Toyin Saraki’s Post

We’re thrilled to share that the recent introductory meeting and working session between EYElliance, the Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Program, and Community Health Directorate in Côte d’Ivoire was a huge success. This dedicated team is kicking off a pilot to demonstrate that Community Health Workers (CHWs) can effectively deliver eye care services, including vision screenings and reading glasses distribution. This is an essential step toward advocating for integration of these services into the CHWs' Minimum Package of Activities, a critical step toward achieving national scale. 🔑Why This Matters: ✴️ Presbyopia affects 30.58% of adults aged 40+, or 5.4 million people in Côte d'Ivoire. ✴️ Eyeglasses are one of the most cost-effective health interventions, enabling people to regain clear vision and improve their quality of life instantly. ✴️ For many individuals in rural areas, this is their first-ever access to vision care, transforming livelihoods by helping them stay productive and engaged in community life. ✴️ The pilot will lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable access to eyeglasses, demonstrating that CHWs can bridge the gap between underserved communities and critical eye care services. ✴️ Integrating eyeglass distribution into routine CHW services will also create a strong referral network for more complex eye conditions, ensuring that more serious issues can be treated at higher levels of the health system. 📅Pilot Plan: ✴️ The Ministry of Health at the National and Sub-National level will lead implementation of a campaign-style approach, starting with training CHWs, followed by service provision to pre-mobilized communities in Korhogo 1 Health District. ✴️ 42,000+ adults aged 40+ will be screened, and ±12,000+ reading glasses will be distributed, based on prevalence estimates. ✴️ 330 community actors, including 146 CHWs, will lead the effort, alongside 184 town criers for community mobilization. This pilot is not just about proving that CHWs can deliver vision screenings and reading glasses, but also setting the stage for national integration of these services into routine community health services. Together, we're working to ensure eye care becomes an integral part of the services CHWs provide across Côte d’Ivoire. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dPhxNThV #GlassesChangeLives #CommunityHealthWorkers #PresbyopiaCare #CoteDIvoire #EyeglassAccess #CHW

Together with Uganda’s Ministry of Health and other implementing partners, we are honoured to host a delegation from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health, Population Services International/Ethiopia (PSI/E), Ethiopia Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE), for an insightful learning exchange visit focused on self-care interventions in family planning! 🌍 This exchange visit is a unique opportunity to share Uganda’s experiences and innovations, particularly the policies and implementation guidelines that have driven the introduction and scale-up of self-care interventions in family planning. The discussions are enriched by esteemed Ministry of Health officials, including Dr Charles Olaro, Director General at the Ministry of Health; Dr Martha Ajulong, Commissioner of Pharmacy; and Dr Roseline Achola, Technical Specialist for Self-Care. 💡 Key topics being explored during this visit include: ✔️ The structured processes, roles, and responsibilities, which facilitated the scale-up, including the Ministry’s collaboration with partners. ✔️ Lessons learned, best practices, and the critical resources required for success. ✔️ Revisions and adoption of monitoring and evaluation tools, particularly the HMIS, with a focus on self-injection contraceptives. These exchanges are vital for fostering cross-country collaboration and knowledge-sharing, helping to strengthen health systems and improve service delivery across Africa. By learning from one another’s experiences, we can advance innovative solutions that empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and wellbeing. We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration to ensure the success of self-care initiatives in both Uganda and Ethiopia. Together, we are building stronger, more sustainable health systems for our continent. #HealthSystemsStrengthening #SelfCareInnovation #KnowledgeSharing #CollaborationForImpact

"How to move the agenda from just the policy at the centre to real outcomes in terms of saving lives; women not dying, children not dying?" Dr. Ufuoma Festus Omo-Obi Find out more about the key insights that emerged at our event on how to harness multi-stakeholder approaches to strengthen #PHC delivery and accountability in Nigeria with the Nigeria UHC Forum and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in this Daily Trust Newspaper article. #HealthForAll

Nigeria continues it's quest to achieve universal health coverage through the implementation of the national self-care guidelines. The JSI team is proud to continue to move this agenda forward in Nigeria. The government of Kaduna state joins the national movement to.embrace access to self-care services. Resolutions from this stakeholder convening included: 1. Adoption or adaptation of the National Guidelines on Self-Care for SRMH in Kaduna state 2. State advocacy to key stakeholders (LGA heads, religious leaders, traditional Leaders and H Health Secretaries. 3. Development of a work plan to implement some early adoption activities pending the adaptation of the NSG 4. Sharing information about self-care to health providers in the health facilities across the 23 LGAs 5. Integration of self-care into the existing RMNCAEH+N TWG. 6. Development of an M&E plan. (This will happen during the Adoption or adaptation) JSI Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) @federalministryofh

Today, on National Children's Day, we celebrate the joy and potential that every child brings into the world. It's also a day to reflect on the importance of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, resilient, and able to achieve their dreams. In South Africa, countless children face barriers to accessing healthcare, limiting their potential from an early age. Access to quality healthcare isn’t just a service—it's a basic human right. Every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves to grow up with a foundation of good health and wellness. As we commemorate National Children's Day, let’s commit to building a future where children’s health is a priority. Let’s advocate, innovate, and work together to ensure that healthcare systems serve all children equally and inclusively. We owe it to them, and we owe it to the future of South Africa. Together, let’s make a difference.

