HCSI

HES (Household Economic Strengthening) Need Assessment for Adolescents In the stable domain, In line with USAID and HCSI commitment to improving the financial stability of households, a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted for caregivers and adolescents under the Household Economic Strengthening (HES). This assessment aimed to identify the specific economic challenges faced by adolescents, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, and to tailor interventions that would help improve their financial resilience. The information gathered from this assessment was used to create targeted support programs, including financial literacy training and savings groups to equip adolescents with the tools to manage their resources and break the cycle of poverty. 21 caregivers and 44 adolescent befitted from the household economic strengthen within the project year. p;A graduation ceremony was held for beneficiaries who had successfully completed various ICHSSA 2 programs. During the event, participants were enlightened on key topics such as financial literacy, Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), personal hygiene, and general nutrition. The sessions aimed to empower beneficiaries with knowledge and practical skills to improve their health, hygiene, and financial management. Beneficiaries learned the importance of maintaining proper hygiene practices to prevent illness, the role of nutrition in promoting overall health, and the benefits of participating in VSLAs as a means to save money and access loans for small business ventures. The financial literacy session helped participants understand budgeting, saving, and planning for future financial needs, while the WASH component emphasized clean water usage and sanitation practices crucial for maintaining community health.  Under the supervision of DHSP program staff, the project provided comprehensive services to 11,493 beneficiaries, including 7,479 OVCs and 4,014 caregivers. Services included health education, WASH messaging, school performance assessments, and sexual health education. By the end of the project year , DHSP successfully reached 100% of the targeted beneficiaries and households, delivering a broad range of age-appropriate interventions aimed at improving their health, education, and overall well-being.

 DHSP staff participated in a quarterly coordination meeting normally held at the state, Auchi and Uromi cluter Edo. These quarterly coordination meetings provide significant benefits to organizations by improving communication, fostering collaboration, and aligning strategies across teams. By regularly reviewing progress, these meetings enhance accountability, ensuring that milestones are met and responsibilities are fulfilled. They offer a platform for real-time updates, allowing teams to make informed decisions, share data, and adjust strategies to meet evolving needs or challenges. Regular coordination helps optimize resources, prevent redundancy, and mitigate risks, while also strengthening relationships, building team cohesion, and breaking down silos. This leads to a more agile and efficient organization. Furthermore, celebrating successes during these meetings boosts morale, encourages feedback, and reinforces a shared sense of purpose, which contributes to the long-term success of the organization.

On the BMGF-funded Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NUHRI), HCSI was responsible for the implementation of the service delivery and capacity building components of this FP-focused program. HCSI also played an integral role in Global Fund to fight AIDS TB and Malaria (GFATM) round 5 and 9 activities in Nigeria as the implementing partner for community HIV prevention, and as the Principal Recipient (PR) of the TB grant as well as the USAID supported LOPIN Region 1 and ICHSSA 2 Projects. Financial constraints could have hindered her care, but the Director of Health Services Programs (DHSP) successfully negotiated a reduction in her hospital bills from 100,500 Naira to 14,000 Naira. DHSP, being a faith-based organization, covered the remaining expenses, ensuring that Aisosa received all the necessary medical care. After her discharge, the DHSP team provided additional cash and food support to aid in her nutritional recovery and to ensure she continued to receive the care she needed.

Mrs. Joy, a single mother of three children living with HIV, faced significant challenges in sustaining her family. She owned a small foodstuff business in Siluko, but the income was barely enough to feed her family, let alone expand the business or cover school fees for her children. As the demand for a grinding machine grew in her community due to the nature of her food items, expanding the business seemed out of reach with her limited resources. Through the ARFH ICHSSA 2 project, Mrs. Joy received financial literacy training, which opened new doors for her. She joined the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) in her community, where she was able to secure a loan of ₦45,000. She used this loan to purchase a second-hand grinding machine, which not only increased her income but also allowed her to meet the growing demand from her customers and community. The addition of the grinding machine transformed her business, significantly boosting her daily and weekly income. Today, Mrs. Joy's business has flourished, and she is able to provide three meals a day for her family. Most importantly, her children are happily back in school, as she can now afford their fees and medication. Mrs. Joy's journey is a testament to the transformative power of economic empowerment and financial literacy, thanks to the support of the ICHSSA 2 project.

HCSI 's Key Strategies and Approaches Include:

• Armed with this knowledge, Blessing joined a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), which enabled her to borrow funds to start a small grocery business. This business allowed her to afford critical necessities, such as medication for herself and school fees for her children. The support from the project didn’t stop there. As part of the Household Economic Strengthening (HES) empowerment program, she also received a wet grinding machine, which further diversified her income streams.
• Evaluation & Operations Research, Clinical & Service provision,
• Technical assistance,
• Strategic Information,
• Education & Communication,
• Advocacy, Stakeholders’ Mobilisation & Participation and
• Quality Improvement & Systems strengthening.
• International Procurement and Supply of Anti-TB Drugs
• Financial Management
• Partnership building
• Training and Mentoring

Organizational Activities:

                   
                    
                    Blessing Egharevba's story demonstrates the transformative power of the ICHSSA 2 project’s integrated support, combining tangible resources with vital knowledge. Her success not only highlights the importance of financial literacy and economic empowerment but also shows how resilient livelihoods can be built with the right support, ultimately improving the well-being of vulnerable families like hers.