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Harnessing Solar Energy in sub-Saharan Africa

Energy in sub-Saharan AfricaAccess to electricity is a critical step toward reducing poverty. It enables communities to improve economic productivity and is a basic necessity vital to our lives in the 21st century. Out of the 800 million people living without reliable electricity, approximately 600 million are in sub-Saharan Africa.

This lack of energy infrastructure hampers economic growth. It severely hinders the scope of education and health care development, making it a pivotal obstacle to job creation. However, solar energy may be emerging as a formidable player in the fight against poverty in the region. With sub-Saharan Africa having abundant renewable energy resources such as sunlight and wind, the area is more than well-positioned to harness solar power and try to transform its energy landscape.

The Energy-Poverty Nexus

Without electricity, the mundane daily processes of society come to a halt. Businesses struggle to operate, health care services are unequipped and education is limited to daytime hours. Access to electricity, therefore, is at the core of any society aiming to meet economic and productivity goals. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, more than half of the region’s population does not have regular access to electricity. Energy poverty is linked to the deepening of economic disparity in this region due to limited access to essential services.

Solar energy offers a promising solution because sub-Saharan Africa has abundant sunlight and wind. Solar energy is a clean, renewable and widely available resource. It can be harnessed to provide electricity in off-grid and remote areas. The region receives enough solar energy to meet its demands several times over, making solar energy a solid contender for addressing energy poverty.

Furthermore, solar power systems are scalable. This means they can be installed in smaller areas, such as individual homes and across larger territories, such as villages and entire communities. These systems are often a more affordable option in addition to being easier to maintain than traditional energy grids that are fossil fuel-based. This quality makes them particularly suitable and easily adaptable for rural communities.

Current Solar Energy Projects Transforming Lives in sub-Saharan Africa

Several organizations and solar energy initiatives are showcasing the potential behind this effort to alleviate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of them include:

  1. The Desert to Power Initiative: The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Desert to Power Initiative aims to create the world’s largest solar zone. Spanning 11 countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Niger, this project is fighting toward the decentralization of energy in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently focusing on the Sahel region, a semi-arid region stretching from Senegal to Sudan, the project intends to provide 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar generation capacity via both on and off-grid solutions to approximately 250 million people. The Desert to Power Initiative will improve energy access for rural communities by focusing on large-scale solar farms and fostering new job creation in the renewable energy sector. This will tremendously help stimulate economic growth in the region.
  2. Solar Sister: Solar Sister is a social enterprise that supports local women in rural areas in becoming clean energy entrepreneurs. The initiative trains and supports women in delivering clean energy directly to homes in rural sub-Saharan African communities. It sells solar-powered products such as lamps and chargers. In turn, it aims to tackle energy poverty and the gender-technology gap by creating job opportunities for women. The initiative has trained more than 10,700 entrepreneurs and reached more than 4.3 million people with solar energy solutions.
  3. SunCulture: With its headquarters in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, SunCulture is revolutionizing the agricultural industry in the region by providing rural farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems. By replacing reliance on rainfall or fuel-powered pumps, SunCulture provides a renewable and cost-effective solution. The irrigation systems are also a low-maintenance alternative. This innovative system is currently transforming lives across the continent. The company has raised more than $40 million to bring sustainable and affordable solutions to rural communities that rely solely on income derived from agricultural practices.

Conclusion

In sub-Saharan Africa, solar energy holds immense potential to combat poverty while simultaneously driving sustainable development. By harnessing the region’s copious amounts of sunlight, solar energy can be the key to accessible electricity. Indeed, advances will improve job opportunities and further growth in the health care and education sectors. As more governments, businesses and local communities add to the effort, investing in solar energy shows a path toward a more equitable future for the region.

– Mashal Aman

Mashal is based in Kyoto, Japan and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty in Tuareg Communities

Poverty in Tuareg CommunitiesThe Tuareg are a traditionally nomadic people living in Northern Africa. Many have now settled because of the harshness of the nomadic lifestyle. Moreover, the introduction of state boundaries by the French during their colonial occupation of Northern Africa has made Tuareg mobility difficult. French colonial powers also dispossessed Tuareg of their grazing land and conscripted Tuareg men into their army. Cut off from their traditional ways of living and coping with the inhospitable conditions of the desert, poverty in Tuareg communities is widespread as they live in places such as Niger, “one of the poorest nations in the world,” according to USAID.

