In the wake of a profoundly impactful safe space engagement at HACEY, by highlighting the prevalence of bullying among young girls in Nigeria, we shed light on the urgent need to address this issue and provide support systems to empower these girls to stand against bullying in all its forms, as it’s clear that we must confront this challenge head-on in today’s Nigerian society. The culture of silence surrounding bullying perpetuates the cycle of harm, leaving many girls feeling isolated and powerless.

In our recent HACEY Safe Space session, led by our professional counselor, Coach Gloria, and enriched by the experiences of our girls, we engaged in candid conversations about bullying’s impact within schools and on social media. Throughout the discussions, we discovered that a majority of the girls had encountered some form of bullying, emphasizing the pressing need for intervention and support. In Coach Gloria’s words, “Bullying thrives in silence, but with open dialogue and support, we can dismantle its power,” served as a guiding principle for our session. This quote encapsulates the heart of our mission: to create a platform where everyone can share their stories, listen to others, and collectively work towards solutions.

During a particularly stirring moment, Nifemi, one of our girls, courageously shared her perspective, asserting, “Helping others in need, no matter the challenges, is an act of courage and compassion.” This sentiment underscores the importance of solidarity in combating bullying. Victoria echoed this sentiment, underscoring the profound impact of words, noting, “Our words possess the power to wound or heal; it’s imperative that we choose them wisely.” Her insight underscores the need for empathy and kindness in our online and offline interactions.

As we delved into the complexities of bullying, encompassing various forms of coercion, intimidation, and hurtful teasing, the importance of awareness became evident. Understanding the psychology of bullies targeting the vulnerabilities of their victims empowers us to combat their harmful actions. In our pursuit of solutions, we discussed practical steps to confront and mitigate bullying. From seeking guidance from trusted adults to fostering self-confidence and standing up for oneself and others, the emphasis was on collective action. Building supportive friendships emerged as a powerful way to counter the isolation that bullying can cause.

Transitioning to the realm of cyberbullying, the girls shared their experiences and perspectives. One girl expressed a preference for cyberbullying over physical bullying—an assertion swiftly debunked through an exploration of its equally detrimental effects. This dialogue underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to address bullying in all its forms, we acknowledged the importance of addressing the root causes of bullying, including insecurity, low self-esteem, and a lack of empathy.

In conclusion, our safe space engagement provides a much-needed space for young girls 9-20 to connect, learn, and thrive. We believe in empowering girls with the proper knowledge and skills to make informed decisions in all aspects of their lives. Through open dialogue, empathy, and collective action, we can work towards creating a world where kindness triumphs over cruelty, both within our schools and across the digital landscape. Together, we can foster a culture of compassion and respect for all.

Additionally, for young girls who wish to join our safe space community at HACEY, please feel free to contact us at +2349139348512. Your voice matters, and together, we can create positive change.

The post Confronting Bullying: Insights from HACEY Safe space Engagements first appeared on HACEY.

One of the most powerful messages delivered was the idea that you don’t need to wait for the
rain to grow your own food. With these innovative approaches, there are no seasons for growing
food. It’s a game-changer for communities facing water scarcity.
Murgor Murrey, a waste-wealth entrepreneur, shared insights into the importance of aligning
your business model with your country’s policy framework. In Kenya, for example, affordable
housing and food security are top priorities. Entrepreneurs have therefore been crafting special
interlocking bricks to address affordable housing needs and road construction works, offering
advantages such as water conservation and minimal soil disruption.

There are many benefits to waste-to-wealth initiatives. First, they can help to reduce the amount
of waste that goes to landfills. Landfills are almost a symbol in many large cities across the world
and they are just problematic, not just for the obvious health danger they pose. They have been
known for being a major contributor of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent
than carbon dioxide. By reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills, waste-to-wealth
initiatives can help to mitigate climate change.
Second, waste-to-wealth initiatives can create jobs. The waste management sector is a growing
sector in Africa, and there is a high demand for skilled workers to fully exploit the value chain.
Waste-to-wealth initiatives can help to create sustainable livelihoods for several marginalized
groups include women and young people.
Third, waste-to-wealth initiatives can help to improve public health. Waste that is not properly
managed can pose a risk to public health by contaminating water and soil. Waste-to-wealth
initiatives can help to reduce this risk by ensuring that waste is properly managed and disposed
of.

