HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG YOUTH

By:- Christiana Agamah, Emmanuel OJ andTekinaOnyeso
 Mental health issues among youth is a pressing concern with stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to support services exacerbating the problem. In response, the Grace-Ali Health Foundation (GHF) initiated a project to raise awareness about mental health among youth in the federal capital territory. The project focused on providing education, resources, and support to empower youth to address mental health challenges and promote well-being.

Project Objectives:

  • To increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues among youth in the federal capital territory.
  • To reduce stigma associated with mental illness and promote a supportive environment for those affected.
  • To provide access to mental health resources and support services for youth in need.
  • To advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize mental health awareness and support in Abuja.

Project Activities:
Awareness Campaigns: The project organized awareness campaigns through social media, posters, and community events to disseminate information about mental health issues, signs, and symptoms, and available support services.

Virtual Educational Workshops: Zoom and Telegram were used as virtual platforms for educational sessionsto provide youth with accurate information about mental health, coping strategies, and self-care practices. These workshops also addressed common myths and misconceptions about mental illness.

Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups were established to provide a safe space for youth to share experiences, offer mutual support, and access information and resources related to mental health. Trained facilitators led discussions and activities to promote peer support and resilience.

Counselling Services: Counselling services were offered to youth in need of mental health support. Trained counsellors provided confidential counselling sessions both in-person and virtually, addressing a range of mental health concerns and providing referrals as needed.

Advocacy Efforts: Advocacy efforts were undertaken to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize mental health awareness and support in Abuja. Engagement with policymakers and community leaders aimed to mobilize support for mental health initiatives.

 Achievements:
Increased Awareness: The project successfully increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues among youth in Abuja. Participants reported greater knowledge about mental health, including signs and symptoms, and where to seek support.

Reduced Stigma: Stigma associated with mental illness was reduced as a result of the project’s efforts. Youth expressed more openness to discussing mental health and offering support to peers experiencing mental health challenges.
Improved Access to Resources: Youth in Abuja gained improved access to mental health resources and support services. Counselling sessions provided a valuable outlet for those in need of support, and peer support groups offered a sense of community and solidarity.

Advocacy Impact: The project’s advocacy efforts contributed to greater awareness and prioritization of mental health issues among policymakers and community leaders in Abuja. There was increased recognition of the importance of investing in mental health awareness and support initiatives.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Stigma and Misconceptions: Overcoming stigma and misconceptions about mental health remains a significant challenge and requires ongoing education and advocacy efforts.
Resource Constraints: Limited resources, including funding and personnel, posed challenges to the sustainability and scale-up of project activities. Collaboration with local stakeholders and resource mobilization efforts are essential for continued impact.

Access to Services: Despite efforts to increase access to mental health services, barriers such as transportation and stigma may still prevent some youth from seeking help. More efforts are needed to address these barriers and ensure equitable access to care.

Feedback from participants
Mrs Aisha Umar:-“As a participant, I gained access to valuable resources and support services for mental health. Whether through counseling sessions, support groups, or educational materials, I felt supported and empowered to take control of my mental well-being. These resources have been instrumental in helping me navigate life’s challenges.”

 Mr. Anthony Oche:- : “Participating in the project brought me closer to my peers and created a sense of community around mental health. Knowing that I’m not alone in my struggles and that there are others who understand and support me has been incredibly comforting. Together, we’re breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness.”

 Gloria Idakwoji:- “Participating in the mental health awareness project opened my eyes to the importance of mental well-being. I learned about various mental health conditions, their signs, and the importance of seeking help when needed. This knowledge has been invaluable in understanding my own mental health and supporting others.”

 Recommendations:

  • Sustain Awareness Efforts: Continue awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to maintain momentum and further reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
  • Expand Access to Services: Increase access to mental health resources and support services, particularly in underserved communities, through partnerships and resource mobilization.
  • Strengthen Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to build a network of support for youth mental health and ensure sustainability of project efforts.

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE FOR YOUNG SCHOOL GIRLS

By:- John Onuche, Anthonia OJ and Dorcas Abutu

Menstrual hygiene management is a critical aspect of reproductive health, yet many young girls face challenges in accessing adequate information, resources, and support to manage their menstruation safely and with dignity. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, the Grace-Ali Health Foundation(GHF) initiated a project to improve menstrual hygiene among young school girls.

Project Objectives:

  • To raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and reproductive health among young school girls.
  • To provide access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products for girls in schools.
  • To improve sanitation facilities in schools to accommodate menstrual hygiene needs.
  • To empower girls with knowledge and skills to manage their menstruation with confidence and dignity.

Project Activities:

Educational Workshops: Conducted workshops and awareness sessions in schools to educate girls about menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and the importance of proper hygiene practices during menstruation.

