April 2025

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON EQUAL ACCESS: ENSURING IMMUNIZATION FOR ALL GIRLS

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

In many parts of the world, a girl’s chance of survival and health is determined not by her strength or potential, but by her gender. This stark reality is especially evident in the realm of immunization. Despite vaccines being one of the most effective tools in preventing childhood diseases, girls in underserved communities often face significant barriers to accessing them.

The Gender Gap in Immunization

Gender inequality profoundly impacts immunization rates. Studies have shown that in countries with high gender inequality, children are more likely to miss essential vaccinations. Specifically, higher gender inequality correlates with a greater proportion of children who have not received any doses of the DTP vaccine, a critical immunization for preventing diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. (Why does gender matter for immunization? – PMC – PubMed Central, The Association between Childhood Immunization and Gender …)

In Nigeria, cultural norms and limited decision-making power among women contribute to lower immunization rates for their children. Women often lack the autonomy to make healthcare decisions, leading to missed vaccination opportunities for their daughters.

Empowering Women to Protect Their Children

Empowering women is key to improving immunization coverage. When women have greater autonomy and decision-making capabilities, they are more likely to ensure their children receive necessary vaccinations.

Initiatives that focus on gender equity, such as involving women in healthcare delivery and decision-making processes, have shown success. For example, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) partnered with the Primary Healthcare Centre in Angwan Guragu, Karonmajiji to conduct a comprehensive program that included awareness sessions, immunization, and vaccination services aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of this population comprehensively, with a focus on prevention, education, and empowerment.

The Role of Community and Policy

Addressing gender disparities in immunization requires a multifaceted approach. Community engagement, education, and policy changes are essential. In Nigeria, efforts are being made to integrate gender considerations into immunization strategies. By recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls, these strategies aim to improve immunization coverage and health outcomes.

Conclusion

Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and protected from preventable diseases. By addressing gender inequalities and empowering women, we can ensure that all children, regardless of gender, have equal access to life-saving vaccines.

 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

References

  1. Current Trends of Immunization in Nigeria: Prospect and Challenges (Current Trends of Immunization in Nigeria: Prospect and Challenges)
  2. Nigeria Immunization Schedule – UNICEF (Nigeria Immunization Schedule – Unicef)
  3. Centre for Family Health Initiative – Vaccines (vaccines – Centre for Family Health Initiative)
  4. Breaking barriers, building bridges: the collaborative effort to reach every child in Nigeria – WHO (Breaking barriers, building bridges: the collaborative effort to reach …)

#SpeakWednesday #EqualAccess #ImmunizationForAll #GirlsHealth #GenderEquality #VaccinesWork #EndGenderBias #HealthForAll

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON EQUAL ACCESS: ENSURING IMMUNIZATION FOR ALL GIRLS Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON STRATEGIES FOR REPORTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

Leave a Comment / Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality /

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a grave violation of human rights that predominantly affects women and girls. Reporting GBV is crucial for obtaining justice, support, and protection. However, many survivors are often unsure about how to report their experiences or which authorities to approach. This lack of knowledge can hinder access to necessary resources and justice. Understanding the various strategies and resources available for reporting GBV in Nigeria is essential for empowering survivors and ensuring they receive the support they need.

Key Reporting Channels and Resources

Legal Assistance

  • Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP): This law provides a legal framework for addressing various forms of GBV. Survivors should seek legal assistance to understand their rights under the VAPP Act.
  • NAPTIP (National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons): NAPTIP provides legal and rehabilitative support for survivors of human trafficking and GBV. They have a dedicated helpline (0703 0000 203) for reporting incidents.

Authorities in Charge

  • Nigerian Police Force: Survivors can report GBV incidents to the nearest police station. The police are obligated to investigate and provide protection to survivors. Specialized units, such as the Gender Desk in police stations, are trained to handle GBV cases sensitively.
  • Ministry of Women Affairs: This ministry is crucial in coordinating responses to GBV and supporting survivors. It collaborates with various national and international partners to improve reporting mechanisms and survivor support services.