For young individuals interested in harnessing waste-to-wealth opportunities, a world of
possibilities awaits. The insight from the workshop is simple but profound: start with thorough
market research. Understand your environment and the type of waste prevalent in your area,
whether it’s plastics in urban centers or organic waste in rural settings. Work with what you have,
whether it’s plastic or organic waste, and find innovative ways to turn it into a sustainable income
source.
The ever-growing mountains of trash pose a major threat to our planet. Landfills are
overflowing, methane emissions from decomposing waste are accelerating climate change, and
valuable resources are being lost forever. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
recently painted a grim picture, predicting that global waste generation could reach a staggering
3.4 billion tonnes by 2050 if we don’t change course. But what if waste wasn’t a burden, but a
hidden treasure? This is the exciting concept of “waste-to-wealth.”

Imagine turning food scraps into fertilizer that nourishes local farms, as reported by Devex in a
recent article on Ghana’s innovative composting initiative. Think about empowering
communities to transform plastic waste into construction materials, tackling pollution while
creating jobs, like a USAID-funded program in Kenya is doing. Bill Gates, in a blog post on Gates
Notes, even highlights the potential of converting landfill gas into clean electricity through
waste-to-energy technologies. This shift in perspective, from waste disposal to resource
recovery, isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a smart economic move. By embracing “waste-to-wealth” solutions, we can combat climate change, unlock new avenues for economic growth,
and build a more sustainable future for all.

There are several young Africans who are starting waste-to-wealth businesses. Find a network
of green social entrepreneurs to share ideas and scale the innovation across the world.

The post Climate Change: The waste-to-wealth strategy first appeared on HACEY.

This transformative shift not only streamlines administrative processes but also ushers in a new era of enhanced patient care and this paradigm shift not only enhances overall patient care but also plays a pivotal role in addressing critical aspects of maternal health. For maternal health, this efficiency translates to improved tracking of prenatal and postnatal care, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate record of a mother’s health journey.

According to WHO, on the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025, “Digital health can help make health systems more efficient and sustainable, enabling them to deliver good quality, affordable and equitable care”.

Digital health records facilitate seamless coordination of care when patients interact with multiple healthcare providers, whether within the same health center or across different facilities, the digitalization of records ensures that every healthcare professional involved in a patient’s care has access to up-to-date and accurate information and this interconnectedness leads to more coordinated and efficient care delivery.

Importantly, our impact health project underscores the need for real-time data that ensures that critical information, such as recent test results or changes in medication are available. The impact health app dashboard that receives all the data entered at primary care centers allows for continuous monitoring and contributes to improved outcomes for patients. Expectant mothers become active participants in their maternity journey through access to digital health records, noting that the ability to review pregnancy progress and engage with healthcare providers fosters a sense of empowerment and collaboration in maternal care.

“For high-risk pregnancies, continuous monitoring through digital devices and the data management dashboard, combined with virtual consultations, allows us to closely manage these cases and making the experience more organized”, said Mariam Tope a health worker in Osun under the impact health project veered towards improving Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH). “Additionally, through the operations of the dashboard, we’ve noticed that patients are empowered to actively participate in their healthcare journey, providing access to their records, appointment schedules and test results which in turn fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, whiles promoting a patient-centric approach to healthcare”.

Digital health records empower healthcare providers to implement preventive care measures and monitor patients’ overall health with reminders towards screenings, and follow-up appointments that ensure patients receive timely preventive care, contributing to the early detection and management of health issues.

