Mental Health

Removing Gender Barriers in Healthcare Access

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Removing gender barriers to healthcare is not only a matter of equity it is a moral and practical necessity if societies are to survive and thrive. Women and girls face layered obstacles to care: constrained mobility, financial dependence, harmful social norms, and health systems that are under-resourced and sometimes discriminatory. The World Health Organization highlights that gender norms and discrimination systematically limit access to services for women and girls, reducing their ability to obtain timely information, preventive care, and lifesaving treatment (1). These barriers are compounded by grim facility gaps: recent WHO/UNICEF data show billions are treated in health settings that lack basic water, sanitation, hygiene, and reliable electricity conditions that make safe maternal care and emergency treatment precarious (2). At the same time, progress toward universal health coverage (UHC) has slowed, leaving significant groups especially women in rural and low-income communities exposed to out-of-pocket costs and unmet needs (3).

The consequences are measurable and stark. Nigeria, for example, continues to bear a disproportionate share of global maternal deaths, a reality linked to regional inequalities in access, weak infrastructure, and funding shortfalls (4). Globally, analyses of health inclusivity reveal that refugees, displaced women, women with disabilities and other marginalized groups are far more likely to be denied or excluded from care in some cases by more than twenty percentage points compared with non-marginalized groups (5). These are not abstract injustices: they translate into delayed antenatal visits, unattended deliveries, untreated complications, and endless cycles of preventable suffering. Removing gender barriers means addressing the social drivers that prevent women from seeking care as urgently as fixing the physical gaps in facilities.

Civil society organisations and local actors are essential partners in closing these gaps. The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) works at the community level to confront both practical and cultural barriers to care: we run health education and rights-awareness campaigns that equip women and families with knowledge about available services and how to claim them; we strengthen linkages between households and primary health centres through referrals and case management; we support WASH and menstrual hygiene programmes so women can access services with dignity; and we provide capacity building for community health workers and facility staff so that care is both accessible and respectful (6). Where infrastructure is missing, CFHI has partnered with donors and initiatives to deliver pragmatic solutions for example installing solar birth kits in underserved PHCs to ensure safe night-time deliveries while simultaneously training Healthcare Professionals and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to enhance their competencies in clinical care, documentation, counselling, and emergency response, ensuring that PHCs can deliver reliable and respectful services across all essential health areas

To remove gender barriers at scale, governments, donors, and health systems must act on several fronts. First, finance primary health care adequately and ensure that essential services are free or financially protected at the point of use, so women are not forced to choose between care and survival. Second, invest in facility infrastructure WASH, electricity, cold chain and privacy provisions because dignity and safety are prerequisites for access. Third, embed gender-responsive policies across health programming: mandate respectful maternity care, train providers on implicit bias and discrimination, involve women and adolescent girls in service design, and expand targeted outreach for marginalized groups. Fourth, strengthen data systems to capture gender-disaggregated indicators and unmet needs so resource allocation can follow the evidence. Finally, create accountability mechanisms community scorecards, patient charters and independent oversight so promises become measurable action.

Change requires more than policy papers; it requires citizens, health workers, NGOs and governments to demand it and to act. We call on policymakers to prioritise gender responsive UHC financing and facility upgrades, on donors to fund long-term health system strengthening rather than short-term projects, on facility managers to adopt respectful care protocols today, and on community leaders to champion women’s right to health. If we truly value half our population, we will remove the gender barriers that deny women the healthcare they are owed.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Gender and health. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender.
  2. World Health Organization; UNICEF. Countries making unprecedented efforts but billions still lack basic services in health-care facilities — WHO-UNICEF report warns. WHO website. 24 Sep 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns.
  3. World Health Organization. Universal health coverage (UHC) fact sheet. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc).
  4. The Guardian. ‘Difficult choices’: aid cuts threaten effort to reduce maternal deaths in Nigeria. 21 May 2025. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/21/aid-cuts-threaten-effort-reduce-maternal-deaths-nigeria.
  5. Economist Impact. Understanding health inclusivity for women. Available from: https://impact.economist.com/projects/health-inclusivity-index/inclusivity-topics/articles/understanding-health-inclusivity-for-women.
  6. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Who we are / What we do. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org.

