1,000 Pregnant Women Screened; Nutritional Packs Distributed
According to the Shepherd for Health, Environment, Advocacy, and Development (SHEAD) Center, the healthcare needs in Nigeria cannot be overstated. They explained that Nigeria faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to the World Bank, only 43% of Nigerians have access to essential health services, and more than 70% of healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket, resulting in financial hardship for many families. Maternal and child health remains a significant concern, with Nigeria accounting for 12% of global maternal deaths (WHO, 2023), while one in eight Nigerian children dies before their fifth birthday (UNICEF, 2023).
There is a great need in the world, and our response to it is our most extraordinary life's purpose. No matter how small, someone somewhere needs your extra. Mitigating the ongoing healthcare crisis in underserved communities through grassroots outreach is a core mission of 'After God's Heart." It is also a significant component of the “Community and Health System Strengthening” (COHESS) Project, which was awarded to SHEAD to execute. To achieve a comprehensive result, the projects focused on a cohesive strategic response to the healthcare needs of two states in Nigeria. These included,
Strengthen healthcare facilities by providing a 202-liter inverter refrigerator and a 2000-volt stabilizer for sputum storage and other medical supplies.
Enhancing maternal and child health through integrated medical outreaches, emphasizing hepatitis B and C testing for pregnant women and linking positive cases to care.
Promoting menstrual hygiene management by distributing sanitary pads to adolescent girls and conducting educational sessions to reduce stigma and enhance menstrual health knowledge.
Nutritional support for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) patients and vulnerable individuals to improve treatment adherence and overall well-being.
Hepatitis B testing for pregnant women
According to SHEAD, “Beneficiaries of the outreaches were selected based on need, treatment adherence, and clinic participation. In addition, fifty patients in Osun and Kwara States received food packages. The initiative reinforced the importance of medication adherence, with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (STBLCP) commending its impact.”
Furthermore, to improve healthcare service delivery in a local government facility, a 202-liter inverter refrigerator and a 2000-volt stabilizer were donated to the “State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program” (STBLCP). The awardee stated that this was necessary to enhance the storage of laboratory reagents, vaccines, and essential medical supplies, thereby strengthening medical storage capacity. This initiative is believed to align with the best global practices in health system improvement and highlights the impact of strategic partnerships in advancing public health.
A total of 1,000 pregnant women were screened for hepatitis B during the outreach, with 500 in Osun State and 500 in Kwara State. Treatment recommendations were communicated to those who tested positive to reduce further health complications.
