Taraba State Strengthening the Local Health System While providing direct medical care was a key priority, the MSF project also focused on building the capacity of local health systems. Humanitarian interventions are most effective when they strengthen existing structures and empower local institutions to continue providing services long after the project ends. Throughout the three-year initiative, MSF worked closely with the Cross River State Ministry of Health to train healthcare workers and improve the quality of services delivered in the supported facilities. Training programmes were organized for medical staff on topics such as: maternal and newborn care emergency medical response infection prevention and control malaria diagnosis and treatment patient management and referral systems By investing in the skills and knowledge of local healthcare professionals, MSF helped ensure that quality medical care would remain accessible to the communities even after the project’s conclusion. A Partnership with Lasting Impact In September 2025, MSF formally handed over the project to the Cross River State Ministry of Health. This transition reflects a key principle of humanitarian work: supporting communities during times of need while strengthening local systems so they can continue independently. The handover process included the transfer of medical equipment, operational systems, and trained personnel to the Ministry of Health. As a result, the health centres that once depended on humanitarian support are now equipped to continue providing care under local management. For the people of Akor and Old Ndibeji, this means that the progress achieved over the past three years can continue to benefit future generations. Reflections from the Field Reflecting on the journey, Meria Nadje, MSF Project Coordinator, emphasized the profound transformation witnessed during the project. “When we started in 2022, the need was overwhelming. People had to travel for hours to get basic care. Today, looking back at the thousands of consultations, deliveries, and lives saved, it’s clear this project made a real difference.” Her words capture the essence of humanitarian work: responding to urgent needs while empowering communities to build stronger systems for the future. The Importance of Access to Primary Healthcare Access to primary healthcare remains one of the most critical factors in improving health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities. When basic medical services are unavailable or difficult to reach, treatable illnesses can become life-threatening. Projects like the one implemented in Cross River State demonstrate how targeted humanitarian interventions can dramatically improve access to care. By establishing functioning healthcare facilities, training local staff, and providing essential medical services, MSF helped bridge a gap that once placed many lives at risk. A Legacy of Care and Collaboration Although the project has concluded, the legacy of the initiative remains visible in the strengthened healthcare services now available in Akor and Old Ndibeji. The partnership between MSF and the Cross River State Ministry of Health shows how collaboration between humanitarian organizations and local authorities can produce lasting improvements in public health. Communities that once struggled to access basic care now have functioning health facilities closer to home. Pregnant women can give birth safely under professional supervision. Children can receive life-saving vaccinations. Patients with malaria and other illnesses can receive timely treatment. These changes contribute not only to healthier communities but also to stronger local health systems. Continuing the Humanitarian Mission While the Cross River project has reached its conclusion, MSF continues to provide humanitarian medical assistance in other parts of Nigeria and around the world. The organization remains committed to supporting communities affected by health crises, conflict, epidemics, and limited access to medical care. Across Nigeria, MSF continues to respond to challenges such as: infectious disease outbreaks malnutrition maternal and child health needs access to healthcare in underserved areas Each project reflects the organization’s commitment to providing impartial, independent, and lifesaving medical assistance to people in need. Looking Ahead The successful completion of the Cross River project is a reminder of what can be achieved when humanitarian organizations, government institutions, and local communities work together toward a common goal. For the people of Akor and Old Ndibeji, the past three years have brought improved healthcare access, strengthened medical services, and renewed confidence in the local health system. As responsibility now rests with the Cross River State Ministry of Health, the foundation built through the MSF project will continue to support the health and well-being of these communities for years to come. Ultimately, the story of this project is not just about medical statistics—it is about lives saved, communities strengthened, and hope restored.