Helplines and Emergency Services

  • National GBV Helpline: The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, supported by the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, has established the ReportGBV.ng platform. This includes a 24/7 helpline (0800 3333 3333) where survivors can report incidents and receive immediate support.
  • Emergency Services: In urgent situations, survivors should contact local police or emergency medical services. It’s crucial to have emergency contacts readily available.

Supportive Organizations

  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Numerous NGOs offer legal aid and advocacy for women and girls facing violence. They also conduct awareness programs to educate the public about GBV and its impact. Survivors can approach these organizations for help navigating the legal system, understanding their rights, counselling, and legal assistance.
  • Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) is committed to promoting health and protecting the well-being of families. Through initiatives like “Speak Wednesday,” CFHI addresses issues around gender-based violence and gender bias, providing educational content and support for survivors. The organization has actively assisted victims when necessary, offering counselling and advocacy services to help them navigate their experiences and access justice.

Reporting GBV is essential for accessing justice and support. Survivors in Nigeria have various channels and resources available, from helplines and legal assistance to supportive organizations and online platforms. By leveraging these resources and addressing the barriers to reporting, we can create a safer environment for all and work towards eradicating GBV.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GBV #StopGBV #ReportGBV #GirlsRights #WomenRights #GenderEquality #GenderBias

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON STRATEGIES FOR REPORTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: A HEALTH IMPERATIVE

Leave a Comment / Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, WHO /

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is not merely a social injustice; it is a profound public health crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence, or both.

The Health Consequences of GBV

The repercussions of GBV extend far beyond immediate physical injuries. Survivors often face long-term health issues, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and sexually transmitted infections. Mental health is also severely impacted, with increased risks of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal tendencies. WHO emphasizes that GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health, including injury, unintended pregnancy, pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even death.

GBV as a Barrier to Gender Equality

GBV perpetuates gender inequalities, hindering women’s and girls’ access to education, economic opportunities, and political participation. It reinforces societal norms that devalue females, creating an environment where discrimination and violence are tolerated.

The Role of the Health Sector

Healthcare providers are often the first point of contact for survivors. Therefore, the health sector plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting victims. This includes providing medical care, psychological support, and referrals to legal and social services. Training healthcare workers to recognize signs of abuse and respond appropriately is essential.

Policy and Legal Frameworks

Furthermore, robust legal frameworks are vital in combating GBV. Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act is a step in the right direction, but effective implementation and enforcement are critical. Policies must be backed by adequate resources and political will to ensure survivors receive justice and perpetrators are held accountable.

Conclusion

GBV is a multifaceted issue that demands a comprehensive response. Recognizing it as a health imperative underscores the urgency of coordinated action across sectors. Community leaders, educators, and religious institutions must be involved in challenging harmful gender norms and promoting respectful relationships. Educational programs that focus on gender equality and non-violent conflict resolution can foster a culture of respect and safety.

By prioritizing survivor-centred care, engaging communities, and strengthening legal systems, we can move towards a society where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GBV #GenderBasedViolence #EndGBV #ViolenceAgainstWomen #DomesticViolence #EqualityForAll #GenderEquality #GenderBias

 

References:

  1. World Health Organization. “Violence against women.” WHO
  2. World Health Organization. “Gender-based violence is a public health issue.” WHO
  3. World Health Organization. “Strengthening health sector response to violence against women.” WHO
  4. International IDEA. “Funding and Oversight for VAPP Implementation.” International IDEA

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: A HEALTH IMPERATIVE Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON THE ROLE OF IMMUNIZATION IN PROTECTING PREGNANT WOMEN

Leave a Comment / Monday Health Burst, WHO /

Immunization plays a critical role in safeguarding the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. During pregnancy, physiological changes in a woman’s immune system make her more vulnerable to certain infections, which can result in serious health complications for both mother and child. Vaccines provide a proven, effective line of defense by preventing these diseases and promoting safer pregnancies and deliveries1.

