20,000 Nigerians Receive Lifesaving Health Education

Health Worker Organizes Seminars to Improve Maternal and Child Health in Jigawa State

Situation

According to UNICEF, every day Nigeria loses about 2,300 under‐five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age – making it the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world. Healthcare workers in Nigeria know that education is a key to changing these grim statistics.

Solutions

Marian Ojoru Idegwu, who works for an NGO called HADOC, participated in RGH’s online7‐day MPH program. After finishing the program, Marian decided to organize educational seminars on healthy living in the Jigawa State of Nigeria. Her initial targets were children under five and pregnant women. She wrote an introductory letter to the State Commissioner of Health and followed up with a PowerPoint presentation where she and her team demonstrated how they would implement the project.

The Commission approved the project and funding was provided. The National Health Insurance Scheme of Nigeria also pledged their support. Marian and her team trained a total of 20 staff members who would in turn, lead discussions at the seminars.

Success

Marian’s team organized educational seminars in 20 communities and reached about 20,000 people. The community members were educated on the importance of hand washing, safe sex and HIV/AIDS testing. Condoms were also distributed to seminar participants. Her team partnered with local hospitals so participants could be referred to these hospitals for care. Marian used a scorecard system she learned from the 7‐Day MPH program to use as a guide during the seminars and track the team’s success.

“The health awareness has to be consistent for people to change their ways. It is always good to care for the people. A simple smile on the face makes life more appreciated.”
– Marian Ojoru Idegwu

About this Series

RGH’s 7-Day online programs provide participants with dynamic capacity building solutions that empower real country-led development. This series highlights the success of participants as they strive to bring better health and well-being to their communities and countries.