Dr. Guerda Nicolas

Beludji Narcisse, Research Associate for the Partnership, shares his experience with housing instability as a young, Haitian refugee in America. "As immigrants, we are expected by society to walk a fine line between integrating into the American workforce and striving for ourselves. This fine line is portrayed as a matter of human dignity in our economic system, yet those who were not fortunate enough to enter legally cannot walk it. Better policies are needed to ensure that immigrant communities thrive and can fully participate in the American economy." Visit our blog to read his story: https://bit.ly/3z3djKp #HereForHousing #HousingStability #AffordableHousingCT

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Yesterday, I connected with our friends at News Central TV to discuss the care gap in Africa and the need to address this gap for gender, social, and economic progress. Care work powers all work, yet care work is not recognized as an economic activity of value. Women and men do 16.4 billion hours of unpaid care work every single day. Around 76% of this is undertaken by women, with 606 million women of working age performing unpaid care on a full-time basis. The invisibility of care work in the formal economy has led to it acting as a hidden subsidy to the market economy. A staggering sixty-five per cent of women’s working hours are unpaid every week and excluded from official measures of economic activity. This time and income poverty bears serious consequences to women’s health, economic, and political power, as well as repercussions to healthy masculinity and men’s wellbeing. Closing the care gap will require redistribution of care work to men, markets, government, and institutions. It will require recognizing the value of care, and shifting cultural narratives and norms around girls and women solely responsible for this work. It is also time for our GDP to count and capture evidence from all types of economic activities - both paid and unpaid. I talk about this and more on the JASIRI show on News Central TV. We discuss the need for men to step into care, and how care work performed by women fuels resentment towards men and society. https://lnkd.in/dYDkH5Vk

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🤷🤔The Disparity Between Discussion and Action: A Critical Examination of Disability Inclusion in Development👀 The panel discussion at #GHPC24 on health equity and strengthening primary healthcare left me reflecting deeply on the discussions surrounding disability inclusion in development. The discussion surrounding disability inclusion in development has gained traction, yet a significant gap remains between words and reality. While development partners declare #disability inclusion to be a fundamental #humanright, their commitments often lack clarity and effective implementation. This raises concerns about whether these statements are merely for show, distracting from deeper systemic issues such as poverty and discrimination. Barriers like funding shortages and inadequate understanding hinder disability inclusion. Development partners should create effective policies, engage with Disabled Persons Organizations, invest in training, and ensure accountability to promote equity and justice for individuals with disabilities. 🌍🤝 Sightsavers #DisabilityInclusion #Development #Equity #SocialJustice

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In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Women in Health Leadership Project aims to drive organizational change in Kenya's health sector by examining how policies, leadership, culture, and structure either constrain or promote the career advancement of women from mid-to-senior leadership positions and implementing advocacy efforts to address these challenges. We’re excited to share the quantitative findings from our project, which aims to break down barriers for women in health leadership roles across Kenya. Our data covers 4,030 respondents across public, private, and NGO sectors, shedding light on the following key insights: 1. Workforce Demographics: Women dominate the workforce but are underrepresented in leadership roles. 2. Organizational Policies: While equitable pay is improving, there’s still a need for greater transparency in promotions and more flexible work schedules. 3. Organizational Culture: Men and women receive equal treatment in most sectors, but the private sector still exhibits a strong “boy’s club” mentality. 4. Leadership Opportunities: Leadership positions are accessible, but many women report missing out on advanced training and career advancement. 5. Gender Equity: Both men and women should be held accountable for promoting gender equity, and men must be part of the solution. 6. Our findings provide a pathway for actionable changes in leadership, policy, and culture to foster gender equity. Together with the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF), we will be in Central Kenya this week, sharing our full insights with the different stakeholders. Join our WhatsApp community (https://bit.ly/3UkXNkz ) for the conversation on driving systemic change in Kenya's healthcare sector! #WomenInLeadership #WomenInHealthcare #DevelopingGreatAfricanLeaders Angela Ndunge Dr Ben Ngoye Benson Mutuku Nancy Ndirangu Kibunja Ida Norheim-Hagtun Charity Kamau

