Health Program
Health Program
At Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN), health is one of our core pillars, recognizing that healthy individuals and communities form the foundation of sustainable development. Our health interventions are designed to combat both communicable and non-communicable diseases that disproportionately affect underserved and vulnerable populations in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas and urban slums.
Through a combination of direct service delivery, health education, and strategic partnerships with local, national, and international organizations, BECOLIN implements a wide range of health programs that are focused on prevention, care, and sustainable health solutions.
Key Focus Areas
- Communicable Disease Control
BECOLIN plays a vital role in fighting infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which are prevalent in many regions of Nigeria. We are actively involved in community mobilization, health education, distribution of preventive tools such as mosquito nets, and the provision of care and support for those affected.
- Malaria Prevention & Roll Back Malaria Campaign: We have distributed over 20,000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets to vulnerable households in malaria-endemic areas. Our ongoing campaigns raise awareness about malaria prevention, environmental sanitation, and community health promotion.
- HIV/AIDS Awareness and Support: BECOLIN has a strong commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through education and care initiatives. We have implemented prevention education programs in schools and supported home-based care services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, ensuring that they receive adequate health and psychosocial support.
- Maternal and Child Health
Reducing maternal and child mortality is at the heart of our health programs. We promote maternal health through prenatal and postnatal care education, family planning, and access to healthcare services. In many of the communities where we operate, maternal and child health outcomes have significantly improved due to our interventions.
- Nutrition and Immunization Campaigns: BECOLIN conducts nutrition education and immunization drives to protect children from malnutrition and preventable diseases. We partner with local health authorities to ensure that children under five receive essential vaccinations and nutritional supplements.
- Home-Based Care for Vulnerable Children: For orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS and other diseases, we provide home-based care, ensuring that they have access to basic health services, nutrition, and emotional support.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Access to clean water and proper sanitation is essential for preventing waterborne diseases and improving overall public health. Our WASH programs focus on providing clean water through boreholes, constructing improved sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene education in schools and communities.
- VIP Latrines in Schools: BECOLIN has constructed ventilated improved pit latrines in primary schools to prevent open defecation and reduce sanitation-related diseases. Our hygiene promotion programs are also tailored to children, teaching them about proper handwashing and personal hygiene to reduce illness.
- Water-Related Disease Control: In communities like Akamkpa, Cross River State, we have implemented campaigns to reduce the prevalence of water-related diseases, providing education on safe water practices and facilitating access to clean water sources.
- Health Education and Community Awareness
Health education is a critical component of all our programs. By raising awareness about disease prevention, reproductive health, and healthy living, we empower communities to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Awareness and Advocacy: We have implemented campaigns in multiple communities to eradicate harmful traditional practices such as FGM. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in the practice, improving the health and well-being of women and girls in affected areas.
- Partnerships and Collaborations
BECOLIN partners with organizations such as the Society for Family Health (SFH), Global Fund, and the Embassy of Japan, among others, to implement large-scale health interventions. Our partnerships allow us to extend the reach of our programs, benefiting thousands of individuals across Nigeria.
Impact and Achievements
- Distributed over 20,000 mosquito nets in 10,000 households, significantly reducing malaria incidence in Imo State.
- Reduced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices by 95% in targeted communities through education and advocacy campaigns.
- Provided home-based care and support to over 30 women and 18 orphans living with HIV/AIDS, reducing the burden of the disease on vulnerable households.
- Constructed 10 ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines in schools, benefiting over 8,000 children and reducing the risk of sanitation-related diseases.
- Implemented HIV/AIDS prevention education in secondary schools, resulting in increased awareness of the causes, prevention, and control of HIV/AIDS.
Ongoing Health Projects
- Water Supply and Sanitation Project: In collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, we are currently implementing a water supply and sanitation project in four communities in Benue State. This project aims to reduce water and sanitation-related diseases, especially among women and children under five years of age.
- Global Fund Malaria Project: BECOLIN is a partner in the Global Fund malaria project, actively distributing long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to pregnant and nursing mothers, while conducting social mobilization for environmental sanitation in 40 communities.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, BECOLIN will continue to expand its health programs, seeking to address emerging health challenges, including the impacts of climate change on health, non-communicable diseases, and the ongoing fight against infectious diseases. Our goal is to ensure that every community we serve has access to the healthcare resources, knowledge, and support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
We invite you to support our health initiatives and help us create a healthier future for all. Together, we can make a difference, one community at a time.