Environmental Challenges

The difficulties of Tuareg life could only increase with changing weather patterns bringing more droughts to the Sahel region. Largely dependent on animal agriculture, Tuareg must migrate seasonally in search of water springs, arable land, game and wood. However, since the series of droughts that hit the Sahel region from 1968 until 1985, livestock yield has drastically decreased. These dry years resulted in the death of over 100,000 people from lack of food and disease.

In 2021, southern Mauritania, central Mali, southern Niger and central Chad, crops received less than half the amount of water they needed. With the population of the Sahel set to reach approximately 500 million by 2050, the onset of extreme weather patterns threatens to exacerbate the already existing poverty in Tuareg communities.

Moreover, the wells in the Sahara are few, and far between and highly dangerous. They are handmade by Tuareg, and at high risk of collapse. One elderly Tuareg man reported, “Digging a well that can collapse on you is like facing the barrel of a gun.”

Mali and Niger

The largest populations of Tuareg live in Mali and Niger, where they make up around 10% of the population. However, they do not necessarily have citizenship in the countries in which they reside. In Mali, tensions with the Malian population stem from the fact that Tuaregs enslaved black Africans in the 18th and 19th centuries when they had control over northern Mali, according to Refworld.  For their part, Tuaregs are aggrieved by the lack of representation and government support they receive in their remote Northern territories, Al Jazeera reports.

In Libya, many Tuareg joined Gaddafi’s army on the promise of a salary and the potential for citizenship. However, bureaucratic obstacles prevented Tuareg from achieving legal citizenship. Gaddafi’s government required people seeking citizenship to show proof of residence in Libya 10 years before the country’s independence in 1951. But many nomadic Tuarge lacked these written records. Without citizenship, their rights are not protected and they can be denied medical aid. Additionally, they cannot travel or find stable employment.

Organizations Helping

Although many Tuareg are politically marginalized, there are currently many NGOs working to further their interests. Jump4Timbuktu, for example, is a charity working in Mali to economically empower the Tuareg community there. The charity works with local Tuareg, helping them sell their handcrafted jewelry. All profits go towards funding community development schemes.

Bambini nel Desserto is another organization that focuses on providing relief for people in Africa, including Tuareg communities living in the desert. The charity has recently helped Mohamed Ag Abasse, a Tuareg man from Mali, set up his own artisanal workshop so he can sell his handmade jewelry.

Conclusion

Initiatives like those mentioned above help Tuareg communities slowly to diversify their economy beyond agriculture. This will be a vital step if the indigenous people of the Sahara are to survive the changing and increasingly hostile environment of the Sahel.

– Io Oswald

Io is based in Paris, France and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Healthier Future: YEDI Is Empowering Adolescents in Nigeria

Adolescents in NigeriaYouth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization that delivers evidence-based programs aimed at building young people’s health assets, improving access to health services and promoting adherence to healthy behaviors. Since 2011, YEDI has been tackling the significant challenges faced by adolescents and young people in Nigeria.

These challenges include mental health issues, accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services and a lack of quality information about SRHR. YEDI’s commitment to empowering young people is evident through its partnerships and programs, advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country. Through its various programs, YEDI has impacted more than 458,560 young people across Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Akwa Ibom and Rivers State.

The SKILLZ Program

Since 2012, YEDI has partnered with Grassroot Soccer (GRS) to implement the SKILLZ program in Nigeria. The program is delivered through fixed and outreach sites, which serve as safe spaces for young people aged 10-24, as well as the broader population in underserved communities. YEDI’s interventions provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and services, equipping young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. The SKILLZ program also promotes gender equality, empowering young women and girls, as well as young men and boys, to become leaders and advocates within their communities.

The SKILLZ program has impacted at least 370,000 adolescents by providing comprehensive information and services related to SRHR, gender-based violence, gender equality, mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment. YEDI collaborates with partners across diverse thematic areas, including gender-based organizations, to ensure that survivors of abuse and individuals in need of health care services, such as those requiring HIV/AIDS care, receive adequate counseling, support and treatment. Through its programs, YEDI has referred more than 56,000 people for proper care and treatment, helping them along their recovery journey.

Cultivating Safe Spaces for Young People

YEDI was also part of the consortium that implemented the USAID-funded Youth Powered Ecosystem for Adolescent Health (YPE4AH) project. This initiative aimed to improve the health and well-being of urban, underprivileged, out-of-school and unmarried adolescents aged 15–19 in Kano and Lagos. As part of the project, YEDI established and managed six youth-friendly centers in these cities, which played a crucial role in developing life skills for more than 66,000 out-of-school adolescents in Nigeria.

