Events – Centre for Family Health Initiative

Handwashing Prevents Disease

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Handwashing with soap remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases and protect public health. According to the World Health Organization and global health partners, proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and even emerging outbreaks ^[1]. Despite its simplicity, handwashing is often overlooked, contributing to millions of preventable illnesses and deaths worldwide.

Scientific evidence shows that unclean hands are a major pathway for disease transmission. Germs from faecal matter, contaminated surfaces, and respiratory droplets easily spread through touch, food handling, and person-to-person contact. Research indicates that a single gram of human faeces can contain up to one trillion germs, making proper hand hygiene critical in breaking the chain of infection ^[2]. Handwashing with soap has been shown to reduce diarrheal diseases by 23–40% and respiratory infections by up to 21% ^[3].

Globally, the burden of poor hand hygiene remains alarming. An estimated 2.3 billion people lack access to basic handwashing facilities with soap and water, while 1.7 billion still do not have basic hygiene services at home ^[4]. Additionally, nearly half of healthcare facilities worldwide lack proper hand hygiene services, putting patients at risk of infections ^[5]. Among children, poor hygiene contributes significantly to disease, with approximately ^1.8 million children under five dying annually from preventable illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia conditions that proper handwashing could help reduce ^[6].

Various interventions have been implemented globally to promote hand hygiene. Organizations such as UNICEF and WHO continue to support handwashing campaigns, improve access to water and sanitation, and integrate hygiene education into schools and communities ^[1]. Community awareness programs, provision of handwashing facilities, and behavior change communication have proven effective in improving hygiene practices. Studies show that even a small investment less than $1 per person annually can significantly expand access to handwashing facilities and save hundreds of thousands of lives ^[7].

Our commitment to ‘Standing with Science’ was most evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that awareness is only effective when paired with resources, CFHI conducted extensive sensitization and distribution drives across the FCT. This included critical interventions at the Kuje Prison in Abuja and various schools throughout the FCT, where we provided essential hygiene tools such as professional-grade hand sanitizers, liquid soaps, and specialized buckets and bowls with attached taps to facilitate contactless handwashing. This proactive approach ensured that the most vulnerable populations had the physical means to break the chain of infection.

In conclusion, handwashing is a simple yet powerful tool that everyone can practice daily. Individuals are encouraged to wash their hands regularly especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Governments and institutions must also invest in accessible hygiene facilities and promote behaviour change. By making handwashing a habit, we can prevent diseases, save lives, and build healthier communities. Clean hands are not just a personal responsibility they are a public health necessity.

References

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World Health Day 2026 Theme: Together for Health Standing with Science

Leave a Comment / Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Events, Global warming, Health, Health Communication / cfhinitiative

World Health Day 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment in global history, carrying the United Nations theme: “Together for Health: Stand with Science.” This theme serves as a clarion call for unity, urging nations, organizations, and individuals to ground health policies in evidence-based research rather than misinformation. In an era where global health threats from emerging viral strains to the escalating impacts of climate change on disease patterns are increasingly complex, “standing with science” means investing in data-driven solutions that protect everyone, everywhere. For the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), this day is a profound reminder of our core mission and vision: to ensure that good health and a quality life are not luxuries, but accessible realities for all ^[1].

Global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF continue to lead massive interventions to tackle the world’s most pressing burdens, including the eradication of Polio, the mitigation of Malaria, and the management of the ongoing Tuberculosis crisis. These organizations emphasize that health is a fundamental human right, yet millions still lack access to basic care ^[2]. CFHI mirrors these global efforts on a local scale, prioritizing maternal and child health, mental health awareness, and infectious disease prevention. Our work is rooted in the belief that a healthy population is the foundation of a prosperous society, and we dedicate our resources to bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and community application.

