Allevi8SCD | RemedyOCD
About the Project
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary red blood cell disorder of public health importance globally with Nigeria the epicenter zone in Africa. There is a paucity of knowledge on how hemoglobin variants, personal characteristics, and environment (socio-demographic triangle) interact to influence SCD propagation. A clinical overview of these epidemiologic parameters by some purpose-specific organizations. One of such organizations is the Brain & Body Foundation, with whom we shall be partnering to proffer strategies for controlling the SCD disease burden. Brain and Body Foundation (BBF) is a registered non-profit organization established to make important nutrients that are critical to the healthy development of children easily accessible to parents and caregivers. Using science-based and well-researched solutions, we will support patients living with brain disorders and other chronic diseases including Sickle Cell Anemia by not only raising awareness of such chronic conditions, but administering uniquely produced, extensively tested and medically approved medications to affected children in rural areas within Nigeria (Northern Nigeria being the most affected region), and futuristically to the rest of West and East Africa.
Project Introduction
Allevi8SCD is a Humanitarian project with a chief end goal to reduce the death rate of children and young adults in Nigeria below the age of 25 living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) from 75% to less than 10% by 2035.
Our goal for Allevi8SCD Nigeria through this pilot project is to reach over 500 young people (below the age of 25) battling with Sickle Cell Disease in IDP Camps across Abuja, and subsequently Nassarawa and Plateau state (dependent upon the amount of resources made available) to sensitize them and their guardians on means of strengthening their immune systems and ways to mitigate regular fits or attacks and other general effects of SCD, as well as to educate younger unmarried adults on the importance of Genotype testing with their future partners before marriage. We will also look to expand our reach to children living with SCD in various other states within Nigeria especially the north. We will be looking to collaborate with organizations across FCT, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, and the far north (Maiduguri, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara) as well as some south western and eastern states like Oyo, and Akwa Ibom.
Working in partnership with another well acclaimed NGO funded by a US-based Foundation, we may also be leveraging on the decade-long research work they have carried out and the outstanding results they have to show with regards to the critical role of Vitamin D3, zinc, and vitamin C in the Management of SCD (https://www.brainandbodyfoundation.org/vitamin-d-research/) by providing food items (such as breakfast cereals; oat meal, cashew nuts, whole grains — whole wheat derivatives and brown rice — cod liver oil, eggs/yolks, sardines, fortified milk and other dairy products) as well as accessible food supplements rich in the aforementioned substances and approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for distribution and charitable purposes.
Executive summary
Sickle cell disease is a significant health challenge in Nigeria, affecting a considerable portion of the population. The lack of widespread awareness and understanding of this genetic blood disorder leads to stigmatization, limited access to proper care, and preventable complications. Many individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease lack the knowledge needed to manage the condition effectively. This knowledge gap perpetuates a cycle of suffering and underlines the urgent need for comprehensive education and support within communities.
According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), 24% of the Nigerian population are carriers of the mutant gene and the prevalence of sickle-cell anemia is about 20 per 1,000 births. Earlier reports by the Nigerian Daily Trust newspaper also quoted the WHO 2014 statistics, saying that; “at least 100,000 babies die from the disorder in Nigeria every year.” And like other sub-Saharan African countries, the inherited blood disorder is said to be the underlying cause of about 1 in 12 newborn deaths.
The project aims to address this critical gap in awareness and education. With Nigeria having one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease globally, there is an urgent need to prioritize education and promote better health practices. As the country navigates numerous health challenges, elevating the understanding of sickle cell disease is crucial to alleviate unnecessary pain and suffering among affected individuals. By intervening through education and awareness, the project can significantly impact the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease.
