Author: D-8 HSP

July 11, 2024 In Event, Health, Medical Mission By D-8 HSP

Empowering Communities: A Success Story from the D-8 HSP 2024 Medical Mission and Outreach

In the heart of Niger State, amidst the bustling community of Minna, a heartwarming health intervention commenced in June. The D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP) has launched its 2024 Medical Mission and Outreach, and the impact is already palpable. With the theme "Enhancing Community Health for Resilience," this initiative is touching lives, bringing hope, and fostering resilience in some of Nigeria's most vulnerable communities.

 

A Life Transformed: Habiba Isa’s Story

 

Habiba, a 29-year-old expectant mother of three, resides in the rural outskirts of Minna. Like many women in her community, access to quality healthcare has always been a significant challenge. Pregnant with her fourth child, Habiba was deeply concerned about her health and the well-being of her unborn baby. The cost of essential prenatal care was a heavy burden on her family.  When she heard about the D-8 HSP Medical Outreach from her local health worker, and announcements on the radio, Habiba was hopeful but uncertain. The program promised free healthcare services, including prenatal check-ups, nutritional supplements, and even delivery kits for expectant mothers. With cautious optimism, she decided to attend the outreach event at the General Hospital in Minna.

 

Upon arrival, Habiba was welcomed by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals. She received a comprehensive medical check-up, including hypertension and blood sugar tests. The relief she felt when her health status was thoroughly assessed and explained to her was immense. Habiba was immediately referred to the hospital to be taken care of by skilled health workers when the result of her blood pressure read 135 to 75. She was provided with multi-micronutrient supplements (MMS) to support her pregnancy, which she had never been able to afford before. But the support didn't stop there. Habiba was also given a delivery kit containing essential items to ensure a safe and hygienic birth. This kit not only eased her financial burden but also gave her peace of mind, knowing she had what she needed for her baby's arrival.

 

Habiba’s story is just one among thousands. The D-8 HSP Medical Outreach has reached 4,000 children under five with Vitamin A, Zinc/ORS micronutrient powder, and deworming drugs. Additionally, 1,200 pregnant mothers, like Habiba, have received multi-micronutrient supplements. The program also distributed 400 delivery kits to expecting mothers, ensuring safer births and healthier outcomes for newborns. The outreach goes beyond individual health. It aims to strengthen community resilience by improving the overall health and nutritional status of vulnerable populations. By incorporating community participation and ownership, the D-8 HSP ensures that the benefits of the program are sustainable.

 

The success of the outreach is evident in the smiles and stories of those it has touched. Local health workers, empowered with new skills and resources, are better equipped to serve their communities. The program has not only provided immediate healthcare solutions but also fostered a sense of community solidarity and hope.


Dr. Ado J. G. Muhammad, Global Director of D-8 HSP, emphasizes the program's commitment to long-term impact. "At D-8 HSP, we serve the people, seeking to improve their health and livelihoods. We incorporate community participation and ownership into our programs to ensure the long-term sustainability of our interventions."

 

For Habiba and many others, the D-8 HSP Medical Outreach has been a beacon of hope. It has shown that with dedicated effort and community-focused initiatives, significant strides can be made towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and better health outcomes for all.


As the outreach continues across Niger, Kano, FCT, Enugu, Osun, and Bauchi, the stories of transformation and empowerment will multiply. The D-8 HSP is not just providing healthcare; it is building a healthier, more resilient future for communities in Nigeria and beyond.

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April 8, 2024 In Event, Health By D-8 HSP

D-8 HSP Marks 2024 World Health Day with a Call for Inclusive Health

The D-8 Health and Social Protection Programme (D-8 HSP) today commemorated World Health Day under the impactful theme “My Health, My Right,” emphasizing the critical need for universal health coverage and inclusive health outcomes across its member states. In an era where health disparities continue to challenge communities worldwide, the D-8 HSP’s mission to ensure equitable health access for all has never been more pertinent. The call is in line with the D-8 HSP mandate to improve the health and well-being of citizens of its member states. D-8 HSP calls on health departments and sectors of Member states to focus on enhancing health services to bridge the gap in healthcare provision, focusing on vulnerable populations and ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for health equity.

 

“Today, as we observe World Health Day, we are reminded of the fundamental principle that health is a universal right, not a privilege,” stated Dr. Ado J. G Muhammad, Global Director of D-8 HSP in Abuja, Nigeria.  “Our collaborative efforts within the D-8 community are geared towards realizing this right for every citizen, ensuring that comprehensive health services are both accessible and affordable,” Ado said. The D-8 HSP’s strategy includes promoting innovative financing strategies for the health of member states, trade in health in a way that people can access better care, live healthier lives, and reach their full potential, and data for performance and impact to shape health policies and outcomes. Additionally, the program works to foster partnerships with international health organizations to leverage expertise and resources, enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in member countries.