In addition, YEDI has extensive experience in creating safe spaces for young people. Since 2015, YEDI has managed seven Hello Lagos Youth Friendly Centers in partnership with the Lagos Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), benefiting about 1,000 young mothers and 100,000 adolescents in Lagos State.

Using Soccer to Engage Adolescents

YEDI uses soccer as a natural hook to engage adolescents on issues related to their health and relationships, identifying innovative ways for them to become champions within their communities. YEDI’s programs are designed to reflect the needs, interests and behaviors of young people while strengthening their SRHR and life skills. Both trained female and male “near-peer” coaches deliver the evidence-based and age-appropriate SKILLZ curriculum, which integrates soccer language, metaphors and activities to promote reflection on gender norms, goal setting and achievement.

The BEAT NTD Project

To combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, YEDI implemented the “BEAT NTD” project in Lagos and Rivers states. This initiative resulted in a 45% increase in awareness and knowledge about NTD prevention and mitigation, improved access to health care and a 10% reduction in the prevalence of NTDs. The project successfully reached a total of 3,101 adolescents in the targeted communities, contributing to better health outcomes in these areas.

Furthermore, the organization actively participates in key networks and community bodies, including the Lagos State Adolescent Health and Development Technical Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria. These engagements strengthen YEDI’s capacity for impactful collaboration, advocacy and knowledge-sharing, all aimed at advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country.

Conclusion

YEDI plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Nigeria. By creating safe spaces and engaging youth in meaningful discussions, the organization empowers the next generation to become advocates for their health and communities, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Unsplash

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AFRYDEV: Empowering Women and Youth in Northeastern Nigeria

AFRYDEVThe Northeastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been grappling with a severe crisis largely driven by the activities of Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist jihadist organization. This violent extremist group has inflicted significant harm on innocent citizens. Boko Haram’s ideology is rooted in establishing a “pure” Islamic state governed by Sharia law.

The group’s operations have gained traction in the region due to a confluence of socioeconomic factors, including widespread poverty, hunger, lack of education and limited social development.

African Youth for Peace Development and Empowerment (AFRYDEV), a nongovernmental organization established in 2013, is actively addressing the escalating challenges of poverty, gender-based violence (GBV) and socioeconomic inequality in this region.

The Situation in Northeastern Nigeria

The Northeast, Nigeria’s largest geopolitical zone, has been a conflict zone since 2009 when Boko Haram declared its goal to form an Islamic State in the region. In response, in 2013, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) declared a state of emergency and launched military operations in the area. However, as of 2019, the conflict has resulted in more than 35,000 deaths and displaced more than two million people, including women and children. Furthermore, more than eight million people in the region are in need of humanitarian aid.

With the extremist group still a threat, carrying out attacks across different villages in the Northeast, many families are struggling to meet their basic needs in the face of relentless insecurity. Poverty remains rampant, with many households lacking access to essential services such as health care, education and safe water, perpetuating a cycle of deprivation and social instability. The ongoing conflict has worsened vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls, who face heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and exclusion from economic opportunities.

AFRYDEV recognizes that these issues are intertwined and significantly hinder the potential for sustainable development and peace within these communities. Therefore, as a youth- and women-led organization, AFRYDEV is dedicated to tackling the critical issues of poverty and hunger through innovative and targeted interventions aimed at addressing the essential needs of insurgency-affected communities.

AFRYDEV’s Strategy

AFRYDEV employs a multifaceted approach to address the intertwined challenges of poverty, GBV and socioeconomic inequality in conflict-affected regions of Northeast Nigeria. Its strategy is rooted in community engagement, peacebuilding and socioeconomic development. The NGO actively involves local stakeholders, including women, youth, traditional leaders and government representatives, in the design and implementation of its programs. This participatory approach fosters ownership and ensures that AFRYDEV’s initiatives are responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.

For instance, its Youth Peace Camp Project empowers vulnerable youth through leadership and civic engagement training. It also establishes youth community service clubs that promote active participation in local governance, creating a platform for transparency, accountability and collaborative nation-building. Similarly, through projects like the European Union’s Support to Early Recovery, AFRYDEV facilitates the reintegration of women and girls affected by Boko Haram, enhancing social cohesion while also providing vocational training and economic opportunities.