 

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Human Rights and Access to Quality Healthcare for All

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Access to quality healthcare is recognized globally as a fundamental human right. Yet, billions of people still cannot exercise this right. Recent WHO and UNICEF estimates, about 1.1 billion people received healthcare in facilities without basic water services, while 3.0 billion lacked access to sanitation services, creating unsafe environments for patients and health workers alike (1). Additionally, 1.7 billion individuals were cared for in facilities without proper hygiene standards, and about 2.8 billion lacked access to safe health-care waste management, exposing communities to preventable infections (1). Another WHO report highlights that nearly one billion people depend on facilities with unreliable or no electricity, making safe childbirth, emergency care, vaccine storage, and laboratory services extremely difficult (2). To address such challenges, CFHI, with support from Grand Challenges Nigeria, recently installed solar birth kits at Rumde PHCC in Adamawa and Gusau PHCC in Zamfara States. These kits provide reliable solar-powered lighting, enabling skilled birth attendants to conduct deliveries safely at night or during power outages, support emergency care, and ensure essential medical equipment can function consistently.

Such deficits represent clear violations of the right to health. Quality healthcare must be safe, clean, affordable, and accessible. Studies further show that poor healthcare access contributes to increased maternal mortality, preventable illnesses among children, late health-seeking behaviour, and financial hardship. Globally, millions face catastrophic out-of-pocket spending on healthcare, pushing vulnerable families into poverty each year (3). Universal Health Coverage frameworks emphasize equity; however, implementation remains slow in many developing countries, especially in rural and underserved communities where health investment is still low.

In Nigeria, although relevant health policies exist, many communities still lack the enabling environment to exercise their health rights, the government has the primary responsibility to provide healthcare services and maintain facilities, the reality is that many health centres remain dilapidated and under-resourced. This situation underscores the urgent need for authorities to prioritize investment in health infrastructure, provide functional equipment, and ensure every facility meets minimum standards to protect the lives of mothers, newborns, and communities. This is where organizations such as Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) contribute meaningfully to bridging the gap. CFHI works to expand equitable healthcare access by implementing interventions that support orphans and vulnerable children, adolescents, caregivers, and low-income households. The organization improves community knowledge on health rights, offers psychosocial support, conducts HIV counselling, testing, and referrals, and assists vulnerable families in navigating access to healthcare facilities (4).

Through capacity building for healthcare workers, stronger health facility linkage, and participatory learning sessions, CFHI promotes informed decision-making and encourages service utilization which are critical elements of health rights implementation. Ultimately, improved health outcomes must go beyond policy frameworks; communities must receive accessible services delivered in dignity, and families must be able to seek care without financial ruin.

Achieving true universal access requires investment in basic facility infrastructure, elimination of discriminatory practices, improved health financing, and strengthened accountability mechanisms. When communities are assured of safety, fairness, and affordability, healthcare becomes a right in practice not merely in principle.

References

  1. World Health Organization and UNICEF. Countries making unprecedented efforts but billions still lack basic services in health-care facilities. WHO website. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns
  2. World Health Organization. Global progress report on universal access to WASH services in healthcare facilities. WHO website. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-countries-making-unprecedented-efforts-but-billions-still-lack-basic-services-in-health-care-facilities—who-unicef-new-report-warns
  3. World Bank Group. Billions left behind on the path to universal health coverage. World Bank website. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/09/18/billions-left-behind-on-the-path-to-universal-health-coverage
  4. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Programme information and reports. CFHI website. Available at: https://www.cfhinitiative.org

 

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Beyond Stigma: Community-Led Support for Women and Girls Living with HIV

16DaysOfActivism, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene, Men, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday /

Stigma remains one of the greatest obstacles to ending HIV: globally, according to the latest UNAIDS estimates, about 40.8 million people were living with HIV as of the end of 2024, with women and girls accounting for approximately 53% of all infections [1]. Despite progress in expanding treatment access bringing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy to over 31 million people worldwide millions still face stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, which continue to limit their ability to seek testing, care, and long-term support [1].

