Unity, Peace Advocate reaches out to patients in Bauchi Specialist Hospital amidst economic hardship

In a compassionate move to foster social solidarity and promote peace, the Unity and Peace Advocate (UPA), Bauchi State chapter, has extended humanitarian support to patients at the State Specialist Hospital.

The gesture was part of the organization’s broader vision to strengthen unity among citizens, especially in the face of growing economic hardship.

The state chairman of the organization, Comrade Muhammad Babale, said the outreach was inspired by the alarming number of vulnerable patients who are unable to afford basic healthcare services. “We considered the current situation and realized many patients are suffering in silence. This act of kindness is our way of standing in solidarity with them,” he stated.

Sha’awanatu Usman, one of the female members of the organization, emphasized the role of women in humanitarian efforts, particularly in supporting other women and children in dire health conditions.

“We saw cases where patients couldn’t even afford washing soap or sanitary items. As mothers and caregivers, we felt compelled to act,” she said.

On his part, the secretary of the group, Hassan Maimako Balasu, noted that the initiative was informed by the dire economic reality confronting the masses. “The worsening state of the economy has pushed many to the brink. We realized we must go beyond advocacy and provide real, tangible help,” he added.

The support included the distribution of essential items such as detergents, toiletries, sanitary materials, and nutritional supplements to the most vulnerable patients — particularly women, children, and the elderly. Many beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude, some noting it was their first external support since being admitted.

Beyond material support, the team also engaged patients and caregivers in brief counseling sessions, focusing on mental well-being, peaceful coexistence, and communal harmony.

Volunteers emphasized that peacebuilding isn’t limited to conflict resolution but extends to showing empathy, compassion, and shared responsibility in times of crisis.

Experts say initiatives like this could play a crucial role in easing tension in overstretched healthcare systems. With Nigeria’s inflation rate soaring and public healthcare funding under pressure, vulnerable populations are increasingly reliant on civil society groups to bridge the gap.

In a country grappling with economic instability, insecurity, and high unemployment, grassroots movements such as UPA are emerging as vital players in not only advocating for peace but also demonstrating it through action. The group has hinted at plans to expand its outreach to rural health centers and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the state.

Comrade Babale called on other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based groups, and public-spirited individuals to join hands in supporting the needy. “It’s time we all rise beyond talk. Unity is built not just in words but through collective responsibility and visible action,” he said.

The Unity and Peace Advocate reiterated its commitment to being a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless, especially during challenging times. Their efforts serve as a reminder that even in hardship, humanity and unity can shine the brightest.