We’re thrilled to share another edition of our newsletter! This month, we highlight the strides that took us throughout April, reflecting on past achievements, while celebrating present successes. So settle in, as we explore through valuable updates, inspiring stories, and impactful initiatives that celebrate growth and positive change.
We kicked off the month celebrating World Health Workers Week, themed “Safe and supported, invest in health workers.” This theme underscores the critical role these heroes play and emphasizes the need for us all to prioritize their well-being and ability to care for others. From doctors and nurses to pharmacists and technicians, healthcare workers are the backbone of our medical system, tirelessly providing life-saving services. Despite facing pandemics, illnesses, and emergencies, their dedication and resilience never waver. This week serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate their unwavering commitment.
Also, our Executive Director Rhoda Robinson, accompanied by team members, conducted a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. Present at the meeting were the Director of Youths and Sports, the Permanent Secretary, and other officials. The discussion primarily revolved around various facets of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), encompassing education, healthcare access, and community outreach programs. Emphasizing the significance of empowering Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the team underscored their pivotal role in digitizing SRHR for providing rights-based, inclusive, and gender-sensitive information to youth, a focal point of the SRHR Impact Plus Project. Noteworthy was the expressed commitment of the
Director, Permanent Secretary, and other officials towards prioritizing SRHR within their agenda.
We had our stakeholders roundtable meeting in Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, and Osun: A remarkable moments with diverse array of voices, including government officials, community leaders, educators, activists, and entrepreneurs, all united in discussions aimed at tackling urgent issues and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights among adolescents and young people.
Celebrating World Health Day with the theme “My Health, My Right,” the focus was on asserting health as a fundamental human right, with everyone deserving access to good health, irrespective of location or circumstance. World Health Day provides a global platform to advocate for health equity and stresses the significance of universal access to healthcare. At HACEY, we have initiated community health programs for underserved populations through our various health project, ensuring health for all.
Our team paid an advocacy visit to the Enugu State Ministry of Health, where discussions centered on Project AGBEBI for safe childbirth. The Commissioner, along with the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Board and the Governor’s Special Assistant on SDG, engaged in dialogue regarding the project’s alignment with state goals and the national maternal health strategy. Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, the Commissioner welcomed the initiative, envisioning “Project Agbebi Enugu.” This collaborative effort aims to benefit over 2,000 women through the provision of birthing kits, health seminars, and capacity-building for more than 50 healthcare workers across three local government areas and 15 Primary Health Care facilities. Training sessions will prioritize aspects of patient care and mental health to enhance service delivery. On this note, Phase 5 of our maternal health initiative, PROJECT AGBEBI, signifies another significant stride forward. As we embark on Phase 5, our aim is to extend our support to over 6000 pregnant women, reinforcing our unwavering dedication to maternal health and the empowerment of women in three states.
We also celebrated the International Day for Maternal Health and Rights. The day highlights the need for access to quality healthcare services, including prenatal care, safe childbirth, and postnatal support, to ensure the well-being of mothers and their babies. At Hacey, with the implementation of several projects such as project Agbebi and impact health project, we have empowered mothers and maternal healthcare providers, using this platforms to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize maternal health and rights, addressing disparities in access to healthcare, and improve maternal outcomes.
Our PAVE girls’ had their engagement sessions in Lagos and Ogun states. Our facilitators, who were experts in their fields, actively engaged the girls and imparted invaluable lessons. These lessons will not just influence their lives as they grow into young adults but also empower them to serve as ambassadors, educating other girls in their communities. During the sessions, the girls shared their personal experiences and challenges related to the discussed topics. The facilitators ensured to provide practical solutions to address these issues, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for the girls.
Through our Zero Carbon Project, we celebrated the World Earth Day as we confront the battle of ‘Plastic vs Planet’. From educating about the perils of plastic pollution to acting for a greener tomorrow.
The State of World Population 2024 report was marked by the participation of our Executive Director, Rhoda Robinson, alongside leaders in population and reproductive health during the regional launch. The report aims to revolutionize the global system, fostering favorable and affordable reproductive experiences for mothers and children. With a global population exceeding 8 billion, Nigeria stands among the eight identified countries, including Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Philippines, and the United Republic of Australia. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health, emphasized the imperative of safeguarding maternal health and ensuring girls’ education, rather than early motherhood. Published annually by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the SWOP report elucidates the complexities, challenges, and opportunities influencing the global community, particularly concerning women, girls, and young people. Amidst these dynamics, acknowledging every individual’s resilience and potential, and weaving threads of hope, we strive towards a more equitable and sustainable world for future generations.
We commemorated the World Malaria Day 2024! Themed “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World.” Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of malaria cases and deaths occur. However, progress has been made in reducing the global burden of malaria over the past decade, with notable declines in malaria cases and deaths in many endemic countries.
Thank you for your continued support in our mission to improve the health and well-being of communities.
Stay connected to us for updates on our programs and upcoming events. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Best regards.