To achieve the vision of “Health for All,” our medical infrastructure must undergo a radical transformation. We call upon all health facilities both private and public to prioritize the sanctity of human life above all else. It is a moral and professional imperative for healthcare providers to treat every patient with dignity, empathy, and the highest standard of scientific care. A hospital should be a sanctuary of healing where medical ethics and clinical excellence meet. Furthermore, we strongly urge the government to fulfill its primary obligation by reviving and equipping Primary Health Centres (PHCs). Access to a functional health center is a basic citizen’s right; these facilities must be adequately staffed, stocked with essential medicines, and powered by reliable infrastructure to serve as the first line of defense in our communities ^[3].

Science has provided us with the tools to live longer, healthier lives from vaccines that prevent debilitating illnesses to sanitation protocols that stop outbreaks before they start. However, these tools are only effective when backed by political will and community trust. CFHI’s interventions, such as our recent tuberculosis awareness campaigns and menstrual health management programs, are direct applications of scientific best practices designed to improve community outcomes ^[4]. By integrating Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) with direct medical care, we address the social determinants of health that science proves are critical to long-term wellness.

As we commemorate World Health Day 2026, we remind you that the most important advocate for your health is you. We encourage everyone to take proactive steps: go for regular screenings, trust verified medical advice, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Your health is your greatest wealth and standing with science means making informed choices every day. Let us work together government, health workers, and citizens to ensure that the right to health is upheld with integrity and care. Together, we can build a future where science-led healthcare is a reality for every household.

Reference

[1] Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI): Our Vision for Global Health.

https://cfhinitiative.org/about-us/

[2] World Health Organization (WHO): World Health Day 2026 – Together for Health.

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day

[3] United Nations: The Right to Health as a Fundamental Human Right.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/health

[4] USAID Nigeria: Strengthening Health Systems through Science and Integration.

https://www.usaid.gov/nigeria/global-health

[5] Stop TB Partnership: Advancing Science in Tuberculosis Prevention.

https://www.stoptb.org/

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Integrated Health and Sanitation Approaches for Tuberculosis Prevention

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern globally and in Nigeria, requiring a comprehensive and integrated approach that combines healthcare services with sanitation and environmental interventions. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Globally, TB continues to be one of the leading infectious killers, with millions of new infections recorded annually. Nigeria is among the top high-burden TB countries, with an estimated incidence rate of 219 cases per 100,000 population and hundreds of thousands of infections reported yearly². Despite progress, gaps in early detection, treatment access, and environmental health conditions continue to drive transmission.

An integrated approach to TB prevention recognizes that the disease is not only a medical issue but also closely linked to living conditions, sanitation, and social determinants of health. Research shows that TB transmission is higher in overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary environments, where airborne bacteria can easily spread⁷. In many communities, poor housing, inadequate waste management, and lack of hygiene practices contribute to increased exposure. Studies further highlight that weak implementation of infection prevention and control measures in health facilities also increases transmission risks among patients and healthcare workers⁷.

Effective TB prevention therefore requires combining health interventions with sanitation and hygiene (WASH) strategies. From a health systems perspective, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are critical. The World Health Organization emphasizes that starting TB treatment quickly after diagnosis significantly reduces transmission and improves outcomes¹. In addition, contact tracing and active case finding have proven effective. For instance, community-based screening interventions in Nigeria have shown that targeted contact investigation yields higher TB detection rates compared to general screening approaches, demonstrating the importance of integrated community health strategies¹².

Sanitation and environmental health measures also play a vital role in TB prevention. Improving ventilation in homes, schools, and health facilities reduces the concentration of infectious droplets in the air. Promoting good hygiene practices, such as covering the mouth when coughing and reducing indoor air pollution, helps limit transmission. Addressing overcrowding and ensuring access to clean and safe living environments are equally important. Furthermore, strengthening nutrition is essential, as malnutrition weakens immunity and increases susceptibility to TB infection.

Integrated interventions must also address vulnerable populations. TB is closely associated with HIV infection, poverty, and weak immune systems, making collaborative TB/HIV programs essential. In Nigeria, about 4.9% of TB patients are co-infected with HIV, highlighting the need for integrated service delivery that includes HIV testing, treatment, and TB care⁰. The global End TB Strategy also emphasizes patient-centered care, strong health systems, and community engagement as key pillars for reducing TB burden⁵.