The Allevi8SCD Project, under the auspices of TheIam3rd Initiative will implement a multifaceted approach to address the lack of awareness and education regarding sickle cell disease in Abuja IDP Camps (such as Wassa, Kuje, Kuchingoro, Lugbe and Area 1 Camp David IDP Communities) and subsequently across Nigeria. IDP Camps will be the target areas as SCD has been found to be more predominant amongst the illiterate northerners who happen to constitute the highest population of Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria. Activities will include community workshops/sensitization lectures and health consultation with healthcare practitioners (such as WHO officials and other Public Health experts within the Iam3rd Team), distribution of informational pamphlets, and the use of media platforms (e.g. banners and roll ups) for wider reach. Collaborations with local healthcare providers and community leaders will ensure the information is disseminated effectively and reaches the most vulnerable demography of the community. Furthermore, the project will focus on fostering support networks and providing resources for affected individuals and their families, creating a more empathetic and understanding environment.
Annually, we will aim to significantly increase awareness and knowledge about sickle cell disease among at least 5000 individuals (including the target affected persons) in Nigeria. The success will be measured through pre- and post- campaign assessments, aiming for a minimum 30% increase in accurate understanding of the disease with respect to the shared body of knowledge through the modes of sensitization. Moreover, the project seeks to establish sustainable support networks and resources for affected individuals, fostering a more compassionate and informed community. These outcomes will pave the way for better disease management, reduced stigmatization, and improved quality of life for those affected by sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
In summary, the project’s focus on sickle cell awareness and health promotion in Nigeria is essential to alleviate the burden of this disease on individuals and the healthcare system. By empowering communities with knowledge, we aim to create a more supportive and informed environment that enables those affected by sickle cell disease to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Allevi8SCD will be driven by the following objectives:
To implement the safest, most cost-effective methods for dealing with the chronic disease (SCD).
To provide relief for medically fragile children – those suffering from the genetic disorder (sickle cell disease) and its tragic consequences beginning in Abuja, across the rest of Nigeria (especially the northern parts) and extending to other African countries with time and availability of resources.
To raise public awareness about the reality and chief cause of SCD, the burden it imposes on society, and the evidence- based solutions available, in order to encourage individuals, affected families, community leaders and private institutions as well as the government to join the campaign to prevent and mitigate SCD nationwide.
To develop simple but effective protocols that affected individuals and their support systems (friends and family) can easily implement.
Coupled with raising SCD awareness, Allevi8SCD will look to provide the best possible care to every affected individual within the most affected IDP communities at no cost to them through integrated clinical consultations (in partnership with WHO officials), education, and research with expert team members.
This project seeks to bridge the divide between effective and widely acclaimed nutraceutical solutions that have proven track records in dealing with such chronic disease and those in need of them.
Proposed project locations
– Abuja (FCT) – Pilot project
– Plateau
– Nassarawa, and the rest of the far northern states subsequently.
Project focus area
-Health
Project Objective
The Allevi8SCD Sickle Cell Awareness and Mitigation Project aims to achieve the following:
1. Specific:
This project looks to Increase awareness and understanding of sickle cell disease among over 5000 affected individuals
across IDP Camps in Abuja first then across Nigeria in the process of time by disseminating accurate information
through community sensitization, online campaigns, and informational materials.
2. Measurable:
Increase in knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease will be measured by conducting pre- and post-awareness
(project follow-up) campaign assessments to evaluate a minimum 30% (average) improvement in knowledge among
participants with respect to the knowledge base presented to the concerned individuals through the sensitization
programs/workshops.
3. Achievable:
We will take advantage of partnerships with health practitioners and local healthcare providers, educational
institutions, and community leaders to ensure access to resources, reaching a minimum of 3-5 IDP communities within
Abuja through our maiden project implementation duration, and subsequently 20 communities across Nigeria
annually.
4. Relevant:
SCD as a prevalent health challenge in Nigeria and Africa as a whole naturally aligns this project’s objectives with
the current healthcare landscape in Nigeria; addressing the high prevalence of sickle cell disease and the need for
better education and support for affected individuals.
5. Time-bound:
The project will be implemented 2-3 times annually within a combined period of 6 months, starting from the launch
date following after funding and preliminary scoping, with clear milestones and bi-monthly evaluations and follow-
ups with previous communities to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.