Evidence shows that stigma discourages people from testing, delays linkage to treatment, and undermines adherence; pooled analyses across African surveys and facility studies find that people who experience stigma are significantly less likely to know their status or remain engaged in care, which in turn reduces chances of viral suppression and worsens health outcomes [2,3]. The scientific consensus that “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) underscores why ending stigma is also a prevention strategy: people on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV [4]. Despite these advances, gaps remain UNAIDS reports that while millions are on treatment, about 31.6 million people were accessing ART in 2024, leaving a substantial number still unreached by life-saving services [1].

Community-led support is central to bridging those gaps for women and girls. Practical, evidence-based community interventions peer support groups, community health worker follow-up, safe disclosure spaces, integrated mental-health services, and targeted outreach to adolescents have been shown to increase testing uptake, improve retention on ART, and reduce internalized stigma [5,6]. In Nigeria and other countries, facility-level and community studies link stigma with lower adherence and higher loss to follow up, highlighting the need for local, culturally sensitive responses that engage families, faith leaders, youth networks, and women’s groups [3,7]. Gender-sensitive programming is particularly important: women and girls face intersectional stigma driven by gender norms, economic dependence, and the risk of gender-based violence barriers that require combined social protection, livelihood support, and confidential clinical services to overcome [5].

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), community-led support is operationalized through sustained activities that go beyond one-day events. CFHI provides community HIV testing and counselling, adolescent-friendly education, psychosocial support, and peer navigation to link women and girls to care and keep them on treatment [8]. The organization integrates stigma-reduction messaging into gender-norms dialogues, trains community health volunteers in respectful care, and runs livelihood and empowerment sessions that reduce economic vulnerability an important factor that often forces women to remain in situations where disclosure is dangerous. CFHI’s community outreach also emphasizes U=U messaging to demystify treatment and encourage adherence and last year’s community testing and sensitization activities in Imo State reached hundreds with counselling and referrals, reinforcing the role of sustained local engagement in improving outcomes [8].

Ending HIV stigma requires action across sectors. Health facilities must adopt anti-discrimination policies and provide confidential, quality services; community leaders and faith institutions must publicly reject harmful narratives; schools and youth groups must deliver age-appropriate HIV education; and social protection programmes should prioritize women and girls so economic dependence does not block access to care. Donors and governments must sustain funding for community-led responses, which evidence shows are cost-effective and essential for reaching the UN targets to end AIDS as a public health threat [5,6].

Now is the time for communities to move from awareness to durable action. Support people living with HIV by learning and sharing accurate facts, joining, or starting peer support groups, encouraging friends and family to test, demanding respectful care at clinics, and supporting empowerment programmes that reduce vulnerability. CFHI and partners stand ready to work with communities, faith groups, schools, and health services to build safe, supportive environments where women and girls living with HIV can thrive. Together we can make stigma a thing of the past because when communities lead, lives change.

 

References

  1. Global HIV & AIDS statistics — Fact sheet. Geneva: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; 2025.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet
  2. Doyle CM, Kuchukhidze S, Stannah J, Flores Anato JL, Xia Y, Logie CH, et al. The impact of HIV stigma and discrimination on HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment, and viral suppression in Africa: a pooled analysis of population-based surveys.
    Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391079137_The_Impact_of_HIV_Stigma_and_Discrimination_on_HIV_Testing_Antiretroviral_Treatment_and_Viral_Suppression_in_Africa_A_Pooled_Analysis_of_Population-Based_Surveys
  3. Mahlalela NB, et al. The association between HIV-related stigma and health-seeking behaviour, testing and adherence: a systematic review. J Public Health. 2024.
    Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10896802/
  4. UNAIDS / IAS / Prevention Access Campaign. Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) consensus and evidence. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2018–2024.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2018/july/undetectable-untransmittable
  5. World Health Organization. Eliminating stigma and discrimination in HIV responses: evidence and interventions. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
    Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/hiv/strategic-information/hiv-data-and-statistics
  6. Community-led monitoring / Community-led responses — evidence and good practice. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2023.
    Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2023/community-led-monitoring-in-action
  7. Okunola A, et al. The impact of stigma on ART adherence in Ondo State clinics: cross-sectional evidence. Int J Res Innov Social Sci. 2025.
    Available from: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/the-impact-of-stigma-and-discrimination-on-adherence-levels-in-hiv-positive-patients-evidence-from-ondo-state-clinics/
  8. Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI). Community HIV services, stigma reduction and outreach report. Owerri: CFHI; 2024–2025.
    Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org

