Ž . International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 59 Suppl. 2 1997 S231S236 Emergency loan funds to improve access to obstetric care in Ekpoma, Nigeria J. Chiwuzie a,  , O. Okojie a , C. Okolocha b , S. Omorogbe c , A. Oronsaye d , W. Akpala d , B. Ande d , B. Onoguwe e , E. Oikeh f , Ž . The Benin PMM Team a Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Uniersity of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria b Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Uniersity of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria c Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Edo State Uniersity, Ekpoma, Nigeria d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniersity of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria e Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Uniersity of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria f School of Midwifery, Uniersity of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria Abstract 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. Interentions: 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 Ž contributed by the community. In the 1st year of the operation, 456 womenfamilies requested loans ranging from . Ž . Ž . 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.  1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Keywords: Africa; Nigeria; Maternal mortality; Community; Cost  Corresponding author, Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria. 0020-729297$17.00  1997 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Ž . PII S0020-7292 97 00170-7