Additionally, AFRYDEV’s focus on gender-sensitive programming ensures that women and girls are not only protected from GBV but are also empowered to participate fully in economic and social life. By combining humanitarian assistance with capacity-building initiatives, the nonprofit aims to transform communities, promote social stability and pave the way for a more peaceful and equitable society in northeastern Nigeria.

Empowering Women and Youth

AFRYDEV has empowered more than 50,000 women and youths through various initiatives aimed at promoting active citizenship, leadership and skills development. The establishment of youth community service clubs has further strengthened community ties and encouraged active participation in local governance. In Yobe State, its collaboration with various stakeholders has led to the successful reintegration of more than 1,000 girls and women who were previously abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, highlighting the organization’s commitment to social acceptance and healing.

Furthermore, programs like ‘’Resilience Building through Livelihood’s Support to Promote Durable Solutions’’ have provided sustainable livelihood options through the restoration of market systems, protection and income generation starter packages to more than 10,000 people affected by the conflict. The Community Clean-up Project in Borno State has improved the physical environment and also fostered a sense of inclusion and economic opportunity among marginalized youth, thereby building trust within communities.

The outcomes of AFRYDEV’s efforts extend beyond immediate interventions, contributing to broader socioeconomic development and resilience in the region. Its focus on livelihood and economic empowerment has provided training and resources to vulnerable women and girls, enabling them to start their own businesses and contribute to their families’ incomes. This approach has led to improved economic stability and has equipped individuals with marketable skills, fostering long-term self-sufficiency.

Additionally, AFRYDEV’s training programs for community stakeholders have enhanced local capacities in conflict resolution and dialogue, facilitating sustainable peace and human rights advocacy. Overall, the positive changes brought about by AFRYDEV’s work are evident in the strengthened community relationships, increased engagement in governance and enhanced well-being of conflict-affected populations, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and resilient society.

Final Note

AFRYDEV is committed to providing life-saving protection services to address the impact of the humanitarian crisis on vulnerable women, adolescent girls, boys and men in host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. The organization focuses on an integrated, survivor-centered and community-based approach to address gaps identified in the prevention and response to GBV in conflict-affected communities in northeastern Nigeria. This includes providing access to life-saving services for GBV survivors, skills building and livelihood options through localizing the production of dignity kits and reusable menstrual hygiene kits. These initiatives aim to improve the economic security of women and adolescent girls, leading to enhanced reproductive health outcomes and financial stability.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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How IWAYEC Is Transforming Livelihoods in Borno State, Nigeria

IWAYECIntegrated Women and Youths Empowerment Center (IWAYEC), a nongovernmental organization (NGO) registered in 2003, has been instrumental in improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Borno State, Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Izge in Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA). One of the center’s flagship projects focuses on empowering local farmers by providing them with essential farming equipment, high-quality seedlings and necessary chemicals for both irrigation and traditional farming. 

This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in a region where farming is a primary source of livelihood. However, it has been severely disrupted by ongoing conflicts. Here is how IWAYEC is impacting lives in these conflicted-affected regions:

Uplifting Women

In addition to supporting farmers, IWAYEC is dedicated to uplifting women across Borno State through skills acquisition programs. More than 6,000 women in six LGAs have benefited from training in petty trading, cattle rearing and oil extraction. These skills are vital for enabling women to generate sustainable incomes and support their families. By focusing on both agricultural and entrepreneurial empowerment, IWAYEC is not only addressing immediate economic needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and self-sufficiency in these communities.

Integrating Communities and Local Stakeholders

IWAYEC employs a holistic, multi-layered approach to tackling the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable groups, especially in conflict-affected regions. Central to its strategy is the integration of community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. IWAYEC actively involves local leaders, civil society organizations and government agencies to ensure that its interventions are culturally sensitive and community-driven.

By facilitating open dialogues with beneficiaries, the organization tailors its projects to address the specific needs and challenges of each community. This grassroots approach fosters trust, strengthens local ownership and ensures the long-term sustainability of its programs.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Prioritizing child protection and safeguarding, IWAYEC implements initiatives that address abuse and exploitation, creating safe spaces for children and adolescents. A flagship initiative, the School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) project, funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), prevents and responds to violence in schools, ensuring safe learning environments for both girls and boys.

These initiatives, alongside community engagement efforts, have fostered economic empowerment, improved educational access and strengthened the social fabric of some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable communities, bringing IWAYEC’s mission and vision closer to reality. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts to address systemic issues affecting women and children, working to influence policy changes and promote social justice.