 

 

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Socio-Cultural Norms and Practices A Deep-Rooted Barrier to Ending GBV

16DaysOfActivism, Child Trafficking, Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Health, Health Communication, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health /

Across communities, the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is often undermined not by the absence of laws or policies, but by something far more entrenched socio-cultural norms and practices. These norms act as invisible rules that govern how people think, behave, and relate to each other, shaping gender expectations from childhood into adulthood. When these expectations are rooted in inequality, they form a powerful barrier that normalizes violence against women and girls and shields perpetrators from accountability. To truly eliminate GBV, we must confront these beliefs, because they are the soil from which violence grows.

In many parts of Nigeria, men are socialized to be dominant and authoritative, while women are groomed to be submissive, tolerant, and “obedient.” These expectations directly reinforce violence. A study in Northwest Nigeria showed that domestic violence is often justified by community members as a “corrective measure,” particularly when women fail to adhere to traditional roles of respect and submission to their husbands 2. This cultural acceptance makes reporting violence extremely difficult, as survivors fear being blamed, shamed, or even punished by their own families or communities.

Deep-seated practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage, widowhood rituals, and the payment of bride price further cement gender inequality. In Northern Nigeria, child marriage is frequently defended as a cultural or religious requirement, yet research shows it exposes girls to sexual violence, health risks, and lifelong disempowerment 3 Similarly, FGM persists in communities where it is considered a rite of passage or a marker of purity, despite its severe physical and psychological consequences. These practices reinforce the idea that a woman’s value is tied to her body and her obedience, not her autonomy or humanity 6.

Gender norms also influence how communities perceive survivors and perpetrators. In the Niger Delta, for instance, over 75% of respondents in one study believed that women provoke violence when they fail to meet cultural expectations of submission and domestic responsibility 7. This belief creates a dangerous cycle where victims are blamed and perpetrators are excused, further emboldening violence. Even in settings considered more progressive, such as universities, harmful beliefs remain widespread. Research among students at the University of Calabar revealed that many still view men as inherently superior and justified in exerting control over women through violence 4.

These norms are not just personal attitudes they have structural consequences. A multivariate analysis across different regions of Nigeria confirmed a strong correlation between cultural beliefs and the prevalence of GBV 10. They influence legal reporting, access to justice, community support systems, and even the willingness of institutions to intervene. So long cultural frameworks continue to excuse or minimize violence, GBV will persist regardless of how many laws or policies exist on paper.

To dismantle these barriers, Nigeria must invest in cultural transformation alongside policy reforms. This requires community dialogues, gender-transformative education, economic empowerment of women, and meaningful engagement with traditional and religious leaders who hold influence over cultural practices. It also means amplifying survivor voices, strengthening community accountability systems, and challenging harmful norms through storytelling, media campaigns, and grassroots activism. Socio-cultural norms are deeply rooted but they are not unchangeable. Change begins when communities recognize that culture should protect, not destroy.

