In September 2023, Santa Ayoo assumed a new role as the leader of the Health Committee for Health Center (HC) II Nyangatir, which had recently been upgraded to HC III. With the addition of a maternity ward, the need for reliable water became paramount, since this directly impacted the quality of care that was being provided to patients. The shortage compelled health workers and patients alike to rely on neighboring households for water.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ms. Santa, alongside CP Susan Akello and Women Rights Activists (WRAs) Zola Apio, convened a meeting with the Area Councilor and Town Clerk to address the issue. A potential water source near the hospital was identified, but the landowner demanded compensation for access. Through persistent negotiations involving the landowner, hospital management, and WRAs, the district approved a supplementary budget to acquire the land housing the vital water source. This acquisition led to the installation of a water pump and solar-powered system, significantly enhancing services at Nyangatir Health Center.
Furthermore, the WRAs identified additional challenges, such as the narrow entryway to the maternity ward and the absence of a ramp for wheelchair and hospital bed accessibility, particularly for expectant mothers with mobility issues. In October 2023, the hospital committee secured resources to successfully construct a ramp and expand the entrance, vastly improving service accessibility at the Health Center.
This transformational impact would not have been possible without the support of the We Cannot Wait project. Since its inception, the project has provided platforms for women activists to network, forge meaningful partnerships, and receive training that has empowered them to assume leadership roles in the district.
