Cross River
Welcome to the webpage of
Sweet Mother International
Cross River State
Report on the SAVE Campaign and World AIDS Day Activities in Cross River State
Pre-Campaign Sensitization:
Date: November 8th, 2011
Location: Boki Local Government Area
Initiative: The campaign began with sensitization programs at the palaces of Clan heads Otu Joseph Katchang and Otu Joseph Edi in Kakwagom and Bue-Obi Clans.
Focus: Florence Kekong, SMI Cross River Coordinator, emphasized the prevention of women and children's deaths through improved healthcare and training of traditional health practitioners.
Community Mobilization: Women were encouraged to form SMI groups for data collection and health situation analysis, aiding in targeted health improvement initiatives.
World AIDS Day:
Date: December 1, 2011
Theme: "Getting to Zero"
Activities: SMI participated in World AIDS Day by mobilizing women, including those living positively with HIV, for various events. These included roadwork, health education talks, and discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and destigmatization.
Collaboration: SMI's activities aligned with the maternal and child health programs of the Cross River State government, integrating into state health schemes.
Community Engagement: Rural women were brought to Calabar metropolitan area for networking and awareness on women's health issues.
Awareness and Prevention: SAVE Team distributed condoms and T-shirts provided by the State Action Committee Against HIV/AIDS (SACA). Members living positively with HIV played a crucial role in educating and reducing stigma.
Future Plans and Conclusion:
New Year Initiatives: Strategies are in place for upcoming activities focused on improving the nutritional status of women and children, culminating in a thanksgiving mass on January 2, 2012.
Objective: SMI aims to expand its reach across Cross River State, enhancing its effectiveness in supporting pregnant mothers and children.
Vision: By the first quarter's end, SMI hopes to establish a stronger presence and garner more support for maternal and child well-being.
REPORT
Report by Florence Kekong
Coordinator
Sweet Mother International (SMI) Cross-River State
Introduction:
Sweet Mother International (SMI) is actively involved in supporting women and children in the impoverished communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. By collaborating effectively, SMI aims to overcome the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups.
Challenges in Rural Communities:
Geographical and Infrastructural Barriers: Difficult terrain and poor road networks significantly disadvantage rural populations, particularly affecting women and children.
Socio-Economic Issues: Factors like illiteracy, ignorance, and low economic status add to the challenges faced by these communities.
Cultural Practices: Detrimental cultural norms contribute to women's vulnerability, impacting their autonomy in decision-making regarding health, sexuality, and fertility.
SMI's Role and Initiatives:
Empowerment through Capacity Building: SMI's "SAVE" campaign complements government and agency efforts to empower women through capacity building and skills development.
Advocacy for Maternal Health: Proactive advocacy for increased resources and efforts to eliminate pregnancy-related deaths in Cross River State.
Tailored Programs: SMI focuses on addressing issues specific to rural Cross-Riverian women, including raising awareness about maternal health and implementing effective empowerment programs.
Comprehensive Health Services: Provision of high-quality reproductive health services through a multisectoral integrated approach.
Collaborations and Partnerships:
Engagement with Stakeholders: Collaboration with traditional rulers, community groups, local and international organizations, businesses, and philanthropists.
Medical and Health Alliances: Working alongside medical professionals, health-related organizations, and the media.
Partnership with NAWOJ and the State Government: Collaborating with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Cross River State Government to achieve the best outcomes for SMI projects.
Conclusion:
SMI Cross River State is dedicated to making significant strides in improving the lives of women and children in rural areas. Through strategic partnerships and tailored programs, SMI aims to contribute effectively to achieving the Global Health Plan targets.