 

 

References

  1. Ede V, Arinze-Umobi C. Gender Issues in Islam. Teologia. 2024.
    https://journal.walisongo.ac.id/index.php/teologia/article/view/25466
  2. Argungu AM, Safiyanu S, Abba M. Domestic Violence and Women’s Rights in Northwest Nigeria. ASJP African Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.
    https://aspjournals.org/ajahss/index.php/ajahss/article/view/173
  3. Adeyemi S, Engwa GA. Influence of Socio-Cultural Beliefs on Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
    Semantics Scholar.
    https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Socio-Cultural-Beliefs-and-Gender-Based-Violence-Adeyemi-Engwa/3cd20061f7caa3c54b6b88ff063d5ba2272f2c6b
  4. Ibekwe J. Influence of cultural norms and stereotypes on gender-based violence among students of the University of Calabar. International Journal of Medical Students.
    https://ijms.pitt.edu/IJMS/article/view/2956
  5. Olaseni AO, Akpa OM. Socio-cultural perspectives of GBV in Nigeria. SAGE Journals.
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2158244020982992
  6. Ojedokun U. Religion, Culture and Violence Against Women in Nigeria. Religions Journal. 2023.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/3/359
  7. Idumwonyi I, Aigbokhaevbolo O. Community Perceptions of GBV in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. DOAJ.
    https://doaj.org/article/670a61e4b2bc4c9fbe669857804551ab
  8. Mulbah J, et al. Cultural beliefs and GBV in Sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Public Health.
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-09138-9
  9. Onyekwere G. Widowhood practices and socio-cultural norms reinforcing GBV in Nigeria. African Journals Online (AJOL).
    https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsda/article/view/233564
  10. Bala RY, Idris A. Socio-Cultural Drivers of Gender-Based Violence: A Multivariate Analysis in Nigeria.
    IJMRA. https://ijmra.in/v7i5/6.php

 

 

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Supporting Survivors Beyond the Statistics: A Call to Action This 16 Days of Activism

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Each year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence reminds the world that violence against women and girls is not just a crisis it is a daily reality for millions [1]. Reports, data sheets, and global indicators help us understand the magnitude, but behind every statistic is a living, breathing person whose life has been altered by harm. This year, as we observe the campaign, it is crucial that we shift our collective attention from the numbers to the humans behind them. True progress lies in supporting survivors beyond the statistics.

Too often, survivors are reduced to percentages “1 in 3,” “1 in 5,” “35% globally” [2]. While these numbers capture attention, they do not capture the emotional, physical, and economic aftermath that survivors carry. They do not speak to the silence, the stigma, the fear of seeking help, or the systemic barriers that make healing harder than the violence itself. Ending gender-based violence requires more than awareness. It demands empathy, survivor-centered systems, and long-term support [3].

Supporting survivors goes far beyond responding to incidents; it means creating environments where they are believed, protected, and empowered to rebuild. It means ensuring access to justice, psychosocial care, healthcare, safe spaces, and economic opportunities [5]. It also means challenging harmful gender norms, dismantling structures that enable violence, and educating communities to recognize and prevent abuse before it happens.

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), this survivor-centered approach is at the heart of our work. Through our gender norms interventions, community dialogues, capacity-building programs, and youth engagement initiatives, CFHI champions the rights, dignity, and well-being of women, girls, and all survivors. From preventive education to psychosocial support and referral services, we ensure that survivors are not lost in the numbers but seen, heard, and supported through their healing journey.

But CFHI cannot do this alone. Ending violence is a collective responsibility; As we mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we call on, communities to break the culture of silence and create safe spaces for survivors, institutions to strengthen reporting systems, legal protections, and survivor-friendly services. Parents and caregivers to model respect and equality within their homes, young people to speak up against online and offline violence and promote positive gender norms. Government and policymakers to invest in prevention, strengthen accountability, and fund survivor services, you, reading this, to challenge harmful behaviours, support survivors around you, and become an advocate for a violence-free world.

Survivors are not statisticsthey are individuals deserving of dignity, justice, and healing. As we stand together during the 16 Days of Activism, let us commit to building a society that supports survivors not just in reports but in real life, every day [4].

CFHI remains steadfast in its mission: promoting health, protection, and empowerment for all. Together, we can end violence one voice, one action, and one survivor supported at a time.