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As a member of the World Health Organization Civil Society Commission, an accredited non-State actor of the World Health Organization African Region Committee, and a member of the WHO Implementing Best Practices #IBP Network, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa and I, were pleased to participate in and applaud the launch of the Networks of Care for Maternal and Newborn Health WHO's Implementation Guidance today. Networks of Care (NoC) are an innovative approach to strengthening primary care and maternal and newborn health services, focusing on cultivating relationships among health system stakeholders and enhancing relational elements such as multidisciplinary teamwork, leadership, and communication. These networks exist in diverse contexts, with existing studies demonstrating their effectiveness in improving quality of care and clinical outcomes for mothers and newborns. This first implementation guidance on Networks of Care for Maternal and Newborn Health provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the structural and relational elements that compose these networks and presents an overview of the evidence supporting their efficacy, through offering practical examples for establishing NoC’s, addressing critical financing, and outlining considerations for sustaining these networks over time. Additionally, it identifies development areas for future research to further advance the field. #WBFA recognises that empowered and educated patients are essential to a population’s good health and wellbeing outcomes, therefore the foundation is committed to the NoCs approach as a promising pathway to enhancing primary health care, which is vital for delivering 90% of universal health care services. By promoting strong linkages between community and hospital settings, Networks of Care not only foster collaborative management but also ensure the continuity of care for mothers and newborns. As we move forward, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and I will actively engage in implementing these strategies to improve quality of care and outcomes, ensuring that every woman and newborn receives the compassionate, person-centred care they deserve. #WellbeingForAll  #PartnershipsForChange #NetworksofCare #MNCH

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#EquityAfia is a leading healthcare provider in East Africa, offering accessible and affordable outpatient services across Kenya. Founded in 2015, they've grown to 102 clinics, strategically located to serve underserved communities. Equity Afia prioritizes quality and affordability, making #healthcare a reality for more Kenyans. Here's what sets them apart: 🌍Reaching underserved communities: Equity Afia clinics are conveniently located in urban, peri-urban, and even remote areas. ▶️Comprehensive services: They offer general consultations, pediatrics, dentistry, eye care, family planning, and more. 🧑‍⚕️24/7 operations: Select clinics are open around the clock for added convenience. ▶️Focus on affordability: Equity Afia offers competitive pricing and accepts various payment methods. 🌍Expansion plans: They aim to have 1000 clinics across East and Central Africa by 2030. Equity Bank Limited EquityBCDC

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Willgive Hearts Africa Foundation Uganda, is a dedicated organization committed to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Uganda. At the heart of our mission is a profound belief in the power of education, particularly for a girl child. Educating a girl child is not just an act of empowerment but a strategic investment in the future of our communities. It is said, “When you educate a girl, you educate a nation,” and this is the ethos that drives our efforts. Why Educate a Girl Child? 👉Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Education equips girls with the knowledge and skills to secure better job opportunities, raising them and their families out of poverty. Healthier Families: Educated girls are more likely to make informed health choices, leading to healthier families and reduced child mortality rates. 👉Community Development: When girls are educated, they become catalysts for positive change, contributing to economic growth and community development. Willgive Hearts Africa Foundation’s Role As a legitimate and compassionate organization, we strive to: 🌟Provide access to quality education for girl children, especially those who are orphans, HIV-positive, or abandoned. 🌟Create a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn and grow without fear. Foster community engagement to support and encourage the education of every girl child. The Impact of Your Support Your support can help us: Build and maintain educational facilities tailored to the needs of girl children. Supply essential learning materials and resources. Offer scholarships and financial aid to ensure uninterrupted education. ✍️Conclusion “Train up a child in the way she should go, and when she is old, she will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6. By supporting the education of a girl child, you are not just shaping an individual life but molding a community’s future. #donate a pair of sanitary pads 👇 https://lnkd.in/d6NSph-p #visitourhomeofhope #girlsgeneration #girleducation

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Our Annual Report 2023

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As we concluded a productive day at the Learning Exchange, we had the privilege of hearing from Titus Mumia, Director of Health Administration, planning and administration in Kakamega County, who presented on the Facility Improvement Financing (FIF) initiative and its significant impact on healthcare funding for Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) procurement at the county and health facility levels. Titus highlighted that the Act defines the processes for revenue collection and the distribution of funds between county and national governments. Kakamega County, home to 193 public health facilities—including 19 Level 4 and 5 hospitals—relies heavily on both national government allocations (57.2% of its monthly revenue) and cash collections (42.8%). He noted that the county’s budget allocation for healthcare last year stood at KES 3 billion, with a projection of KES 3.5 billion for the current financial year. Despite this, insufficient funding remains a pressing challenge, particularly when it comes to procurement processes for essential health products. There is a need to arrange separate discussions addressing the difficulties counties face in receiving the appropriated health funds from the national government. These steps are crucial in enhancing the efficiency of health procurement processes at the county level and ensuring timely access to essential health products for all communities. #HealthProcurementAfrica #LearningExchange #FIF #HealthcareFinancing #PublicHealth #KEMSA #CountyHealth #ProcurementTransformation #Kakamega

