IWD: WOFAN Supports FCT Rural Women With Medical Facilities

The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN-ICON) has provided Lab-ulance, a novel healthcare solution for Gwarimpa village’s farming community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The project is supported by MasterCard Foundation and in collaboration with Benson Colman and Associate Limited as gesture in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The ‘Lab-ulance,’ a tricycle equipped with medical and laboratory equipment, midwifery tools, and a solar-powered refrigerator, aims to bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas.

The Lab-ulance, an innovative and cost-effective transport system, is designed to bring medical services directly to the community, ensuring farmers and their families receive the care they need.

The initiative also introduces an affordable health insurance scheme, where families can secure coverage for a nominal fee, fostering a community-driven approach to healthcare.

WOFAN’s executive-director, Hajia Salamatu Garba at a briefing in Abuja emphasised the critical need for farmers’ health in ensuring sustainable food production, while she highlighted that the lack of infrastructure often hinders access to essential services.

She said that WOFAN remains committed to subsidizing the insurance for the initial six months for 450 women across three clusters, setting a precedent for community empowerment and self-sufficiency.

The village head of Gwarimpa, Yakubu Bayaro, praised the initiative for its potential to significantly improve healthcare accessibility for the community.