The above breakdown ensures the project goals are well-defined and can be tracked for progress, making our initiative
more effective in addressing sickle cell awareness and health promotion in Nigeria.
Core Project Activities to be Implemented:
Here are the core activities for the Sickle Cell Awareness and Mitigation project in Nigeria:
Community Workshops and Seminars: Conduct educational sessions in various target IDP communities to disseminate accurate information about sickle cell disease, its management, and the importance of early screening, while also providing sufficient training to patents/guardians and relatives of affected individuals within the community, including friends of affected persons and community leaders as well keeping them abreast on the latest advancements in sickle cell disease management, ensuring better care provision.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign through crude and social media platforms, to reach a wide audience and dispel myths and misconceptions about the disease.
Community Health Screenings: Conduct mass screenings within target IDP communities to identify individuals with sickle cell disease or carriers, offering counseling and guidance for further management and support.
Creation of Informational Materials: Develop and distribute pamphlets, brochures, and digital resources containing accurate information translated to the predominant Hausa dialect about sickle cell disease for easy access and reference.
Policy Advocacy and Engagement: Engage with policymakers e.g., the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, to advocate for better support systems, improved healthcare access, and the inclusion of sickle cell awareness in public health programs toward the most vulnerable IDP Communities.
Follow-up and Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of the implemented activities through surveys, feedback, and monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the project and make necessary adjustments for better outcomes.
Proposed Target Audience
– Members of Internally Displaced Persons Camps; Schools and Educational Institutions, Community and Religious Leaders, Families and Caregivers of Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease all within the IDP Communities.
-Policy Makers and Government Bodies; Sickle Cell Patients and Support Groups.
Plans for Sustainability
To sustain the Allevi8 SCD Awareness & Mitigation Project in Nigeria beyond the initial grant period, we shall endeavor to engage and implement several strategies:
Partnerships and Collaboration: Forge long-term partnerships with local healthcare institutions, NGOs, and community organizations. This collaboration will ensure ongoing support, access to resources, and shared responsibility for continuing the project’s initiatives.
Capacity Building and Train-the-Trainer Programs: Implement train-the-trainer programs to equip local community members, healthcare workers, and educators with the knowledge and skills to continue educational activities independently. This empowers them to sustain the project’s efforts beyond the initial funding.
Empower Local Leadership: Facilitate the establishment of local leadership structures, empowering community leaders and those with healthcare experience within the community take ownership of the project’s initiatives. This ensures that the project’s goals are integrated into the community’s ongoing health programs.
Long-term Funding Strategies: Develop a sustainability plan that includes seeking alternative funding sources, such as applying for grants, engaging corporate sponsorships, and exploring partnerships with government health agencies to secure long-term financial support.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to continually assess the impact and effectiveness of the project. Use this data to adapt strategies, demonstrate success, and attract ongoing support and funding.
Integration into Public Health Systems: Advocate for the integration of sickle cell awareness & health promotion at IDP Communities into the public health systems. Establishing it as a part of routine healthcare will ensure its continuity beyond the project’s initial phase-.
Key Modalities of the Allevi8SCD Awareness and Mitigation program
This project is specifically designed to engage diverse communities, empower stakeholders, address stigmatization, and provide culturally sensitive education. Policy advocacy further enhances inclusivity and ensures a supportive, empathetic environment for individuals affected by sickle cell disease
The project will ensure gender equity and inclusion in several ways:
Tailored Education: Offering education that acknowledges how sickle cell disease may affect individuals of different genders uniquely.
Equal Access: Ensuring equal access to the sensitization lectures and information for all genders affected by the disease.
Empowerment and Support: Providing specific support and guidance, especially for women, addressing concerns like maternal health and family planning.
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and addressing cultural norms related to gender in disease management and healthcare-seeking behaviors.
We intend to monitor the Project by way of:
Regular Assessments: Conducting scheduled evaluations to measure the project’s impact, tracking changes in awareness levels, community engagement, and healthcare practices.