While the benefits are evident, the successful integration of digital health records in primary health care centers for maternal health requires a comprehensive approach and training that considers the unique needs and sensitivities surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. However, the shift to digital health records streamlines administrative processes, reducing the time and labor required for manual data entry, retrieval, and organization. This operational efficiency not only enhances overall productivity but also minimizes the need for administrative staff dedicated solely to managing paper records.

The digital transformation of health records in primary care centers is not just a technological upgrade; it is a transformative journey with profound implications for maternal health. By embracing this evolution and integrating Mobile Health, HACEY via the impact health project is not only improving overall healthcare delivery but also redefining how we approach and enhance maternal care.

The post “Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Digital Transformation of Health Records in Primary Care Centers with a Focus on Maternal Health” first appeared on HACEY.

Traditionally, relying on paper-based record-keeping is prone to errors, including misplacement, loss, or damage of documents. These errors can lead to costly consequences, including the need for record reconstruction, legal ramifications, and compromised patient care. However, the collection of health-related data through mobile devices allows for the aggregation of valuable information on a large scale and have brought about a paradigm shift in healthcare record keeping, introducing innovative approaches to digitize, manage and access health information.

As a result of these shared values, the impact health project, features an mhealth solutions “the impact health app” with a data management dashboard equipped with intuitive interfaces for data entry for healthcare professionals. This incorporates decision support tools, helping clinicians and health care workers to make informed decisions based on real-time data and historical health records.

The integration of the record keeping features not only improves efficiency and accuracy but also empowers healthcare providers to have instant access to comprehensive patient information.

As we bridge the gap between theory and practice, Grace Ola, a primary health worker seamlessly connects the theoretical concepts to the tangible outcomes witnessed in our project. “The implementation of the mHealth solutions in our primary care clinic in Oyo state has been a game-changer. Now, we can instantly access patient records, streamline appointment scheduling, and coordinate care plans seamlessly. It’s not just about efficiency, it’s about putting the focus back on our patients without the administrative hassles.”

As a community health worker, digital literacy under the impact health project has revolutionized how we manage health records and the data management dashboard have transformed our outreach efforts. With mobile devices in hand, we can efficiently record and update health data during home visits, ensuring that our community members receive personalized care. From overseeing electronic Health Record (EHR) implementations to ensuring collusion, the training has equipped me to navigate the complexities of healthcare technology, enhancing our overall information infrastructure.”

The community impact is palpable, as highlighted by Grace Ola. Empowering health workers with digital tools has allowed us to reach more individuals in underserved areas. From digital literacy sessions, to delivering crucial health information, the positive ripple effect is undeniable.”

Ultimately, the digitalization of health contributes to an overall enhanced patient experience. Patients receive more personalized and coordinated care, experience fewer delays in accessing services, and benefit from a healthcare system that is more responsive to their individual needs and preferences.

The post The Efficiency of Mhealth Solutions: “Impact Health App” first appeared on HACEY.

When a series of policies are set into motion by decision-makers, leading to inflation, the immediate cost is often the loss of currency. We often ignore the long-term cascade of gender inequality that is the true cost. The actual value (real cost) is that hundreds of thousands of Amina cannot go to school because of the high cost. Millions of Bisi who are just barely two years old will not be fed adequately and will be vulnerable to diseases that good nutrition programs in communities could have prevented. The living conditions in many families become far less desirable.

Amarachi’s parents work long, tiresome hours to provide for their family, risking their health. Nevertheless, they feel trapped with mouths to feed and sanity to maintain during this economic crisis. At just 14 years old, Amarachi must supplement their income by street hawking in dangerous neighbourhoods, making her vulnerable to harassment and assault. 

As inflation escalates living costs, Amarachi’s family struggles to make ends meet. Her parents agonize over pulling Amarachi from schooling that could enable a better future. Instead, they consider marrying her off — rationalizing one less mouth to feed. If fortunate, a wealthy suitor may wed and care for Amarachi. But at what cost? Ripped from adolescence to become a bride, she will likely soon face the dangers of early pregnancy along with her husband’s demands. Her parents feel they have no choice, not even able to afford basic necessities like sanitary pads. But in making Amarachi’s womanhood synonymous with wifehood, they may sacrifice her safety and potential.