Organizations like the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) play a critical role in advancing integrated TB prevention efforts in Nigeria. Through community-based programs, CFHI supports TB awareness, screening, referral, and linkage to treatment services, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, and people living with HIV. The organization also promotes health education, hygiene practices, and community mobilization, helping to address both the medical and environmental factors driving TB transmission. CFHI’s work aligns with national and global strategies that emphasize integration of health services with social and behavioral interventions.

To strengthen TB prevention, several measures should be prioritized. First, expand community-based TB screening and early diagnosis services to detect cases early. Second, improve sanitation and housing conditions, especially in high-density communities. Third, promote WASH interventions, including hygiene education and environmental cleanliness. Fourth, strengthen infection prevention and control practices in health facilities to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Fifth, increase public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage timely healthcare seeking. Finally, ensure consistent access to free TB treatment and adherence support, as treatment success rates can reach over 90% when properly followed⁰.

The fight against tuberculosis requires a multi-sectoral and integrated response that goes beyond clinical treatment. By combining health services with sanitation, environmental improvements, and community engagement, it is possible to significantly reduce TB transmission and improve health outcomes. Individuals also have a role to play by seeking early testing when symptoms appear, maintaining good hygiene practices, and supporting affected persons without stigma.

Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, but only when detected and treated early. Communities, health workers, organizations, and policymakers must work together to strengthen integrated health and sanitation interventions. If you experience symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, or weight loss, visit the nearest health facility for testing. Together, through improved hygiene, better living conditions, and timely treatment, we can reduce the burden of TB and move closer to ending the epidemic.

References

World Health Organization – TB Prevention and Infection Control
https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2023/tb-prevention
CDC Nigeria TB Data and Statistics
https://www.cdc.gov/global-hiv-tb/php/where-we-work/nigeria.html
WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme – Nigeria Case Study
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/tuberculosis/engage-tb-nigeria-case-study.pdf
National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP)
https://ntblcp.org.ng/
WHO End TB Strategy Overview
https://afro.who.int/health-topics/tuberculosis-tb
BMC Public Health – TB Burden and Treatment Outcomes in Nigeria
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09289-x
BMC Infectious Diseases – TB Infection Control in Nigeria
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-016-1453-y
TB Preventive Practices Study (Nigeria)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10262855/
TB Infection Control Study (Enugu, Nigeria)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9120735/
WHO TB Case Finding Initiatives in Nigeria
https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/news/intensifying-new-initiatives-tb-case-finding-nigeria

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The Role of Families and Communities in Preventing FGM

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In the landscape of global health in 2026, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) stands as one of the most persistent violations of human rights, yet the tide is beginning to turn through sophisticated, community-led interventions. As of this year, over 230 million women and girls alive today have undergone the procedure, and UNICEF projects that 4.5 million more remain at risk in 2026 alone ^[1]. The struggle to end this practice is no longer just a legal battle; it has evolved into a deep-rooted cultural shift focusing on the intersection of family protection and communal health ^[4].

The prevention of FGM begins at the heart of the home, where families are being empowered to dismantle the “social obligation” myth. Recent research from the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme indicates that when mothers are provided with formal education and economic agency, the likelihood of their daughters being cut drops significantly ^[3]. Families are now being reached through “Positive Masculinity” programs, where over 800,000 men and boys have pledged to protect their female relatives, challenging the outdated notion that FGM is a prerequisite for marriageability ^[3]. By addressing the family as the primary decision-making unit, advocacy groups are successfully replacing fear of social exclusion with a shared commitment to a daughter’s physical integrity and future health.

