AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

MOBILE CLINIC STRATEGIES AND HEALTHCARE DELIVERY FOR CHILDREN UNDER-5 IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  UDOM SUNDAY DANIEL, WISDOM MATTHEW AKPAN & ENO NNAMDIE EKPO

Abstract
The demand, cost and implications of healthcare services in rural communities of Nigeria have ignited the preference of mobile clinic options as a strategy to close the health services gap and make available medical services to the reach of every rural dweller. Mobile clinics are intervention strategies as well as a viable option design to help the poor and children of under-5 population in rural areas access healthcare services. This study examined the effects of mobile clinic strategies on healthcare delivery for under-5 children in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State; identified the different areas of interventions of mobile clinics and challenges experienced by mobile clinic workers in service delivery, and also examined whether the interventions have bridged the gap of healthcare services in rural communities. The study concentrated in six rural communities of Ibiono, Ini and Okobo Local Government Areas, where120 participants were purposively selected. The study employed a qualitative technique of data collection with the Focus Group Discussion and the key informant Interview as the main sources of data collection and the structural functionalism theory as the theoretical guide. The findings revealed that Mobile Clinic strategies are the appropriate healthcare intervention options based on its ability to integrate the rural communities to the state healthcare system and fill the gap experienced by the vulnerable rural poor. The study recommended a continued collaboration among the different ties of governments, non-governmental agencies, healthcare organisations, religions and community leaders in the delivery of healthcare services to the under-5 in rural communities.