This is a well-worn story in many rural communities, highlighting the typical tradeoffs inflation forces upon many families in underserved communities. Pulling girls like Amarachi from school and livelihood opportunities will eventually lead to a vicious chain of exploitation, ill-health and intergenerational poverty.

The same thing is happening to millions of Nifemi in South West Nigeria. She goes to a community school that is poorly funded, does not have sanitation facilities or is built to be gender-inclusive. Many girls are absent from school several days a month while their male counterparts continue attending school work. Nifemi has already lost one of her elder sisters, Jibike, during a birthing process because they can not afford the fees at the primary health centres. Jibike suffered a postpartum haemorrhage, one that is a leading culprit in the high incidence of maternal mortality across the world. She could not get help before she lost her life.

What is the fate of many girls and women in these rural communities? Most of these communities are underserved or, worse, drawn into disasters such as flooding and crop failure fueled by climate change.

In many traditional communities, boys and men are expected to succeed at a skill to get a livelihood to feed their families. Girls often only get a chance at best to learn how to be wives and mothers or ‘housekeepers.’ Often, when the man in the typical family becomes deceased or suffers from a lifelong disability, the only source of income goes away, and life becomes a mirage. This is often the path to how communities become poorer because members are not armed with life-saving information such as how to generate and sustain an income-generating enterprise.

Through a series of trial and error, many communities wallow in endless loops of venereal diseases among young women (such as HIV/AIDS), highly risky birth processes, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and low or no livelihood due to widespread information poverty. Additionally, without deliberate and conscious awareness of emotions and the skills to maintain a balanced state of mind, many individuals consign their power to make life-changing decisions on their finances and mental, physiological, and reproductive health to heuristic action or chance. They guess and hope that their lives will turn out great. But does it?

The Platform for Amplifying the Voice and Empowerment of Girls (The PAVE project) has been working with several underserved communities in Nigeria on evidence that with a certain level of support, a clear understanding and buy-in from various key actors at different tiers of government and local community if girls from underserved communities are exposed to a critical level of access to information: on reproductive health, mental health and are equipped with life skills on finance and leadership; their communities can be more resilient in the face of climate change and economic stress. By exposing the historically affected girls (as early as their adolescence) to these skills and knowledge, these emerging tribes of empowered girls have the creativity and capacity to drive a significant impact on their communities.

The PAVE Project is an initiative of HACEY with support from EMpower.

The post The True Cost of Inflation on Girls’ Education and Health first appeared on HACEY.

Our vision is to empower passionate individuals and amplify advocacy efforts in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in several organizations.

You must be someone (individual or small group) who has already been engaging in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), having demonstrated commitment and effort, even in a voluntary capacity in the past few years.

Click here and apply.

Eligibility Criteria:

Organizations and Individuals that meet the criteria below are eligible to apply:

1. Non-Governmental or Civil Society Organizations (NGOs and CSOs):

These organizations must be dedicated to the promotion and advancement of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

2. Geographical Scope:

Organizations operating within the specified regions—Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, and Lagos—are encouraged to apply. This regional focus is designed to address the unique SRHR challenges and contexts within these areas, tailoring interventions to the specific needs and circumstances of adolescents and young people.

3. Availability for the Training Workshop:

Prospective participants must confirm their availability for the training workshop. This requirement underscores the interactive and participatory nature of the program, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging with the training content, discussions, and collaborative activities. The training workshop serves as a pivotal component in enhancing the capacity and skills of participating organizations.

4. Documented Engagement in SRHR:

Evidence showcasing the organization’s past and current engagement in sexual and reproductive health and rights. This could include project reports, publications, or any other relevant documentation that provides insights into the organization’s experience, impact, and dedication to advancing SRHR objectives. This criterion ensures that selected organizations have a substantive background in the field, contributing to the overall credibility and effectiveness of the initiative.

