WOMAN Seeks Improvement Of Health Advocacy In Bayelsa Communities

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa*

The Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network (WOMAN) has hosted a critical engagement on “Improving Health Advocacy and Service Quality,” taking a significant step towards improving health outcomes in Igbogene, Bayelsa State.
This initiative, held at the Igbogene Community Town Hall, aimed to promote collaboration among community stakeholders to improve health services for women and children.
Critical health issues addressed during the engagement included exclusive breastfeeding, cholera, yellow fever, monkeypox, gender-based violence, agriculture, human trafficking, food and nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and immunisation. These topics reflected the community’s pressing health issues and the need for a coordinated response.
Lady Eunice Nnachi, WOMAN’s Executive Director, emphasises that addressing these issues requires a united front. “We need to build trust and responsiveness within the community to improve healthcare delivery,” she stated. WOMAN intends to create a platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving by inviting a diverse range of stakeholders, including local leaders, healthcare providers, and community members.
This engagement comes after WOMAN and the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF) launched a grassroots awareness campaign in Igbogene. The campaign aimed to educate mothers about breastfeeding, food nutrition, and menstrual hygiene, while also addressing critical community health issues. During these sessions, Nnachi emphasised the importance of monitoring health indicators such as blood levels, tuberculosis, and HIV status. She also warned against self-medication and urged people to seek professional medical attention if they had any health concerns.
The community has overwhelmingly responded positively. Her Royal Highness, Chief Susan Osain, praised WOMAN and ENWAF’s efforts and expressed gratitude for their initiatives. She committed to working with healthcare providers and community leaders to create comprehensive health and nutrition improvement strategies. “This visit is a critical step in empowering the community and encouraging collaborative efforts to address pressing health and social issues,” Osain said.
Addressing health challenges
The engagement was especially timely, as the region has been dealing with health issues such as cholera outbreaks, yellow fever, monkeypox, and maternal neglect.
To combat cholera, Nnachi emphasised the importance of improved sanitation and access to clean water. In previous appearances, she advocated for comprehensive drug abuse prevention and treatment programs, acknowledging the dangers of substance abuse to community health.
The Paramount Ruler of Igbogene, Professor Augustine Ikein, had also expressed support for these initiatives. He recognised the value of private organisations such as WOMAN and ENWAF in addressing health issues and pledged to work with them to develop comprehensive strategies. Ikein stated, “You cannot leave it up to the formal government to do all the work. This private initiative is a wonderful way to add value and promote collective welfare.” This visual representation of solidarity will help to reinforce the message about collaboration and community involvement in health initiatives.
Nnachi believes that such engagements can improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. “Working together, we can create a healthier environment for our women and children,” she said. The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals, local leaders, and community members who are eager to contribute to the conversation about improving health advocacy.
WOMAN and ENWAF continue to work in Igbogene, committed to addressing the community’s multifaceted health challenges. The upcoming engagement is just one of many steps towards creating a culture of health advocacy and community involvement.
To summarise, the collaboration between WOMAN, ENWAF, and community stakeholders represents a significant effort to improve health outcomes in Igbogene. By addressing critical health issues and encouraging dialogue among various stakeholders, these organisations are paving the way for a healthier future for the region’s women and children. The engagement was a pivotal moment in this ongoing journey towards better health advocacy and service quality.