Health

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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