Benefits of Participation

1. Capacity Building Workshop:

Participants will undergo an intensive training program covering the digitalization and programming of SRHR. From understanding social media and content creation to developing effective media advocacy strategies, participants will acquire a thorough range of skills.

2. Mentorship and Networking:

The fellowship includes mentorship from seasoned professionals in the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights field. This invaluable guidance aims to nurture leadership skills and provide insights into effective advocacy using digital means. Additionally, fellows will have opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, fostering a supportive community.

3. Alliance Building

An alliance will be formed with like-minded organizations, individuals, and institutions, allowing fellows to amplify their voices and increase their influence. Also, collaborating with others who share similar goals allows for collective action.

4. Free Access to Media Resources:

Fellows will have exclusive access to the media lab, including cameras, laptops, and other media toolkits. This repository equips fellows with the information to navigate complex issues and strengthen their advocacy endeavours.

5. SRHR Masterclass with global expert

Fellows will have the chance to engage in interactive sessions, discussions, and Q&A sessions with the global expert. They will explore cutting-edge research, best practices, and innovative approaches to addressing SRHR challenges on a global scale.

Application Process and Timeline:

Eligible and interested individuals can apply as follows-

Click here and apply.

Note: All applications will be reviewed in the order we receive them. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Application Deadline: 5th May, 2024.

Join Us in Making a Difference:

The NextGen SRHR Fellowship is not just a program; it’s a movement towards a future where every individual has the knowledge, agency, and access to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. If you are ready to participate in this transformative journey, apply for the NextGen SRHR Fellowship and become a catalyst for positive change.

For any queries regarding the application process,

please contact +234 816 319 0213 or info@hacey.org

Let’s create a world where SRHR is a reality for all.

The post Call for Application: NextGenSRHR Fellowship first appeared on HACEY.

Why Clean Water and Sanitation Matter:

Clean water and sanitation are not only basic human rights, but also key enablers and indicators of sustainable development. They are essential for achieving the other SDGs, such as health, education, gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate action. However, according to the United Nations, about 2.2 billion people do not have safely managed drinking water services, and 4.2 billion people do not have safely managed sanitation services. Moreover, water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is projected to rise due to climate change, population growth, and increasing demand.

The lack of clean water and sanitation has serious consequences for human well-being and sustainable development. Some of the impacts of water and sanitation issues include:

1. Disease and death: Unsafe water and sanitation are among the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths, especially for children under five. Every year, about 1.5 million people die from diarrheal diseases, and 297,000 children die before their fifth birthday due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and hygiene
2. Poverty and inequality: Lack of access to water and sanitation can trap people in poverty and limit their opportunities and choices. It can affect their income, productivity, and economic growth, as they spend more time and money on fetching water, coping with illnesses, and dealing with water-related disasters.
3. Environment and climate: Lack of access to water and sanitation can harm the environment and worsen the effects of climate change. It can lead to water pollution, overexploitation, and depletion of water resources, affecting the quality and availability of water for humans and ecosystems. It can also increase greenhouse gas emissions, as more fossil fuels are used for water supply, treatment, and disposal, and as more organic waste is released into the environment.

The Progress and Challenges of Achieving SDG-6

SDG-6 calls for ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. To achieve this goal, SDG calls for urgent and collective action at all levels, from local to global which involves investing in infrastructure, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, promoting efficiency, conservation, and reuse, protecting ecosystems, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

One of the countries that faces significant challenges in providing clean water and sanitation for its population is Nigeria. According to the World Bank, only 10% of the population has access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services. 68 million people (33% of the population) lack access to basic drinking water services. 113 million people (55% of the population) lack decent toilets. 48 million people (23% of the population) practice open defecation.