Final Remark

IWAYEC operates with a deep commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Beyond its core projects, the organization places a strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness and impact of its initiatives. IWAYEC regularly assesses the progress of its programs through feedback from beneficiaries, data analysis and collaboration with local stakeholders.

This continuous learning approach allows for the adaptation and enhancement of strategies to better meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Through its comprehensive approach and commitment to community-driven solutions, IWAYEC is making a meaningful and enduring impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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The Havids’ Initiatives for Youth and Community Development

The Havids’ InitiativesFor years, the people of the Niger Delta, an oil-rich region in Southern Nigeria, have faced staggering challenges, including inadequate access to quality education, limited economic opportunities and environmental degradation. These factors have perpetuated a cycle of poverty, leaving the community’s most vulnerable children, particularly children and youths, without the resources they need to thrive.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, The Havids Center for Environment and Development (The Havids), founded in 1992, has embarked on a mission to empower Nigerian youths living in the delta region and even beyond. To achieve this, The Havids’ initiatives have been implemented, including:

The Scholar Diplomats – Building Future Leaders

The Havids designed the Scholar Diplomats program to nurture a new generation of leaders who are academically proficient and deeply committed to social change. The organization carefully selects bright young minds from the community and provides them with rigorous training in diplomacy, environmental stewardship and leadership. The program equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to address local challenges while thinking globally.

The Wintersteen Hub: A Beacon of Hope

The Wintersteen Hub is a community center that serves as the focal point of The Havids’ efforts in Bakana (Rivers State, Nigeria) and its environs. The Hub offers a range of programs aimed at combating poverty, including a library, vocational training, entrepreneurship support and environmental education. It also serves as a safe space for community members to access resources, such as Internet services, educational materials and health information.

More than 200 individuals have completed vocational training programs at the Hub, with many going on to start their own businesses or secure gainful employment. Additionally, the Hub’s focus on environmental education has significantly reduced deforestation in the area, as community members have learned about sustainable farming practices and the importance of preserving their natural surroundings.

Reusable Sanitary Menstrual Pads for Schoolgirls

The Havids also addresses period poverty among schoolgirls in the Niger Delta through the Reusable Sanitary Menstrual Pads for Schoolgirls project. In many impoverished communities, young girls often miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products, leading to significant disruptions in their education.

To combat this, the organization provides reusable sanitary pads to schoolgirls, ensuring they can attend school with dignity and without interruption. The Reusable Sanitary Menstrual Pads for Schoolgirls project has kept more than 500 girls in school, reducing absenteeism and empowering them to pursue their education without the stigma and challenges associated with inadequate menstrual care.

By educating girls about menstrual health and providing sustainable, cost-effective solutions, The Havids not only helps to keep them in school but also empowers them with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

Practical Leadership Awards for Youths (PLAY)

PLAY, another of The Havids’ initiatives, seeks to recognize and empower young individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a commitment to community development. It gives this award to youths who have shown a remarkable attitude toward tackling local issues, whether through innovative projects, community service or environmental conservation efforts.

Recipients of the PLAY award receive not only recognition but also mentorship opportunities, funding for their projects and the chance to network with other young leaders. By shining a spotlight on these young changemakers, PLAY aims to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating a poverty-free future for the Niger Delta and beyond.

The Havids’ efforts, demonstrated through these initiatives, are a testament to the power of innovative, community-driven solutions to poverty. By focusing on education, leadership and sustainable development, The Havids is not only changing the narrative in the Niger Delta but also inspiring others globally to take action.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Pexels

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Rays of Hope Support Initiative: Path to Healthier Lives in Ibadan

Rays of Hope Support InitiativeNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas. Hypertension and diabetes, in particular, have seen a surge in prevalence, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. These conditions often lead to severe health complications, disability and premature death, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

Nigeria’s Silent Health Crisis: Hypertension and Diabetes

More than 20 million Nigerians are living and battling with hypertension silently, while more than 11 million live with diabetes. More than half of those affected by these silent killers are unaware of their health status. Even among those who are aware, many are not taking action. Those trying to seek care are hindered by economic challenges and unable to afford or access health care. As a result, they resign to their fate, waiting for the inevitable.

Nearly 30% of deaths in Nigeria, either at the hospital or at home, stem from NCDs. The nation’s potential brightest contributors are lost to these illnesses. The most vulnerable are hit hardest, as a lack of resources cuts their dreams short.

