Under the initiative, residents make regular contributions based on their financial capacity, with the pooled funds made available to members during medical emergencies. A resident, Shamsiya Hadi, said the initiative had enabled community members to respond more quickly when illness occurred. With the savings scheme, members can get assistance when there is an urgent health need,” she said. “Having community savings means that we do not always have to wait until somebody has money before seeking help. Halliru stressed that the savings scheme was intended to complement, rather than replace, access to affordable and quality healthcare services.