Politics and Child Health and Wellbeing data (including MNH) - do they go together? Come hear what we learned from the Western Cape South Africa, Ghana, and India on this dynamic webinar tomorrow at 2pm CET hosted by CAP2030. Learn more & register https://lnkd.in/eXup9Ktc

In Côte d’Ivoire, community health workers (CHWs) play an essential role in providing primary healthcare services, educating and mobilizing communities to practice healthy behaviors, and collecting community-level data—especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Investing in scaling up CHW programming is key to advancing universal health coverage in Côte d’Ivoire. Our PROPEL Health team in Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with the Directorate of Community Health & Health Promotion, conducted a situational analysis to provide the Government of Côte d’Ivoire with information that will allow for greater domestic ownership over CHW management and financing. The analysis reveals significant financing gaps and other challenges facing Côte d’Ivoire’s community health system and provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the government’s support to CHWs. Key recommendations include: ✳ Increase CHW payment to the national minimum wage, and pay CHWs with domestic resources ✳ Adopt a legal status for CHWs ✳ Improve the geographical distribution of CHWs based on demographic and epidemiological data, including data on the impacts of climate change ✳ Improve the coordination of community activities To learn more about the importance of investing in CHWs, read the report in full: https://lnkd.in/egEFYQGi

June Is Parenting Month 🤱 Happy Parenting Month! ✨ This month, we celebrate the joys and challenges of parenthood. As parents, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing our children's #growth, #happiness, and #wellbeing. But what about the healthcare system that supports them? The #NairobiActuateSummit, happening December 3rd to 6th, 2024, brings together leading minds in #healthcare, #technology, and #finance to shape a brighter future for #healthcare in Africa. This future directly impacts the health of our children. Here's how the summit can benefit you and your family: ✅ Improved Healthcare Systems: The summit explores ways to enhance access to quality healthcare, ensuring your children receive the best possible care. ✅Focus on Preventative Care: Discussions on disease management and early diagnosis can help us identify and address potential health issues before they become serious. ✅ Telehealth and Remote Care: The summit explores innovative solutions like telehealth that could provide greater healthcare accessibility in remote areas. ✅ Building a Healthier Africa: A stronger healthcare system benefits everyone. By attending the Nairobi Actuate Summit, you can: -Learn about advancements that can improve your children's healthcare journey. -Gain insights from leading experts. -Become an advocate for a healthier future for all children in Africa. This #ParentingMonth, let's not only celebrate our children, but also take action to ensure they have access to the best possible healthcare. Visit our website at www.actuate.bio to learn more and register for the summit! #NairobiActuateSummit #ParentingMonth #HealthcareForAll #ActuateBiomedicine Macharia Waruingi Fridah Butale Susan Njuguna Barbrah Shiundu Maxwell Barasa Augustine Narokwe Aarone Kiprotich Linda Ondicho Dolphine Akinyi Diana Amondi Grace Ngari Glory Mwathani

📅 20 Days Until the Nigeria Family Planning Conference! The countdown is on! In just 20 days, leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and advocates will come together for the Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024. This year’s theme, “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning within the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative; Advancing Progress Toward Achieving FP2030 Goals,” highlights the urgent need to strengthen family planning services across Nigeria. Family planning is a vital piece of Nigeria’s path toward better health and sustainable development. Together, we can tackle key challenges like funding gaps, social barriers, and the need for wider community engagement. Our discussions and partnerships will focus on driving solutions that make reproductive health services accessible and empowering for all. Why It Matters: • Reduces maternal mortality and supports healthier families. • Empowers women and young people with the knowledge to make informed health choices. • Contributes to economic growth by improving health outcomes. 💡 Let’s join forces to advance family planning initiatives and stay on track with FP2030 goals! Whether you’re a government official, healthcare provider, NGO, or community leader, your voice and actions are crucial. Let’s ensure #FamilyPlanningNigeria moves forward! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for insights and updates from the conference. Together, we can make a difference for Nigeria’s future! SIGN UP NOW: https://lnkd.in/d7jQ4icZ #NigeriaFamilyPlanningConference #FP2030 #HealthSectorRenewal #FamilyPlanning #ReproductiveHealth #SustainableDevelopment #NigeriaHealth #PublicHealth #CommunityEngagement

🌟 Connecting Communities for Education: Building Healthier Communities   In our latest series of Guyana Team Meetings on the GALE platform, we delved into critical topics impacting rural health and education. Here's a recap of our last three empowering sessions:   🧠 #MentalHealth: Our discussion illuminated the importance of mental well-being, contrasted the difference between mental health and mental illnesses, fostered understanding, and provided resources for mental health support.   💊 Chronic Illness & Diabetes: We addressed the challenges of chronic conditions like diabetes, equipping CHWs with knowledge to guide community members towards healthier lifestyles and effective management.   🥗 Nutrition & Obesity: Exploring the nexus of nutrition and health, we shared insights to combat obesity and promote better dietary habits, laying the groundwork for healthier futures.   These meetings exemplified the power of the GALE platform in fostering education and collaboration beyond telemedicine, creating networks of support and empowerment across Guyana's remote hinterland communities.    A special thanks to our guest speakers and partners who joined us to provide this education to CHWs across #Guyana. Together, we increase access to knowledge and foster healthier communities!   #Telemedicine #Telehealth #eClinics #GlobalHealth #GlobalHealthcare #RuralHealthcare #RemoteHealthcare #VillageHealthcare #CommunityHealthWorker #ConnectedCommunities #HealthcareEducation #CommunityEmpowerment #EducationForAll #ChronicIllness #DiabetesAwareness #NutritionEducation