 

References

[1] UN Women. (2024). Ending Violence Against Women: Facts & Figures.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures

[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates 2018.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256

[3] UN Women. 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/take-action/16-days-of-activism

[4] United Nations. (2024). International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women  Background.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

[5] UNFPA. (2023). Gender-Based Violence: Global Overview and Response Strategies.
https://www.unfpa.org/gender-based-violence

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Community Development, Gender, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Nation Building, WHO /

Hygiene and Health for Every Man

Good hygiene is not only a personal responsibility but a fundamental aspect of disease prevention, dignity, and overall well-being for men across all ages. Research shows that poor hygiene contributes significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, inadequate hygiene practices account for nearly 432,000 deaths annually from diarrheal diseases alone (1) with millions more suffering from preventable infections linked to poor personal and environmental hygiene. Studies also reveal that men are statistically less likely than women to engage in consistent hygiene routines, including regular handwashing, oral care, and preventive health screenings. A 2022 global survey noted that over 65% of men admit to skipping basic hygiene routines (2) increasing their vulnerability to infections, skin diseases, urinary tract complications, and communicable illnesses. Poor hygiene also affects mental health, social interactions, productivity, and overall quality of life, especially in environments where men are primary earners and caregivers.

The implications of poor hygiene for men extend far beyond physical health. Lack of proper personal and environmental cleanliness can affect workplace productivity, family health, and community wellness. For example, studies show that effective handwashing alone can reduce respiratory infections by over 21% (3) yet many men either neglect this simple act or lack access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities. Globally, 3.5 billion people still lack safe sanitation (4) and this affects men in marginalized communities disproportionately, often exposing them to contaminated environments and increasing their risk of illness. Oral hygiene is another overlooked aspect; research indicates that men are 40% less likely than women to seek dental care (5) leading to higher rates of gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Hygiene is not just cleanliness it is a cornerstone of preventive health.

As we commemorate International Men’s Day and World Toilet Day, we encourage, admonish, and advise men everywhere to stay true to hygiene and neatness. Cleanliness is strength. Hygiene is responsibility. And taking care of your health is an act of leadership and self-respect. Men must break free from harmful cultural norms that label hygiene awareness as weakness or unmanliness. True masculinity includes caring for one’s body, environment, and overall well-being. A healthy man becomes a healthier father, partner, colleague, and community member. The global theme for this period emphasizes dignity, safe sanitation, and improved well-being for everyone and men must be active participants in this movement.

Wash your hands often, maintain proper grooming, care for your oral health, keep your environment clean, use toilets responsibly, practice safe sanitation, and seek regular health checks. Small habits save lives. Hygiene is health, and health is power. Let this be a reminder that healthier men build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

For enquiries, partnerships, or to invite CFHI for sensitization programs, kindly contact us via: info@cfhinitiative.org 

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal disease. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
  2. Global hygiene behaviours survey results. 2022. Available from: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/articles-reports
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – How to Wash Your Hands. 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html
  4. World Health Organization & UNICEF. Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2023 update. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073347
  5. American Dental Association. Oral health and men’s health. 2022. Available from: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute

 

 

 

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER(ADHD)-SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Mental Health, Monday Health Burst /

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. Characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning, academic or professional performance, and social relationships. With increasing awareness, it is important to understand the symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies for ADHD to provide the necessary support and improve quality of life for those affected.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms are typically grouped into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. While individuals may present symptoms from either category, many experience a combination of both.

Inattention:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or play.
  • Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or work-related activities.
  • Easily distracted by external stimuli.
  • Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time.
  • Often avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
  • Frequently loses items like keys, books, or homework.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity:

  • Inability to sit still or remain seated in appropriate situations.
  • Excessive fidgeting or tapping.
  • Frequently interrupts conversations or intrudes on others’ activities.
  • Talks excessively or blurts out answers before questions are completed.
  • Difficulty waiting their turn, whether in conversation or during activities.
  • These symptoms often appear before the age of 12, and for a diagnosis of ADHD, they must be present in multiple settings (e.g., home, school, or work) and impact the individual’s social or occupational functioning.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of ADHD is not well understood, but research suggests that it is a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Key factors include:

Genetic Factors: ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Studies show that children with a parent or sibling with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Neurological Differences: Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas involved in attention, self-control, and planning, have been observed in individuals with ADHD.