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🎤 Reimagining Family Planning Access: A Path to Safe Motherhood and National Development It was an honor to present at the National Safe Motherhood Conference, where I shared insights on Uganda’s journey to integrating Family Planning (FP) into the broader health and development agenda. As Uganda works toward Vision 2040, we must elevate FP as a cornerstone for achieving safe motherhood, improving public health outcomes, and driving national development. While we've made progress—such as reducing maternal and infant mortality—significant challenges persist, including high fertility rates and unmet FP needs. I emphasized transformative strategies, including strengthening community health systems, leveraging digital solutions, and fostering private sector partnerships. Innovative approaches like self-care, telemedicine, and online pharmacies are game-changers in ensuring women and families, even in the most underserved areas, have access to essential FP services. FP isn't just about health; it's about building human capital, advancing gender equity, and securing Uganda’s sustainable development. Together, we can reimagine FP access and achieve safe motherhood for every woman. See highlights in the video. #SafeMotherhood #FamilyPlanning #PSIUganda #Vision2040 #HealthInnovation Population Services International Population Services International Uganda Susan Mpanga Mukasa Farai Chieza Jennifer Pope (she/her)

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In 2023, the Seizure Support Foundation (SSF) conducted a comprehensive root cause analysis on the educational exclusion faced by these children, crafting a Theory of Change (ToC) aimed at transforming their educational experiences. This article explores the crux of SSF’s findings, focusing on how evidence-based interventions, financial support, and inclusive practices can dismantle barriers and pave the way for these children to thrive in educational systems. Read more... https://lnkd.in/deYTnr-e

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🎭🌍 Proud to share the impactful play I directed at Young African Leadership Initiative program, focusing on the critical issue of maternal mortality. This performance aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by mothers and how we can work together to save lives. Maternal mortality remains a significant concern, but we can make a difference. Here’s how we can help mitigate or stop it: Access to Quality Healthcare: Ensure that all women have access to skilled healthcare professionals during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Education and Awareness: Educate communities about the importance of maternal health and the available resources to support expecting mothers. Improving Nutrition: Provide adequate nutrition to pregnant women to reduce health complications. Family Planning Services: Offer comprehensive family planning services to help women plan and space their pregnancies, reducing health risks. Emergency Obstetric Care: Establish emergency care services to handle complications during childbirth promptly. Government and Community Support: Advocate for policies that prioritize maternal health and involve community leaders in promoting safe motherhood practices. Let’s work together to create a safer world for mothers and their babies. Your support and awareness can make a significant impact! 💪💖 #KambieFoundation #YALI #EndMaternalMortality #HealthcareForAll #SafeMotherhood #CommunitySupport #MaternalHealth

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GBV in Kenya: Actionable Gaps to Address..... The PMA Agile Women's Survey has uncovered persistent challenges in combating GBV: 📊 Survivors often hesitate to seek help due to stigma and lack of trust in services. 💡 Access to survivor-centred healthcare, justice, and support remains limited. As part of the #16DaysOfActivism, we call on stakeholders to: ✅ Invest in survivor-friendly healthcare & justice systems. ✅ Break down societal norms that perpetuate silence. ✅ Foster inclusive, supportive communities for survivors. Join us in building a Kenya where women and girls can thrive, free from violence. #EndGBV #GenderEquity, #SDG5, #PMAAgile #EvidencetoAction Michele Decker, Peter Gichangi, Anaise Williams Mary Thiongo Regina Mwatha Shannon N. Wood, PhD, MSc, Judy Ngina Grace Wamue-Ngare Mercy Kamau-BSc,MPH,PHD(c) Salma Tayel, MSPH

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Income and Education levels Affect C-Section Rates in Africa. Access to CS isn’t equal across all populations, and these disparities raise important questions about equity in maternal healthcare. How does Income and Education status affect CS rates? ➡️ Research in Ethiopia found that women with higher education levels were almost twice as likely to undergo a CS compared to those with no or primary education. ➡️ Similarly, wealthier women, especially those delivering in private hospitals, were more likely to have a CS than poorer women in public institutions. The interesting thing is, among the poorest 20% of the population, CS rates were less than 2% in many African countries. In some areas, less than 1% of women in the poorest 80% of populations had access to CS. This disparity shows that wealthier, urban women often have better access to necessary medical care compared to their rural or lower-income counterparts. Key take away: Addressing these inequalities is crucial for improving access to maternal healthcare for all women, regardless of their income or educational background. Winnie!

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Using SASA approach to co-create Gender sensitive solutions has enhanced impact and community ownership in transforming social norms and beliefs that have contributed to Gender based violence among refugees and host communities in Rwanda. SASA phases are Start, Awareness, Support and Action. It is a Gender transformative approach that addresses the root causes of Gender inequalities. #AlightRwanda

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