Data Collection: Gathering data through pre- and post-campaign assessments, surveys, and feedback mechanisms to gauge the effectiveness of educational initiatives and community participation.
Feedback Loops: Establishing feedback channels to gather input from stakeholders, affected individuals, and healthcare providers to adapt strategies as needed.
Milestone Tracking: Setting specific milestones and checkpoints to ensure the project is progressing as planned and making necessary adjustments if objectives are not met.
Continuous Evaluation: Implementing a system for ongoing evaluation to track the success of various activities and their contribution to the overall goals of the project.
Expected Outcomes/impact of Allevi8SCD Awareness & Mitigation Project:
Increased Awareness: Anticipating a substantial rise in accurate knowledge about sickle cell disease among at least 75% of the total population of individuals across IDP Camps in Abuja and across Nigeria through workshops, campaigns, and educational materials.
Improved Healthcare Practices: Expect a positive shift in healthcare practices, leading to early screening and better management of the disease, reducing preventable complications.
Community Support: Aiming to establish robust support networks and resources for affected individuals and their families, fostering a more understanding and supportive environment.
Reduced Stigma: Working towards diminishing stigmatization associated with sickle cell disease by fostering empathy and understanding within communities.
Policy Impact: Advocating for policy changes to better support individuals affected by sickle cell disease, potentially leading to improved healthcare access and societal inclusivity.
These outcomes collectively aim to create a more informed, empathetic, and supportive environment for those impacted by Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria and specifically among Internally Displaced Persons, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
RemedyOCD:
OCD affects approximately 2-3% of adults, suggesting that, in Nigeria, there could currently be about 6.6 million people living with this illness (Global-OCD, 2021). Alarmingly, sub-threshold OCD may have an even higher prevalence especially among young people ages 8 – 17.
Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and its associated anxiety and depression among young people in Nigeria presents a significant challenge due to limited access to information and free medications as well as specialized psychiatric care in the country. The Iam3rd Initiative, as an NGO, aims to address this gap by collaborating with international partners to provide necessary medications that are not readily available in Nigeria and by creating awareness in High Schools around major cities in Nigeria while identifying persons grappling OCD and its more destructive derivatives such as ADHD, aprosexia and depression. This project focuses on delivering proper psychiatric counseling, including evidence-based therapies such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
1. Medication Access: The lack of availability of essential medications for mental health conditions like OCD significantly impedes effective treatment. Through partnerships with international organizations or pharmaceutical companies, The Iam3rd Initiative can secure a supply of free medications that are scarce or unavailable in Nigeria, ensuring they reach the young population in need.
2. Psychiatric Counseling: The initiative emphasizes providing comprehensive psychiatric counseling. ERP, CBT, and NLP are evidence-based therapies that have shown efficacy in managing OCD symptoms, anxiety, and depression. The NGO can collaborate with qualified mental health professionals to offer these therapies, tailoring treatments to suit the cultural and individual needs of young people in Nigeria.
3. Education and Awareness: The Iam3rd Initiative could also focus on raising awareness about mental health issues like OCD, anxiety, and depression within communities. Education campaigns can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help, thereby increasing the reach and impact of the initiative.
4. Collaboration with Local Healthcare Systems: Building partnerships with local healthcare providers specialists like The Limi Medical Center and governmental agencies in Nigeria is crucial for sustained impact. Collaboration can facilitate the integration of mental health services into existing healthcare systems and ensure the continuity of care for individuals with OCD and related conditions.
5. Long-term Sustainability: Creating sustainable programs that train local mental health professionals in evidence-based therapies and strategies ensures that the initiative’s impact continues beyond direct intervention.
However, several challenges may arise, including logistical issues in obtaining and distributing medications, cultural barriers affecting the acceptance of sensitization lectures and therapies, and the need for specialized training for local professionals. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort, support from international partners, advocacy for mental health awareness, and consistent funding for the initiative’s operations and sustainability.
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