The outdated and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, lack of investment, and pollution of water sources due to inadequate waste disposal and industrial practices worsen the issue. As a result, only a small percentage of the population has access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

To address these challenges, the Government of Nigeria has developed several initiatives and policies to improve access to water and sanitation, such as the National Action Plan for the Revitalization of the WASH Sector, the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH), and the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign. These initiatives aim to increase the coverage and quality of water and sanitation services, mobilize resources and investments, strengthen the institutional and regulatory framework, and promote behavior change and community participation.

With the support of development partners, such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and Water Aid, the Government of Nigeria has also implemented various projects and programs to provide water and sanitation infrastructure, services, and governance, and ensure their sustainability and inclusiveness. Some of the achievements include:

1. The construction of over 2,300 additional Water Points, and 6,546 sanitation compartments and hygiene facilities across the country, benefiting more than 1.6 million people.
2. The declaration of open defecation free status by over 10,000 communities in 24 states, reaching more than 8 million people.
3. The provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and services in over 3,000 schools and 1,000 health care facilities, improving the learning and health outcomes of children and women.
4. The establishment and strengthening of water and sanitation committees, associations, and agencies at the state and local levels, enhancing the management, operation, and maintenance of water and sanitation systems.

These efforts have contributed to the improvement of the water and sanitation situation in Nigeria, but more needs to be done to achieve the SDG-6 targets and ensure that no one is left behind. Achieving universal and sustainable access to water and sanitation in Nigeria requires extraordinary efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, the civil society, and the communities. It also requires adopting a human rights-based and gender-sensitive approach that recognizes the needs, preferences, and voices of different groups, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.

In conclusion, clean water and sanitation, fundamental for life and dignity, lay the groundwork for a better future. Foundational to multiple SDGs, they are integral for health, education, gender equality, poverty reduction, and climate action. By ensuring universal access, we pave the way for a flourishing future for generations to come.

The post Exploring the Importance, Progress, and Challenges of Clean Water and Sanitation Worldwide first appeared on HACEY.

Stories are powerful! and they can propel action in unlikely ways.

In the heart of Africa, where vibrant cultures thrive against the backdrop of natural beauty, rural Africa stand as a testament to the resilience of communities deeply intertwined with their environment. However, the looming shadow of climate change casts an increasingly threatening veil over these landscapes, affecting livelihoods, traditions, and the very essence of daily life. From irregular rainfall patterns disrupting agricultural cycles to heightened occurrences of droughts and floods devastating farmlands, the consequences are tangible and far-reaching. Amidst these adversities, a powerful tool has emerged — Storytelling for Advocacy —as a means to foster awareness, drive action, and instigate change within these communities.

Rural life in many parts of Africa is intricately woven with narratives passed down through generations. Storytelling, deeply embedded within the cultural fabric, serves as a conduit for preserving history, values, and knowledge. Harnessing this innate storytelling tradition, initiatives focusing on climate change have seen immense potential in engaging and mobilizing communities.

By narrating the lived experiences of individuals affected by climate change — be it farmers adapting to changing weather patterns or communities embracing renewable energy solutions, these campaigns weave a compelling narrative that resonates deeply. Stories transcend language barriers, connecting communities through shared experiences and emotions. Through vivid anecdotes and personal accounts, these campaigns evoke empathy, and empathy fuels action. The essence of storytelling-led campaigns lies not merely in disseminating information but in fostering a sense of urgency within communities. By empowering individuals to become storytellers of their own experiences and solutions, these initiatives catalyze a bottom-up approach towards climate resilience.

In Africa, emerging climate action initiatives are equipping young people with storytelling skills, enabling them to document local environmental initiatives and share success stories within and beyond their communities. This grassroots movement has not only heightened awareness but has also led to tangible actions, such as the implementation of community-led reforestation programs and the adoption of eco-friendly agricultural practices.

As rural Africa navigates the complexities of climate change, the significance of storytelling-led campaigns serves as a beacon of hope. The power to effect change lies within the narratives woven by those most affected, and these campaigns provide a platform for these voices to resonate and inspire action. By fostering a deeper connection between people, their environment, and sustainable practices, storytelling-led campaigns in Africa are sowing the seeds of a resilient future. As these narratives continue to evolve and echo across landscapes, they cultivate not just awareness, but a collective determination to nurture and safeguard the planet for generations to come.