Highlighting the importance of social protection, D-8 HSP is strategically developing new initiatives designed to support individuals and families affected by health-related financial hardships. These include the Umma Zakat Foundation (UZF), the expansion of health insurance to the poor and needy, and the introduction of social safety nets to mitigate the economic impact of illness and disease.

 

In a world still navigating the aftermath of the global pandemic, the D-8 HSP’s focused approach to inclusive health results and outcomes resonates strongly with the global call for health equity. By placing the right to health at the forefront of its agenda, the D-8 HSP focuses on inspiring change, driving progress, and contributing significantly to the global health landscape. As the D-8 nations come together in solidarity on this World Health Day, their unified message is clear: achieving health for all is not just a goal, but a right that requires our collective action and commitment.

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February 20, 2020 In Event By D-8 HSP

D-8 HSP Signs Country Partnership Agreement

The year started on a good note for the program office, following the Secretary-General, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari’s 3-day working visit on January 19th – 21st, 2020. The visit to the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, high-level sectors like the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Health and Foreign Affairs, and meetings further consolidated the partnership with ECOWAS, Islamic Development Bank, PPFN, and Jaiz Bank in addition to providing a platform for the smooth operation of the Health and Social Protection program in the year under review. 


The visit to the Vice President helped to position the D-8 HSP as a highly valued partner in Nigeria. There is a sense of ownership and membership by the Nigerian government, which contributed to the success of key activities carried out in 2020. Since the visit, D-8 HSP has become more visible, leading to several media interviews about the D-8 and its vision, Global Director Dr. Ado Muhammed has made key appearances in various media platforms to speak on topics around Global cooperation for health, innovative and sustainable financing, trade-in health, health interventions in low and middle-income countries, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit received massive media coverage of the activities during the 3 days (January 19th- 21st) of the Secretary General’s stay in Nigeria.


Beyond the euphoria of the Secretary General’s visit, the official signing of the Country Partnership Agreement was a validation to commence activities in earnest. The Nigerian President, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, officially approved the operations of the D-8 HSP in Nigeria on the 21st of January 2020. The occasion was witnessed by the D-8 countries’ ambassadors in Nigeria, development partners like the World Health Organization, the Islamic Development Bank, and the media. It was a memorable event and a key achievement of the year for the entire D-8 organization, and the HSP team.

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May 29, 2018 In Event By D-8 HSP

Inauguration of D-8 Health & Social Protection Programme

On November 4th, 2018, representatives from the Developing-8 (D-8) member countries convened in Abuja, Nigeria, for the inaugural D-8 Health and Social Protection (HSP) Consultation. Delegates included Dr. Ayesha Abdullah (Bangladesh), Dr. Omar Hassan (Egypt), Dr. Budi Santoso (Indonesia), Dr. Farahnaz Mohammadi (Iran), Dr. Mariam Rashid (Malaysia), Dr. Ngozi Okonkwo (Nigeria), Dr. Aisha Khan (Pakistan), and Dr. Mehmet Yilmaz (Turkey). This meeting marked a significant shift for the D-8, a coalition representing one billion people and 13% of the global population. Traditionally focused on economic areas like trade and industry, the D-8 acknowledged the critical role of health in achieving sustainable development.

 

Dr. Agnes Makena, Director-General of the D-8 HSP program, emphasized the program’s transformative potential. She stated the program would integrate health considerations into development plans, fostering collaboration and economic opportunities in the health sector. Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank participated in discussions, underscoring the international significance of the D-8’s initiative. The consultation focused on concrete action plans. Discussions revolved around aligning national health plans with D-8 HSP principles, mobilizing resources for program implementation, and fostering collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

 

The D-8 HSP program outlines a multi-pronged strategy: 

  • Expanding access to primary care: This forms the foundation of a robust healthcare system.
  • Strengthening health governance and workforce development: Effective governance and a well-trained workforce are essential for delivering quality healthcare.
  • Unlocking market potential: The program aims to stimulate economic growth within D-8 countries by fostering a vibrant health market. 
  • Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Combating chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease is crucial for promoting overall health. 
  • Enhancing social protection: Ensuring social safety nets will protect vulnerable populations and contribute to a healthier society.
  • Exploring innovative and sustainable financing: This ensures the program’s long-term viability.
  • Utilizing data for performance and impact: Data-driven approaches will enable continuous program improvement and measure progress toward achieving health goals.

 

The D-8 HSP Consultation in Abuja marked a pivotal moment. The D-8 member countries united behind a shared vision of a healthier future, laying the groundwork for a program with the potential to improve lives, strengthen economies, and create a more prosperous future for all.

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