Beyond protecting the mother, immunization offers a crucial benefit to the unborn baby. Antibodies produced by the mother in response to vaccines are passed on to the fetus, offering early-life protection until the baby is old enough to receive their own vaccinations. This is especially important for diseases like tetanus, influenza, and pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening for newborns2.

As part of its commitment to improving maternal and child health, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has consistently championed immunization through community-based efforts. In 2022, CFHI marked World Immunization Week by partnering with the Idu Primary Health Care facility to provide vaccines to over 30 children in the Angwan Shahu community of Karimo, Abuja. This outreach was a direct response to barriers such as overcrowded health centers and limited transportation, which often prevent caregivers from accessing routine immunization services for their children.

Building on that momentum, in 2023 CFHI collaborated with the Primary Healthcare Center in Angwan Guragu, Karonmajiji. This event integrated community sensitization with the delivery of essential vaccines and reached over 50 individuals, including children and adults. These initiatives not only increased vaccine coverage but also reinforced public trust in immunization as a safe and necessary part of preventive healthcare.

Health stakeholders must continue to strengthen immunization systems, expand awareness, and eliminate barriers to access. Empowering women with accurate information and accessible services ensures they can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their children—laying the foundation for healthier families and communities.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health-related articles on all our social media platforms.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pregnancy and Vaccination. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy
  2. World Health Organization. (2020). Vaccines in Pregnancy: Protecting Mother and Child. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vaccines-in-pregnancy

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON THE ROLE OF IMMUNIZATION IN PROTECTING PREGNANT WOMEN Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SAFE MOTHERHOOD: REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY

Leave a Comment / Uncategorized /

Motherhood should be a time of joy and anticipation—not fear. Yet, for many women around the world, pregnancy and childbirth still come with life-threatening risks. Every day, about 800 women lose their lives to preventable complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. These aren’t just numbers—they are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

Safe motherhood means ensuring that every woman has access to the care and support she needs before, during, and after pregnancy. It’s about more than survival; it’s about dignity, respect, and the right to health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 287,000 women die each year due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth—most of which are preventable. The leading causes include severe bleeding, high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), pregnancy-related infections, unsafe abortion, and underlying health conditions like HIV/AIDS and malaria, which can be aggravated by pregnancy (WHO, 2024).

The solution lies in timely access to quality healthcare, skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric services, and continued care after childbirth. But reducing maternal deaths also requires addressing deeper systemic issues: poverty, gender inequality, lack of education, and underfunded health systems.

As part of its unwavering commitment to safe motherhood, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has championed impactful community-based interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. In 2022, CFHI led a maternal health outreach in Lugbe, Abuja, providing pregnant women with free antenatal check-ups, comprehensive health education on birth preparedness, and essential hygiene kits to promote safe and healthy deliveries.

By working directly with communities, healthcare providers, and local leaders, CFHI continues to support the national effort to reduce maternal mortality and ensure that no woman dies while giving life.

When women are empowered to make informed choices, when health systems are strengthened, and when communities rally around mothers, we save lives.

Reducing maternal mortality is not just a health goal—it’s a moral and social responsibility. A nation that safeguards its mothers invests in its future.

Let’s stand together for safe motherhood—because every woman deserves to survive childbirth and thrive in motherhood.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SAFE MOTHERHOOD: REDUCING MATERNAL MORTALITY Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON ACCESS TO MATERNAL HEALTHCARE ISN’T A PRIVILEGE; IT’S A RIGHT.