Moving beyond the front door, the most effective preventative measure in 2026 has been the rise of Public Declarations of Abandonment within local communities. This collective approach shifts the “social contract,” ensuring that no single family feels isolated in their choice to stop the practice. Many regions have successfully implemented Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP), which preserve the cultural celebration of womanhood through education, mentorship, and gifts minus the physical harm. This allows communities to maintain their rich heritage while evolving their health standards. Simultaneously, health systems are closing the gap on “medicalization” the dangerous trend of health professionals performing the cut. The World Health Organization has recently tightened codes of conduct, training midwives and doctors to serve as the first line of defense, educating parents on the $1.4 billion annual global cost of treating FGM-related complications, ranging from obstetric hemorrhage to lifelong psychological trauma ^[2].

To ensure these gains are permanent, a robust network of local surveillance and cross-border cooperation has emerged. In 2026, over 3,200 communities have established “watchdog” groups that monitor girls during school holidays, a peak time for the practice ^[3]. These grassroots efforts, supported by national laws that criminalize “vacation cutting,” create a safety net that follows a girl from her village to the city and beyond. The data proves that this holistic approach works; for every dollar invested in these prevention measures, there is a tenfold return in health savings and economic productivity ^[2]. By weaving together, the strength of the family unit with the collective will of the community, we are finally moving toward a world where every girl can grow up whole, healthy, and empowered.

Call to Action

The end of FGM is within our reach, but it requires your voice and your action. You can make a difference today:

Educate and Advocate: Share the facts about the health risks of FGM within your social circles. Silence is where the practice thrives.
Support Grassroots Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with local NGOs that facilitate Alternative Rites of Passage and provide education to at-risk families.
Report Risk: If you know a girl is at risk of being subjected to FGM, contact local child protection services or international helplines immediately.
Engage Men and Boys: Start conversations with the men in your community about the importance of protecting the rights and health of women and girls.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

References

UNICEF Data (2025/2026): FGM Prevalence and Statistics
WHO Global Health Update: The Cost of FGM and Prevention Strategies
UNFPA 2025 Annual Report: Eliminating FGM through Community Action
United Nations: International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM

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Economic Exclusion as Gender-Based Violence

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Gender-based violence (GBV) is most often associated with physical or sexual abuse. However, economic exclusion – the systematic denial of women’s access to jobs, income, assets, and economic decision-making is itself a form of violence that harms individuals, families, and societies. When women are excluded from economic opportunities, the impact goes far beyond loss of income; it restricts freedom, autonomy, safety, and long-term development ^(1).

At its core, GBV includes economic abuse, where financial control is used as a tool of power and coercion. Economic violence may involve denying women access to money, preventing them from working, confiscating earnings, or restricting access to education and financial resources, forcing dependency and disempowerment ^(1). In many contexts, economic abuse is one of the most widespread yet least recognized forms of gender-based violence.

Economic exclusion is sustained by discriminatory laws, weak institutional protections, and unequal social norms. Globally, over 2.7 billion women live in countries where laws restrict the types of jobs they can do, and at least 43 economies still lack legislation addressing workplace sexual harassment, creating unsafe and unequal labor environments ^(2).

Intimate partner violence which frequently includes economic abuse affects approximately one in three women worldwide, limiting their ability to earn, save, and participate fully in public and economic life ^(3). In South Africa, studies indicate that one in eight adult women has experienced economic abuse, including being deliberately deprived of money or access to financial resources by a partner ^(4).

The consequences extend beyond individuals to national economies. Gender-based violence, including its economic dimensions, has measurable effects on productivity and growth. Evidence suggests that GBV can cost countries between 1–2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, healthcare costs, and forced withdrawal from the workforce ^(5).

In Nigeria, the economic cost of gender-based violence is estimated at approximately USD 3 billion annually, equivalent to about 1% of the nation’s GDP, underscoring the scale of economic loss linked to women’s exclusion and abuse ^(6).

Economic exclusion intersects with social norms that treat women as inferior, dependent, or secondary earners. When women lack control over income, are denied access to employment, or are discouraged from education and financial decision-making, the result is structural violence a normalized and persistent denial of rights and well-being.