The post Harnessing Storytelling-Led Campaigns For Climate Action In Africa first appeared on HACEY.

For a second, let’s say we push the logic into a black hole and focus on animism – a system many Africans are well-accustomed to. For any acculturated African, when there is a mishap such as the death of a loved one particularly a newborn, we often make remarks like “God gives, God takes”. We say this in spite of other likelihoods such as stress, lack of essential medicines or a simple first aid kit to stop excess bleeding during child delivery, interconnections between malnourishment of expectant mothers in the gestational period and how it affects the physiological functions of newborns.

We often don’t realize how upstream determinants of health such as low economic outcomes and the lack of access to economic opportunities, long distances between residential areas and the nearest community health centres, all serve as a self-fulfilling prophesy? Even if the hospitals are within reach, aren’t a lot of women and girls fated to lose their babies or worse their lives due to a lack of capacity of the health workforce or poor supply of equipment to carry out quick diagnosis of a possible cardiovascular issue, HIV or hormonal derangement.

When one thinks about how indigenous communities see the birth of a child in Africa, it makes complete sense. Among the Yoruba tribe like other African societies, as a form of greeting, well-wishers say to the new mothers “eku ewu omo”, thus, congratulating the women for making it out of the delivery room in spite of the risk associated with the birthing procedure. For friends and family, the psychological distress of carrying child to term pales in comparison to the risk of a birth operation. Yet for a lot of families in Africa, the activities culminating into a nine-month journey, such as expectant mothers adhering to all traditional health information during pregnancy, looking to the supernatural, shopping for the unborn baby, and choosing a name could quickly become a futile exercise in a few second.

Maternal mortality: witchcraft or a bewitched system is like a fable. A proverbial tale of a haunted house. In the story, every young woman walks into the house with a dream to find a treasure. However, to their tragic end, they never quite reach the treasure. Worse, there is a high livelihood that they may lose their lives. The treasure is the baby. The haunted house is the entire health system.

In Nigeria, it is common knowledge that more women die each year from complications of pregnancy and child birth than anywhere else in Africa. According to the Nigeria Health Watch in a MSD for Mothers report (2022), Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality ratio ranking fourth globally and accounting for one-fifth of maternal death across the world. Some of the leading causes is depicted below.

Source: MSD for Mothers (Evidence for Impact 2022).

So why are we losing young, productive women from the far end of the Global South in Pakistan to the deeper South of Nigeria at such alarming rate? The answer lies in the title of my fable: Witchcraft or A Bewitched health system.

Less than three years ago, a group of researchers conceptualized a community-informed maternal death review to look into the conditions that led to pregnant women dying in countries and to pilot a community accountability mechanism for maternal death.

The study which was conducted across all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria found that pregnant women in the South side were more likely to die due to shortfalls in the strength and capacity of the health workforce (including the traditional birth attendants, TBAs), perception that only women with complications need to visit a health facility, negative attitude of health workers towards patients and low health-seeking behavior associated with widespread reliance on religious beliefs. High mortality among women from the Northern parts of Nigeria was associated with patriarchy which places the decision to use health centre on husbands and other male figures. Another group of traditional custodians against the agency of women over their reproductive health were found to be mothers and mothers-in-law, according to the 2022 MSD for Mothers report. These groups constituted some of the most significant actors to address maternal health in sub-Saharan Africa. More on the study findings on maternal health in Nigeria are outlined below.

Source: MSD for Mothers (Evidence for Impact 2022)

Alluding the failure to adequately address the roots of maternal death by blaming it on an X-factor makes death caused by man’s inhumanity appear like the proverbial ‘hand of God’. On the other hand, consigning the challenge of the death of mothers to a bewitched or (bedeviled) health system, resembles a case of learned helplessness. Whether you support the former or later argument, one thing we are realizing is traditional actors such as decision-makers need to employ more innovative evidence-informed models that considers the contribution of other groups such as non-State actors – community leaders, faith-based organizations.