Speak Wednesday /

Imagine a young woman in rural Nigeria, miles away from the nearest health facility. She is expecting a child, but the journey to antenatal care is long, costly, and fraught with challenges. This scenario is a daily reality for countless Nigerian women, and it is a situation that demands immediate attention.
The Stark Reality
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate was estimated at 917 per 100,000 live births in 2017, increasing by nearly 14% to reach 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare services in the country
Barriers to Care
Several obstacles impede Nigerian women’s access to essential maternal healthcare:
• Financial Constraints: The high costs associated with prenatal and delivery services deter many from seeking care. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, making even subsidized healthcare services unaffordable for many.
• Geographical Challenges: Inadequate infrastructure renders health facilities inaccessible, particularly in rural regions. Many communities lack nearby healthcare centres, forcing expectant mothers to travel long distances, often in precarious conditions, to access maternal care.
• Cultural Beliefs: Deep-seated traditions and misconceptions discourage women from pursuing professional medical assistance. In some communities, there is a preference for traditional birth attendants over trained healthcare professionals, leading to increased risks during childbirth.
• Gender Discrimination: Systemic gender biases limit women’s autonomy in making health-related decisions. In certain regions, women’s healthcare needs are deprioritized, and their voices are marginalized in decision-making processes.
The Domino Effect
When mothers lack access to proper healthcare, the repercussions are profound. High maternal mortality rates lead to increased infant mortality and leave families vulnerable. It is a cycle that perpetuates poverty and hinders national development. Families often face financial ruin due to medical expenses, and communities bear the emotional and social toll of losing mothers and children.
Success Stories: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite these challenges, there are beacons of hope. Centre For Family Health Initiative has been instrumental in advancing Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH). Partnering with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CFHI led a community activation project in 10 Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, focusing on increasing awareness of Family Planning (FP) and Post-Partum Family Planning (PPFP) services. CFHI reached over 921 Traditional Birth Attendants, 513 leaders, 285 Islamiyah teachers, and 594 community women, organizing multiple sensitization events.
During MNCH Week, CFHI provided services like free HIV screening, immunization, family planning, and malnutrition screenings. The initiative also addressed key barriers to maternal care, including HIV testing, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), and male involvement in antenatal care, through community engagement and partnerships with government and NGOs. These initiatives demonstrate CFHI’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and children across the country.

Time for Action
Maternal healthcare is a fundamental right. To bridge the gap, we must:
• Invest in Healthcare Infrastructure: Enhance and equip facilities in underserved areas. Building more healthcare centres and ensuring they are well-stocked with essential medicines and equipment can reduce the distance and cost barriers for expectant mothers.
• Subsidize Maternal Services: Ensure prenatal and delivery care are affordable for all. Implementing policies that cover the costs of maternal health services can alleviate the financial burden on families and encourage more women to seek care.
• Educate Communities: Promote awareness about the significance of professional maternal healthcare. Community-based education programs can dispel myths, address cultural misconceptions, and empower women with knowledge about their health rights.
• Address Gender Bias: Implement policies that empower women in healthcare decisions. Ensuring women’s participation in health-related decision-making processes at both household and community levels can lead to more equitable and effective healthcare outcomes.
Join the Movement
Every woman deserves a safe pregnancy and childbirth experience. Let us advocate for policies and practices that prioritize maternal health. Share this message, support local initiatives, and demand change. Together, we can build a future where maternal health is a right enjoyed by all, not a privilege for the few.
Speak. Every. Wednesday. Speak Every Day Until We Act right.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#MaternalHealth4All #EndMaternalMortality #GenderEquality #GenderBias #WomenRights #SafeMotherhoodNow #HealthcareForEveryWoman #SpeakWednesday
References
• World Health Organization. (2015). “Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015.” WHO Report
• Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. (2018). “National Health Policy.” FMOH Policy
• United Nations Population Fund. (2020). “State of the World Population Report.” UNFPA Report
• Nigerian Health Watch. (2019). “Bridging the Gap in Maternal Healthcare Access.” NHW Article
• International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. (2017). “Maternal Health in Nigeria: A Review.” IJGO Study

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON ACCESS TO MATERNAL HEALTHCARE ISN’T A PRIVILEGE; IT’S A RIGHT. Read More »