This exclusion is not accidental; it is deeply rooted in patriarchal systems and discriminatory practices that limit women’s autonomy and participation. The World Bank has emphasized that violence against women undermines economic growth and damages communities and future generations by restricting women’s productive potential ^(7).

Experts have consistently highlighted both the human and economic costs of this form of violence. According to the World Bank:

“Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic that endangers lives and carries wide-ranging consequences for individuals, families, and communities.” ⁽⁷⁾

Research further shows that economic abuse and exclusion lead to long-term psychological harm, loss of independence, and restricted life opportunities for women and girls. Conversely, policies that promote women’s economic empowerment are associated with reduced exposure to GBV and increased participation in education, employment, and leadership ^(8).

Ending economic exclusion as a form of gender-based violence requires deliberate and sustained action, including:

Strong legal protections guaranteeing equal work rights, pay equity, and safeguards against economic abuse.
Transformation of harmful social norms that portray women as dependents rather than economic actors.
Targeted economic empowerment initiatives that expand women’s access to education, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Inclusive workplace policies that ensure safety, fair remuneration, and career advancement for women

Economic exclusion is not merely an economic challenge it is a human rights violation. Recognizing it as a form of gender-based violence strengthens advocacy, accountability, and policy responses, and is essential to building societies where women can live, work, and thrive free from coercion and inequality.

References

Women’s World Banking. What is economic violence against women and why does it matter? Available from:
https://www.womensworldbanking.org/insights/what-is-economic-violence-against-women-and-why-does-it-matter/
UN Women. Facts and figures: Women’s economic empowerment. Available from:
https://knowledge.unwomen.org/en/articles/facts-and-figures/facts-and-figures-economic-empowerment
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Violence against women: An overlooked economic barrier. Available from:
https://www.apec.org/press/blogs/2025/violence-against-women–an-overlooked-economic-barrier
Independent Online (IOL). Economic abuse: The most common yet overlooked form of GBV in South Africa. Available from:
https://iol.co.za/mercury/2025-07-02-economic-abuse-the-most-common-yet-overlooked-form-of-gender-based-violence-in-south-africa/
International Monetary Fund. How domestic violence is a threat to economic development. Available from:
https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2021/11/24/how-domestic-violence-is-a-threat-to-economic-development
The Whistler Newspaper. Nigeria loses estimated $3bn annually to gender-based violence. Available from:
https://thewhistler.ng/nigeria-loses-estimated-3-0bn-annually-to-gender-based-violence/
World Bank. More than 1 billion women lack legal protection against domestic and sexual violence. Available from:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/02/01/more-than-1-billion-women-lack-legal-protection-against-domestic-sexual-violence-finds-world-bank-study
MDPI. The quest for female economic empowerment in Sub-Saharan Africa and implications for GBV. Available from:
https://www.mdpi.com/1911-8074/17/2/51

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UHC Day 2025: Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!

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Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is a global reminder that access to quality health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. This year’s theme, “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”, speaks directly to one of the biggest barriers facing millions of Nigerians: skyrocketing healthcare costs and the widening gap between health needs and the ability to pay.

While achieving UHC requires multisectoral commitment, one of the most critical systems needed to bridge this gap is health insurance, an essential mechanism designed to protect individuals from financial hardship, ensure continuity of care, and promote equitable access to essential services. Yet, despite the existence of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and state-level schemes, enrolment remains abysmally low. Out-of-pocket payments still account for over 76% of total health spending in Nigeria, pushing millions deeper into poverty every year.

Health insurance providers cannot succeed alone; they face chronic underfunding, limited subsidies, weak enforcement, and low public awareness. Sustainable progress requires stronger government leadership, increased premium subsidies for the poor, upgraded health facilities, and digital systems that make enrolment seamless.

Yet progress is possible, and CFHI is proving it every day.

Through relentless community mobilization and strategic partnerships with philanthropists like Satoshi Koiso and development partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), CFHI has successfully enrolled 224 vulnerable individuals into NHIA-supported health coverage this year alone.

These are not just numbers.

They are mothers who no longer skip medication.

They are children who can see a doctor without their parents selling assets.

