The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) has been selected as one of the 2024 grantees by Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT Foundation) aimed at reducing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across four states in Nigeria.
Ashoka Fellow and Executive Director HEI, Mr Paschal Achunine, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
Achunine said the foundation was one of the 26 organisations out of more than 2,000 organisations that applied for the grant from 16 countries in Africa.
He said the groundbreaking initiative focuses on empowering communities with life-saving skills through a comprehensive, tech-enabled First Responders Training programme.
According to him, the programme will educate ‘Train The Trainers’, including community health extension workers, road safety personnel, nurses, police officers, vehicle inspection officers and paramedics.
He said the initiative would enhance emergency response capabilities, improve health outcomes by reducing mortalities and morbidities associated with conditions such as stroke, hypertension, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart attack, cardiac arrest and trauma injuries.
On community impact of the programme, Achunine said it would empower local communities with skills, reduce fatalities and improve overall community health standards.
“The one-year programme is designed to train the trainers; who will cascade their newly acquired skills to community mobilisers and residents in underserved areas.
“These trainers will then educate 4,000 community members, fostering a widespread understanding of emergency response techniques and basic skills to combat NCDs.
“With the aid of technology, 72,000 first responders will ultimately benefit from the scheme. We are deeply grateful to ACT Foundation for this significant contribution to the health sector,” Achunine said.
The Chief Executive Officer of ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile, while highlighting the challenges of NCDs in Nigeria, said the organisation desired to support HEI’s initiative.
Alile said HEI has proven a track record of providing critical care to accident victims within the crucial first 24 to 48 hours, conduct CPR/First Aid training and payment of hospital bills for indigent patients, with more than 46,900 beneficiaries.
She added that the organisation’s commitment to transparency and effective corporate governance had earned the trust and collaboration of numerous corporate partners.
Alile added that it had earned the organisation an award from the Lagos State Health Service Commission as the Best Supporting NGO.
“At ACT Foundation, we are committed to enhancing health outcomes, reducing fatalities and elevating overall health standards to create a sustainable impact.
“We are delighted to collaborate with HEI on a strategic initiative that empowers communities with life-saving skills through a comprehensive, tech-enabled First Responders Training Programmes,” she said.