Rays of Hope Support Initiative

Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) has been operational since 2017. Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. ROHSI is dedicated to combating the rising burden of NCDs in Ibadan and Nigeria, where it has been implementing innovative solutions to address these pressing issues. As an organization working within the NCD health space, ROHSI has focused on empowering vulnerable populations, such as older people, women and children, who are disproportionately affected by NCDs. This involves providing targeted interventions, addressing social determinants of health and ensuring equitable access to health care services.

The ROHSI team, since inception, has been working closely with local health care providers through collaboration and partnerships to ensure that individuals with NCDs, especially hypertension and diabetes, receive appropriate treatment and care. This includes providing access to essential medications and connecting patients with support services. Through its community-based health education initiative, the organization conducts regular health education programs to raise awareness about NCDs, especially hypertension and diabetes, their risk factors and preventive measures.

These sessions are tailored to the specific needs of the community, ensuring that information is accessible and understandable. Furthermore, the ROHSI early detection and screening program allows for timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of severe complications, therefore saving many lives from avoidable deaths.

Impact of Rays of Hope Support Initiative

ROHSI’s efforts have yielded significant results in improving the health and well-being of the community in Ibadan. It has educated more than 10,000 citizens on disease prevention with an emphasis on hypertension and diabetes. The organization has made an impact across three states, reaching more than 5,000 direct beneficiaries through free screenings and medication.

The nonprofit currently has a thriving online community with access to daily, up-to-date health tips. More than 1,500 members are part of its combined Facebook group, with thousands more across other social media platforms, where they access up-to-date information on health-related issues.

Many of ROHSI’s community members have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life as a result of the team interventions, including reduced symptoms, increased energy levels and greater independence.

Final Note

ROHSI has strengthened its community members’ resilience by empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. It has done so through daily health tips and free access to its medical team for guidance on health and wellness issues. The organization has advocated for favorable health policy changes from the Nigerian government and policymakers to address the root causes of NCDs and improve access to health care services in Nigeria. It does this by fostering partnerships and collaborations with like-minded local and international organizations.

– Staff Reports
Photo: ROHSI

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Mental Health in Benin: Challenges and Progress

Mental Health in Benin
Poverty and mental health are deeply intertwined in Benin, where nearly 38.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty exacerbates mental health issues, creating barriers to accessing necessary care. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression disproportionately affect individuals in low-income settings due to stress, lack of support, and stigma. These findings echo broader trends seen in other low- and middle-income countries, as outlined by the World Bank, which identifies the lack of infrastructure as a key impediment to effective mental health interventions.

Challenges in Mental Health Accessibility

Access to mental health services in Benin is limited, with the majority of specialized care facilities located in urban centers like Cotonou and Porto-Novo, leaving rural populations underserved. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country faces critical shortages in mental health professionals, with fewer than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people. Additionally, there are only a handful of psychiatric hospitals, and mental health care is often integrated into general hospitals, which lack the necessary resources and trained personnel. This imbalance between urban and rural health care access is further exacerbated by societal stigma, which discourages individuals from seeking treatment, and the absence of a comprehensive national mental health strategy.

Role of Poverty in Amplifying Mental Health Issues

From a human rights and social justice perspective, this cycle of poverty and poor mental health represents a critical ethical issue. According to the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, “everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”. However, as Paul Farmer notes, the needs of the world’s poor are often overlooked, and the structural inequalities that perpetuate mental health disparities are frequently neglected by global health and foreign policy communities. Addressing these inequalities requires integrating human rights frameworks into public health strategies, emphasizing beneficence, autonomy, and resource equity to empower marginalized populations and break the cycle of poverty and mental illness.

Progress Through Community-Based Interventions

Efforts in Benin such as the “Saint Camille Solution” have made strides in addressing mental health challenges through community-based interventions. These include awareness campaigns, support groups and partnerships with international NGOs for resource mobilization. Such programs highlight the importance of addressing both societal stigma and resource allocation.

Moving Forward: Policy and Investment Needs

While some progress has been made, significant work remains to fully integrate mental health into Benin’s healthcare system. Strengthening the system requires a multifaceted approach, beginning with the training and deployment of specialized mental health professionals across the country, particularly in underserved areas. Existing professionals will need to receive continuous training, supervision, and evaluation to enhance their effectiveness. 