They are families now protected from choosing between medicine and food.

Health insurance must be affordable, accessible, and functional for every Nigerian. It is not just a policy tool; it is a lifeline that protects households from falling into poverty and guarantees timely care, especially for vulnerable groups.

On UHC Day 2025, our message is unequivocal:

No Nigerian should be denied quality care because they cannot afford it.

We call on federal and state governments to:

Fully subsidize premiums for low-income and vulnerable households
Strengthen primary health care facilities that deliver insured services
Enforce mandatory coverage and streamline digital enrolment

It is time to end the era of unaffordable health costs.

Health care is a right for every Nigerian, irrespective of socio-economic status.

Together, we can make “We’re sick of it” a rallying cry that finally delivers results.

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Institutional Barriers to Eliminating Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria

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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Nigeria, cutting across age, class, religion, and region. Despite significant progress through policies such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015 and the National Gender Policy, the persistence of GBV points to a deeper problem institutional barriers that hinder real progress. While advocacy, awareness, and community engagement have improved over the years, the systems designed to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable often fail to function effectively, leaving many victims without justice or support (WHO, UN Women Nigeria).

One of the major institutional barriers lies within the legal and policy framework itself. Although the VAPP Act was enacted at the federal level, its domestication across Nigeria has been uneven. Several states are yet to fully implement the Act, creating inconsistencies in protection and enforcement. Even where laws exist, weak sanctions, unclear definitions of offences, and a lack of gender-sensitive judicial processes often discourage survivors from seeking justice. Studies reveal that institutional delays, corruption, and lack of trust in law enforcement agencies further compound the challenge, allowing perpetrators to act with impunity while survivors continue to suffer in silence (UNIZIK Journal of Contemporary Law).

Another critical issue is institutional capacity and accountability. Many key institutions from the police and judiciary to hospitals and social welfare departments are under-resourced and poorly coordinated. A BMC Women’s Health (2025) study found that more than half of young women surveyed in Nigeria reported not knowing where or how to access post-violence services, indicating major gaps in awareness and accessibility. Furthermore, the lack of training among personnel on survivor-centred approaches leads to secondary victimization, where victims experience stigma, judgment, or even blame when they report abuse. Without adequate funding, coordination, and monitoring systems, institutions cannot effectively carry out their mandates in the fight against GBV (PubMed).

Institutional culture also plays a silent but powerful role. In many organizations and workplaces, gender inequality is embedded in the structure itself from male-dominated leadership to discriminatory workplace practices. Research in Nigerian universities has shown a high prevalence of sexual harassment and bullying, often perpetuated by hierarchical power systems that silence victims (BMC Women’s Health, 2021). The absence of internal reporting mechanisms, confidentiality policies, and disciplinary structures reinforces a culture of impunity. When institutions themselves tolerate or ignore acts of violence, it sends a dangerous message that such behaviour is acceptable or can be overlooked.

Finally, the lack of effective data systems and poor inter-agency coordination weaken national response efforts. Many institutions fail to collect or share accurate data on GBV cases, making it difficult to track progress or design informed interventions. Without reliable evidence, resource allocation becomes arbitrary, and survivors remain invisible in policy decisions (MDPI Social Sciences Journal). These systemic weaknesses mean that even well-intentioned programs struggle to achieve lasting change.

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) continues to advocate for institutional reforms that promote gender equality, justice, and survivor centred GBV response systems. Through its gender norms interventions and community engagement projects, CFHI works to sensitize service providers, law enforcement officers, and community leaders on the importance of implementing the VAPP Act effectively. The organization also conducts awareness campaigns under its SpeakWednesday platform to highlight barriers that hinder justice for survivors. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, CSOs, and communities, CFHI contributes to strengthening institutional frameworks that ensure women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.

Eliminating GBV in Nigeria requires more than awareness it demands institutional transformation. Laws must not only exist but be enforced; systems must not only respond but protect. As CFHI and partners continue to push for accountability and systemic change, a safer, more equitable Nigeria becomes achievable for all.