Prenatal and Early Life Factors: Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy, premature birth, low birth weight, and exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., lead) during infancy may increase the risk of ADHD.

ADHD is a complex disorder that requires a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment. Greater awareness and understanding can help break down the stigma around ADHD and lead to more effective support systems for those affected. Whether through behavioral interventions, medication, or tailored educational strategies, individuals with ADHD can achieve their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling life. With continued research and advocacy, society can create an environment where those with ADHD thrive alongside their peers.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SCHIZOPHRENIA – SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst /

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Around 24 million people, or 1 in 300 persons (0.32%) globally, suffer from schizophrenia. Adults (2) had a rate of 1 in 222 (0.4%). It is not as prevalent as many other mental illnesses. The most common time for onset is in the late teens and twenties, and it often occurs earlier in males than in women. (World Health Organization)

Symptoms:

Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. An example of a delusion is when a person believes that they are being watched or that someone is trying to harm them.

Hallucinations: Sensations that are not real but are experienced by the person with schizophrenia. These can include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling sensations in the body.

Disorganized thinking and speech: A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty organizing and expressing their thoughts. Their speech may be illogical or unrelated to the topic being discussed.

Abnormal motor behaviour: This can manifest as unusual movements or repetitive behaviours that serve no apparent purpose.

Negative symptoms: These refer to a decrease or absence of normal functioning. Examples include a lack of motivation, social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, and decreased speech.

Schizophrenia does not have a single identifiable cause, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The condition is believed to result from genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth and complications during pregnancy or birth may contribute to its development. Additionally, psychosocial stress can play a role in the onset and progression of schizophrenia. Heavy cannabis use is also linked to an increased risk of the disorder.

It is crucial to take decisive action on schizophrenia, and it demands the active cooperation of governments, healthcare systems, communities, and individuals alike.

 

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.

 

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights /

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented. 

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

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

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

 

 

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights /

Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices: Examining the Impact on Female Children in Nigeria

 

In Nigeria, young girls face significant challenges when choosing their career paths due to gender-based limitations. Despite progress in women’s rights and gender equality, traditional views, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors still limit the career options available to girls. These biases have contributed to a significant gender gap in many professions. Unfortunately, like many others, Nigerian society continues to adhere to gender norms that restrict the career opportunities available to female children. Cultural factors like patriarchal standards and expectations of women’s domestic responsibilities have perpetuated the belief that certain professions are better suited for men.

 

According to the World Bank’s report on gender disparities in Nigeria, cultural biases discourage girls from pursuing careers in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), often considered male-dominated. This leads to a persistent gender gap in these fields and limits educational and employment opportunities for girls. Factors such as limited access to quality education, early marriage, poverty, inadequate educational infrastructure, and cultural norms favoring boys’ education further restrict girls’ career choices in Nigeria.

 

The limitations placed on female students’ career options based on gender in Nigeria profoundly impact both the individual and the larger society. Limiting girls’ goals undermines their personal growth, perpetuates gender inequality, and obstructs the nation’s progress towards achieving gender equality and socioeconomic development.

 

In 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by educating over 40 students and teachers from Junior Secondary School Gosa – Abuja about the negative impacts of gender-based violence and encouraging students to pursue their preferred fields, including STEM-related ones, regardless of gender.

 

Addressing gender-based restrictions on career choices for female children in Nigeria requires a holistic approach encompassing education, awareness, and equal opportunities. By challenging traditional gender roles, providing role models, ensuring access to quality education, and promoting options in male-dominated fields, we can empower girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress. Through these concerted efforts, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all children have the freedom to choose their desired career paths, irrespective of gender.

 

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

 

#SpeakWednesday #Career #Girl’sRights #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality #Nigeria #Progress

 

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