"Journeys to healthcare centres were long, difficult, and costly."

To address these challenges, an UNFPA-supported initiative helped establish community-based health funds, empowering locals to contribute small donations to ensure women could access health facilities.

"Women in our community came together to fund this initiative," Halima explains. "We contributed collectively, ensuring no one was left behind."

Between 2020 and 2023, the initiative reached 54 community groups, with seed funds multiplying from $14,900 to $64,150. Over 1,000 women benefited, including Halima, who received life-saving care during a complicated pregnancy. In 2024, UNFPA implemented the full package of activities and evaluated progress.

"Thanks to the community health fund, I accessed prenatal care and safely delivered my child,"Halima says.