References

Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015. Policy Vault Africa. Available from: https://policyvault.africa/wp-content/uploads/policy/NGA1408.pdf
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs. National Gender Policy. Available from: https://nigeriarising.org.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/National-Gender-Policy.pdf
World Health Organization (WHO). Violence against women. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
UN Women Nigeria. Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria: Review of Institutional Responses. Available from: https://nigeria.un.org/en/222675-gender-based-violence-nigeria-review-institutional-responses
Ezeibe CC. The Challenges of Implementing the VAPP Act in Nigeria. UNIZIK Journal of Contemporary Law. Available from: https://journals.unizik.edu.ng/jcpl/article/download/6488/5405/14850
BMC Women’s Health (2025). Institutional Barriers and Women’s Access to GBV Services in Nigeria. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-025-03714-2
PubMed Central. Barriers to Accessing GBV Services in Nigeria. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37830664/
BMC Women’s Health (2021). Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-021-01273-w
MDPI Social Sciences Journal (2024). Institutional Weakness and Gender-Based Violence Response in Nigeria. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/6/336
Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Official Website. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/

TO BE CONTINUED…WATCH OUT FOR

NO 3 BARRIER

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST- Covid 19

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST – COVID19
According to the WHO,coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute
respiratory syndrome(SARS)and the Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS).
These viruses were originally transmitted from animals to people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus Sars-cov-2 which was not previously identified in humans.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
COVID19 can be transmitted via respiratory droplets from an infected individual
during sneezing,coughing or blowing of the nose. The virus can also stay on surfaces of objects when it comes in contact with them for a period of time.

SYMPTOMS
According to the WHO,signs of infection include fever, cough,shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
In more severe cases,it can lead to pneumonia,multiple organ failure and even death.
The most common symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are fever, tiredness,and dry cough.
Most people(about 80%)recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Older people,and people with other medical conditions(such as asthma,
diabetes,or heart disease), may be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.

INCUBATION PERIOD
The incubation period ranges from 1-14days. Most infected people show
symptoms within 5-6days.

PREVENTION
To help stop the spread of coronavirus, practice handwashing with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds, sanitize your hands, door handles etc, with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, maintain social distance (1 meter or 3 feet) and stay at home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell.
There is currently no treatment or vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease(COVID-19).
People may need supportive care to help them breathe.

SELF CARE
If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until fully recovered. You can relieve the symptoms if you rest and sleep, keep warm, drink plenty of liquids, use a
room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS
If you develop a fever, cough and have difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your health provider of any recent travel or recent contact with travelers.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Covid-19 is a deadly infection which spreads very fast. There is no current vaccine or drug for the cure of this disease, hence taking preventive
measures will help limit the spread, morbidity and
mortality.

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Nigerian Children’s Day 2018

Events / cfhinitiative

CFHI joins the nation to celebrate the about 45% of Nigerians-children under 15 years of age, especially orphans and vulnerable children in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

Event ScheduleMay 28, 2018 at 08:00 AM to May 28, 2018 at 6:00 PM

Location: Abuja Municipal
Price: from ₦0

On this day, CFHI would continue reaching about 3,000 children with comprehensive care and support services, as it does in its ongoing CCFN supported SUSTAIN project. These services would include the provision of primary health care to sick children; the provision of nutritional supplements and vital vitamins to malnourished children; registration of the children’s birth dates with the National Population Council; delivery of clothing and educational materials to those in need; and the supply of start-up grants to parents of vulnerable households.

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Women Empowerment And Human Right

Events / cfhinitiative

All of us from CFHI do celebrate every woman and their contributions towards building a better tomorrow and world. “Women’s Rights are Universal Rights, They’re Human Rights”-Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Pakistani Film makerRemember to join us @CFHInitiative, @HAFAIng & other speakers at our #UNWomen #CSW62 parallel event- #WomenEmpowerment & #HumanRights #IWD2018 #Africa4Her

Price: from ₦0

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