EFFECT OF INSURGENCY ON HEALTH CARE SERVICE DELIVERY IN CHIBOK LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE. [A CASE STUDY OF KWARAHUMWA COMMUNITY].

ABSTRACT The Boko Haram insurgency has significantly weakened healthcare systems across Borno State, with rural and hard-to-reach communities bearing the greatest burden. This study examines the effect of insurgency on healthcare service delivery in Kwarahumwa, a community in Chibok Local Government Area severely affected by prolonged insecurity. The research specifically assesses the level of accessibility to healthcare services, identifies challenges faced by health facilities, evaluates the availability of medical personnel and supplies, and proposes strategies for improving healthcare delivery in conflict-affected settings. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations from residents and health workers within the community. Findings reveal that insurgency has destroyed health infrastructure, displaced skilled medical personnel, disrupted drug supply chains, and severely restricted community access to essential services, including immunization, maternal care, and emergency treatment. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses are the most affected, often resorting to long, insecure travel or unsafe traditional remedies. Humanitarian interventions by government and aid organizations remain inadequate, short-term, and inconsistent due to persistent insecurity. The study concludes that insurgency has a significant negative effect on healthcare service delivery in Kwarahumwa. It recommends strengthening community-based health structures, improving security for health workers, establishing mobile clinics, and enhancing collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders to ensure sustainable health services in conflict-affected communities.