– Olivia Barker

Olivia is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Saving Lives: Tackling Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan AfricaMaternal mortality remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. In regions like Liberia, Sierra Leone and other underserved areas, the lack of resources, trained professionals and access to essential medications means that around 300,000 women die each year from preventable complications of pregnancy.

Life for African Mothers (LFAM), a U.K.-based charity founded 19 years ago, is at the forefront of tackling this crisis. LFAM operates in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, dedicating its resources to saving mothers’ lives by providing vital medications and training health care workers to improve maternal health outcomes. Entirely volunteer-driven, LFAM’s efforts have become a beacon of hope for thousands of women across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Urgency of Maternal Mortality in sub-Saharan Africa

More than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, particularly those from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The number, 300,000, has remained stubbornly high for more than a decade. Despite the affordability of medication, logistical costs and the high number of mothers in need pose significant challenges. Many clinics in rural and underserved regions lack consistent access to misoprostol, significantly increasing the risk of fatal complications during childbirth. This is where LFAM’s intervention becomes crucial.

The LFAM Project: Two-Pronged Approach

The primary goal of LFAM is to reduce maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone. LFAM’s project is built on two key pillars: 

  1. Distribution of vital medication: Since its inception, LFAM has been working to procure and distribute misoprostol to hundreds of health facilities across Liberia, Sierra Leone and other sub-Saharan African countries. By ensuring that each clinic has a consistent supply of this life-saving medication, LFAM addresses one of the biggest barriers to reducing maternal mortality.
  2. Training health care workers: In addition to providing medication, LFAM prioritizes the training of health care workers. This training focuses on the proper administration of misoprostol and Emergency Obstetric Care (EMOC). Through partnerships with local midwives and hospitals, LFAM introduces practices in maternal care that can have a lasting impact on the health system. The goal is not only to provide immediate relief but also to foster self-sufficiency in these clinics, enabling long-term improvements in maternal health care.

LFAM’s project implementation involves a comprehensive and continuous process of reviewing the existing needs of each clinic, supplying misoprostol in bulk and delivering these supplies to hundreds of clinics across the region. Regular monitoring of maternal health outcomes ensures that the program can be adjusted to maximize its impact and expand where necessary. This systematic approach helps LFAM address both the immediate and long-term needs of maternal health facilities across the region.

Saving Lives

LFAM has shipped more than 5 million tablets of misoprostol to sub-Saharan Africa, potentially saving around one million lives. The organization has also educated 1,000 midwives, highlighting its dedication to tackling maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The primary beneficiaries of LFAM’s work are women in rural and underserved areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where access to emergency maternal care is limited or nonexistent.

These women, especially those at risk of life-threatening complications, are often miles from the nearest health care facility. LFAM aims to reach approximately 10,000 mothers annually by working with local clinics to ensure that even the most remote areas receive the necessary supplies and support. This strategy addresses the geographic and socioeconomic disparities that make maternal health care inaccessible for so many women in the region.

Saving mothers’ lives enriches communities and encourages prosperity in the most impoverished countries. Poverty and maternal death rates are inextricably linked. When a mother survives childbirth, she can care for her newborn and contribute to the social and economic fabric of her community. LFAM’s work is helping ensure that more women survive to fulfill this role.

Lasting Solutions

LFAM’s model is designed with sustainability in mind. By investing in training local health care professionals and partnering with governments, the organization is helping to create a system that can continue to function even after LFAM’s direct involvement ends. This long-term approach ensures that the improvements in maternal health care are not temporary but instead form the foundation for a healthier future.

LFAM’s mission is clear: to prevent unnecessary maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this work is only possible with the continued support of donors and partners. Every pound invested in LFAM’s projects helps save lives, empower communities and improve health care systems in some of the world’s most underserved regions. With donor support, LFAM continues to contribute to a brighter and healthier future for thousands of mothers and their families, forging a path toward a world where no mother dies from preventable causes during childbirth.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr

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The Almanah Hope Foundation: Supporting African Widows

The Almanah Hope FoundationAfrican widows face significant challenges, grappling with discrimination and disinheritance. Despite their resilience and determination, widows are often excluded, marginalized and disenfranchised as they struggle to make ends meet and find their place in society.

“For many women, becoming a widow does not just mean the heartache of losing a husband, but often losing everything else as well,” stated Cherri Blair. Governments implementing policies within these areas are key to building sustainable and universal empowerment of African Widows.