Judging by the barriers to maternal health earlier outlined, experts from MSD for Mothers recommend that:

1. State government commit to building socio-cultural structures that consider the indigenous people (including community leadership). Such efforts will accelerate accountability for maternal death at grass root level. It will also make advocacy for the adoption of safe practice in maternal healthcare more effective.
2. Engagement of TBAs, being trusted members of host communities is crucial. This workforce must be adequately empowered in skills and knowledge to identify danger signs in pregnancy and refer women to health facilities.
3. There’s need to employ evidence-based approaches in health messaging from health providers and the media industry to the general public. One that support women to make better health-seeking decision, which will lead to better maternal health outcomes

In sum, there is an urgent need for these actors to embrace a whole government-, whole society approach, not just for the next 8 years according to the 2030 UN SDG target, but think long-term solutions.

As a members of various African societies, we must be willing to look far and wide, to end this vicious cycle for the sake of our daughters and sisters. Let us embrace the positive lessons of history and quickly chart a different course, particularly when the solutions we seek have been demonstrated in other global communities. We can agree collectively to transform the haunted house into a safe haven for mothers, newborns and everyone.

The post Unveiling the Dark Realities of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria first appeared on HACEY.

The leader of the group, Sarah, a seasoned volunteer with a heart full of empathy, addressed the team. “Today, we have the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our community through social impact work. Let’s focus on empowering and uplifting those who need it the most.”

The first project on their agenda was a neighborhood cleanup initiative. Armed with gloves and garbage bags, the volunteers set out to transform neglected spaces into vibrant, welcoming areas. As they worked tirelessly, the community began to notice the positive change unfolding before their eyes. A sense of pride and unity emerged as neighbors joined in, realizing the impact a small group of dedicated individuals could have on their surroundings.

Eager to extend their reach, the volunteers organized workshops at the community center. They offered classes on essential skills like financial literacy, resume building, and interview preparation. These workshops became a lifeline for many individuals seeking employment or looking to enhance their professional abilities. The volunteers witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping brighter futures.

Inspired by the success of their workshops, the volunteers launched a mentorship program for at-risk youth. They paired experienced volunteers with young individuals facing various challenges, providing guidance, support, and a positive role model. Through these connections, the youth discovered newfound motivation, and the volunteers witnessed the incredible potential within each person when given the right encouragement.

As their impact spread, the volunteers turned their attention to a local shelter for the homeless. Recognizing the importance of human connection, they organized regular visits, providing not only essential supplies but also a listening ear and genuine companionship. The shelter residents felt seen and valued, breaking down the barriers of isolation that often accompany homelessness.

The volunteers also recognized the significance of environmental stewardship in creating a sustainable community. They initiated tree-planting campaigns, organized recycling drives, and promoted eco-friendly practices. Through their efforts, they not only beautified the environment but also fostered a sense of responsibility for the planet among community members.

In the midst of their social impact work, the volunteers faced challenges and setbacks. Funding was limited, and resources were stretched thin. Yet, the strength of their collective determination propelled them forward. They forged partnerships with local businesses, collaborated with other community organizations, and leveraged social media to amplify their message.

Word of their impactful initiatives reached the ears of city officials, prompting recognition and support for their efforts. The volunteers were invited to participate in citywide initiatives, contributing their expertise to larger-scale projects aimed at addressing systemic issues. Their journey from a small group of individuals to recognized advocates for social change was a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the impact a committed community can have on shaping a better society.

In the end, the volunteers not only transformed physical spaces and improved lives but also cultivated a sense of unity and compassion within their community. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder that social impact work, fueled by the dedication of volunteers, has the potential to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial efforts, leaving an enduring legacy of positive change.

The post The Inspiring Journey of Dedicated Volunteers in Reshaping City Life first appeared on HACEY.