Preliminary studies: Focus group discussions in the community identified difficulties in paying for transport as a major barrier to seeking and reaching emergency care for obstetric complications.
Interventions: After emergency obstetric services in local health facilities had been upgraded, the clans in Ekpoma were mobilized in 1995 to set up emergency loan funds for women with complications. Funds were managed entirely by the clans, with ongoing monitoring and supervision by project staff. Two percent simple interest was charged.
Results: Of the 13 clans contacted, 12 successfully launched loan funds. Total donations amounted to US$793, of which four-fifths were contributed by the community. In the 1st year of the operation, 456 women/families requested loans (ranging from US$7 to US$15), and 380 (83%) were granted. Three-hundred and fifty-four (93%) loans were repaid in full. In addition to being used for transport, loans were used to help pay for drugs, blood and hospital fees.
Costs: The cost of establishing the loan fund was US$1360, including initial donations to the loan funds. The PMM project paid 55% of the total.
Conclusions: With relatively little outside financial input, communities can set up and administer loan funds for emergency obstetric transport and care. However, sustaining the funds over the long term requires continuing effort and involvement with the communities.