Distribution of Menstrual Hygiene Products: Provided free hygiene products such as sanitary pads and menstrual cups to girls in schools to ensure they have access to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene management options.

Improvement of Sanitation Facilities: Collaborated with schools to improve sanitation facilities, including the provision of clean and private toilets, handwashing stations, and waste disposal bins to support menstrual hygiene needs.

Training of Teachers: Provided training sessions for teachers on menstrual hygiene management, enabling them to support and educate girls effectively.

Peer Education Programs: Established peer education programs where older girls mentor younger ones, sharing knowledge and experiences related to menstrual hygiene management in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

 Achievements:

Increased Awareness: The project successfully raised awareness about menstrual hygiene and reproductive health among young school girls, teachers, and parents, leading to improved understanding and acceptance of menstruation as a natural and normal process.

Access to Menstrual Hygiene Products: Girls in schools gained access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products, reducing barriers to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene management.

Improved Sanitation Facilities: Sanitation facilities in schools were upgraded to better accommodate the menstrual hygiene needs of girls, providing them with clean and private spaces to manage their menstruation with dignity.

Empowerment of Girls: Through education and skill-building activities, girls were empowered to manage their menstruation confidently, reducing feelings of shame, embarrassment, and discomfort associated with menstruation.

Community Engagement: The project fostered community engagement and support for menstrual hygiene management, with parents, teachers, and community leaders actively involved in promoting menstrual health and supporting girls’ needs.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Cultural Sensitivity: Addressing cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation required careful navigation and community engagement to ensure acceptance and support for the project.

Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of the project beyond its duration necessitated building partnerships with local stakeholders, training community members, and advocating for ongoing support and investment in menstrual hygiene management.

Resource Constraints: Limited resources, including funding and infrastructure, posed challenges to the scale-up and sustainability of project activities, highlighting the importance of efficient resource allocation and mobilization.

 Feedbacks from participants: –

Maryam Isahan SS3 student I feel more confident managing my menstruation at school. Access to sanitary pads and clean toilets has made a huge difference. I no longer worry about leaks or discomfort, and I can focus better on my studies.

 DamilolaDayokariman SS1 student menstruation was a taboo topic, and I felt embarrassed to talk about it. But now, thanks to the workshops and peer education sessions, I realize that menstruation is a natural process. I feel more comfortable discussing it with my friends and seeking help when needed.

 Recommendations:

  • Continued Education and Support: Maintain ongoing education and support programs to reinforce menstrual hygiene knowledge and skills among girls, teachers, and parents.
  • Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize menstrual hygiene management in schools and communities, ensuring sustained investment and support for menstrual health programs.

Community Involvement: Continue to engage with communities, parents, and stakeholders to foster a supportive environment for menstrual hygiene management and address cultural barriers and taboos.

Quarterly Hospital Support & Survivor Care Initiative

The Grace Ali Health Foundation (GAHF) implements a structured Hospital Support and Survivor Care Initiative designed to provide timely medical, psychosocial, and reintegration support to women and girls affected by gender-based violence and child exploitation across Nigeria.

Through monthly hospital visits and coordinated case management, GAHF supports survivors who are hospitalised due to:

  • Domestic and intimate partner violence
  • Sexual violence and rape
  • Child trafficking and child domestic servitude, including cases where children placed with relatives or guardians experience abuse or neglect

Our approach prioritises dignity, confidentiality, survivor safety, and family reintegration, while working closely with healthcare providers, social workers, and community leaders.

What the Project Does

During each hospital visit, GAHF provides:

  • Payment of medical bills for emergency and ongoing treatment
  • Access to essential medications and diagnostic services
  • Psychosocial support and trauma-informed referrals
  • Family tracing, mediation, and safe reunification for child survivors
  • Follow-up visits to ensure recovery, continuity of care, and protection

Cases involving minors are handled with strict safeguarding protocols and in collaboration with relevant authorities and child protection actors.

Project Reach & Measurable Impact

Since implementation, the Hospital Support and Survivor Care Initiative has recorded the following outcomes:

  • 900+ women and girls received fully or partially funded medical treatment
  • 90% of supported survivors completed prescribed treatment successfully
  • 300+ child survivors safely reunited with their families or placed in secure care
  • 100% of cases documented with consent-based reporting and follow-up

Our monthly visits allow early intervention, reduce preventable complications, and remove financial barriers that often delay or deny survivors access to life-saving care.

“I thought I would be sent away because I had no money for treatment. Grace Ali Health Foundation paid my hospital bills and stayed with me until I was discharged. Today, I am healing and no longer afraid.”
— Aisha, Survivor of Domestic Violence

“They helped me get medical care and found my family. I am back in school now. I didn’t think anyone would listen to me, but they did.”
— Mary, Child Survivor

“Beyond the hospital bills, they treated me like a human being. They followed up on my recovery and helped me feel safe again.”
— Anonymous Beneficiary