Challenges Faced by African Widows

The myriad of challenges that threaten African widows’ very survival include:

  1. Extreme Poverty: In many patriarchal societies, women are often viewed as second-class citizens and widowhood can reduce their social status further. Without access to socioeconomic support from the government, many widows are forced to live in poverty. This hardship extends to their children. Furthermore, this perpetuates a cycle of generational poverty that, for many, has become almost synonymous with widowhood in Africa.
  2. Social Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural norms frequently lead communities to shun widows, sometimes accusing them of being cursed or even blaming them for their husband’s death. These beliefs sustain widowhood as a shameful status, resulting in ostracism and marginalization. This stigma can extend into religious and social communities, leading to isolation and disconnection from family, friends and community support.
  3. Emotional Trauma: The cultural portrayal of widowhood as “accursed” exposes widows to lasting grief, loneliness and mental health challenges exacerbated by inadequate support systems. The loss of a spouse, coupled with the new responsibility of being the head of the family, often intensifies emotional struggles. Widows may face an overwhelming mix of fear, shame and pain. Unfortunately, this frequently leads to suicidal thoughts, especially when they lack access to counseling or support services.
  4. Legal Vulnerabilities: Inheritance rights disputes, property conflicts and restricted access to justice are common challenges often seen as a norm. African Widows are frequently denied their rightful inheritance. Their property and assets are seized by their husbands’ families or other relatives. With little or no legal protection, many widows are left with no safety net. They are exposed to further vulnerability, exploitation and abuse.

The Almanah Hope Foundation

The Almanah Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Nigeria, stands as a beacon of light to African widows by bridging the gap between the “cold sweat of stigmatization and the hot flashes of economic hardship” widows in Africa encounter. The organization has implemented a multifaceted approach to address these complex issues: 

  1. Radio Program: “A Widow’s Window”: “A Widow’s Window” is Nigeria’s first family radio talk show dedicated to widowhood. It offers widows a powerful platform to share their experiences and reclaim their voices. Beyond mentoring and empowering widows, the show has helped many reclaim their assets through the exposure it provides. It has also inspired similar radio initiatives across Nigeria and Africa, empowering communities to address widowhood more openly.
  2. Nigeria Widows Protection Bill: Recognizing the lack of legal protections specifically addressing widows’ social needs, the foundation prepared and submitted a bill to the House of Representatives in 2020. This proposed Act aims to eliminate all forms of repressive cultural practices against widows and safeguard their human rights. The 9th House of Representatives passed the bill, forwarding it to the Senate for concurrence in February 2023.
  3. Nigeria Widows Database: One fundamental challenge in distributing COVID-19 palliative measures in Nigeria has been the lack of a comprehensive database, including one specifically for widows. This absence of verified data led to significant issues, such as identity falsification, resource diversion, duplication and wastage of limited resources. It also caused double and rushed registration processes, a shortage of relief materials, inefficient planning and flawed policy implementation. As a result, a considerable number of widows were excluded from receiving critical support during the pandemic. In response, the Almanah Hope Foundation launched the Nigerian Widows Database, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. This initiative created the first indigenous baseline database for widows. Indeed, more than 30,000 widows registered to date and this continues to grow.
  4. Inter-Secondary School Gender-Based Violence Education Competition: In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, the organization established an annual inter-secondary school program that educates students on gender-based violence (GBV) and its impacts. Since its inception in 2017, more than 200 public secondary schools have participated. The program produced the book “Message to the Youth,” which explores the causes and effects of GBV. More than 1,000 copies have been distributed to participants in Anambra and Lagos states.
  5. The African Widows Summit (TAWS): Furthermore, the organization has established the African Widows Growth and Development Initiative (AWGaDi) to address the shared challenges African widows face. This initiative organizes continental summits, including the TAWS, an annual high-profile conference bringing together African stakeholders, leaders and widows. TAWS aims to provide political leadership and guidance to the African Union and its member states on widowhood issues. Furthermore, the organization seeks to influence policies and actions that protect and empower widows across the continent.

These initiatives, among others, demonstrate the Almanah Hope Foundation’s commitment to supporting widows in Africa.

Summary

Widows in Africa continue to face significant challenges, including a lack of economic opportunities, marginalization and stigmatization. However, the Almanah Hope Foundation addresses these issues through various initiatives, including a radio program and an annual African widows’ summit. These programs raise awareness of the obstacles African widows encounter and empower them to advocate for their rights and well-being.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr