September 2023

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GBV AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday /

In the shadows of many households worldwide, a silent but pervasive threat looms large: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in the form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). GBV is a deeply concerning issue that affects individuals regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background, but IPV specifically targets intimate relationships. It’s crucial to shed light on this issue, raise awareness, and work collectively to eradicate it from our society.

IPV refers to any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to a partner. It encompasses acts of physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, and sexual assault. IPV knows no boundaries; it affects people of all genders and sexual orientations.

One of the most alarming aspects of IPV is its hidden nature. Victims often suffer in silence, fearing stigma, retaliation, or a lack of support. This silence can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, making it crucial to create an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and seek help.

The consequences of IPV are profound. Beyond physical injuries, survivors often grapple with long-term mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The trauma experienced can affect not only the survivor but also children who witness the abuse, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Breaking the cycle of IPV requires a multi-faceted approach. It begins with education and awareness. We must teach individuals about healthy relationships, consent, and the signs of abuse. Providing safe spaces and resources for survivors to seek help is equally crucial. Support from friends, family, and professionals can empower survivors to leave abusive relationships and heal.

Laws and policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable play a vital role in combatting IPV. Advocacy groups and organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, push for legal reforms, and provide resources for survivors. Supporting these initiatives and being an ally to survivors is essential in the fight against IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence is a grave concern that affects countless lives. It thrives in silence and secrecy, making it our collective responsibility to break that silence, support survivors, and work toward a world where love and respect flourish in all relationships. By understanding the dynamics of IPV, raising awareness, and advocating for change, we can strive to eliminate this hidden epidemic and ensure that everyone can live free from the fear of violence in their most intimate relationships.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #RapeCulture

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GBV AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON EFFECT OF GREENHOUSE GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Monday Health Burst /

Greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases absorb radiation from the sun and are not reflected into space. This insulates the surface of the earth and prevents it from freezing. The greenhouse gases at normal levels help the earth maintain an ambient condition for survival. However, the anthropogenic action by humans (burning of fossil fuels) has induced the amount of these greenhouse gases, thereby resulting in the greenhouse effect.

According to Naiyer et al. (2022), the greenhouse effect and global warming have adverse impacts on humans.
Long-term exposure slowly affects multiple organs, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Increasing the greenhouse effect could lead to a runaway greenhouse effect, causing a high-temperature rise that life on earth would be impossible. https://byjus.com/biology/greenhouse-effect-gases/. Hence, it is important to monitor the rate at which fossil fuels are burned and to undergo regular medical checkups for early detection of diseases resulting from exposure to greenhouse effects.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

#GreenhouseEffect #HumanHealth #Who #MondayHealthBurst

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON EFFECT OF GREENHOUSE GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON RAPE CULTURE

Gender Based Violence, Speak Wednesday /

Rape culture is a complex and pervasive societal issue that encompasses attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that normalize or trivialize sexual assault and harassment. It is important to understand that rape culture can vary in intensity and prevalence across different cultures and communities. Some key elements and characteristics of rape culture include:

Victim-Blaming: This occurs when the survivor of sexual assault is held partially or fully responsible for the incident. Questions like, “What were they wearing?” or “Were they drinking?” contribute to victim-blaming.

Perpetrator Excuses: Rape culture often involves minimizing or excusing the actions of perpetrators. Phrases like “boys will be boys” or “he didn’t mean it” can downplay the seriousness of sexual assault.

Sexual Objectification: Treating individuals as objects for sexual gratification rather than as autonomous beings with their own desires and boundaries is a harmful aspect of rape culture. This is evident in advertising, media, and everyday interactions.

Institutional Failures: Rape culture can be perpetuated when institutions such as law enforcement, schools, or workplaces fail to take sexual assault reports seriously or protect survivors adequately.

Jokes and Language: The use of rape jokes or derogatory language that trivializes sexual assault contributes to a culture where such behavior is normalized.

Lack of Consent Education: Inadequate education about consent and healthy sexual relationships can contribute to misunderstandings and blurred boundaries.

Silencing Survivors: When survivors are discouraged from speaking out or reporting their experiences due to fear, shame, or disbelief, it perpetuates a culture of silence.

Addressing rape culture requires a collective effort to challenge and change these attitudes and behaviors. Education, awareness campaigns, supportive policies, and legal reforms are essential steps in combating rape culture and promoting a culture of consent, respect, and gender equality. It is crucial to create an environment where survivors are supported and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #RapeCulture

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON RAPE CULTURE Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION (MTCT) OF HIV

Monday Health Burst, WHO /

AIDS is the leading cause of death for women of reproductive age, and women are disproportionately affected by HIV, according to UNAIDS.
HIV infection in pregnancy threatens maternal immune health and can lead to perinatal transmission of HIV in utero, intrapartum, or through breastfeeding postpartum. A woman living with HIV can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (known as mother-to-child transmission or MTCT).

The WHO estimates that every year, 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant worldwide. Without treatment, 15% to 45% of HIV-positive mothers transmit the virus to their unborn children during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Although HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, taking HIV medicines and having an undetectable viral load during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding lower the risk of passing HIV to less than 1%.

To prevent MTCT, a combination of strategies is typically employed:

 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Pregnant women with HIV are prescribed ART drugs. These drugs can reduce the viral load in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of transmission to the baby.

 Scheduled Caesarean Section: In some cases, a scheduled caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of transmission during childbirth, particularly if the mother’s viral load is high.

 Avoiding Breastfeeding: In regions where safe alternatives are available and affordable, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.

 Safe Infant Feeding: If breastfeeding is necessary due to limited access to safe alternatives, it’s recommended that the mother continues taking ART, and the baby is also prescribed ART to reduce the risk of transmission.

 Preconception Planning: Women of reproductive age living with HIV should receive counseling and guidance on family planning and HIV prevention to ensure safer pregnancies.

 Testing and Monitoring: Regular HIV testing and monitoring during pregnancy are crucial to assess the effectiveness of ART and adjust the treatment as needed.

These strategies have significantly reduced the rate of MTCT of HIV. Still, it’s essential for pregnant women to receive proper medical care and follow the guidance of healthcare providers to minimize the risk to their babies.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION (MTCT) OF HIV Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON EFFECTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights violation that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with significant and far-reaching consequences. Among its numerous adverse effects, GBV has a profound impact on reproductive health, causing physical, psychological, and social harm to survivors. Understanding these effects is crucial for addressing the broader issue of GBV and safeguarding the reproductive health and rights of those affected. Here, we explore the various ways in which GBV can affect reproductive health:

1. Physical Injuries and Complications: Physical violence, such as sexual assault or intimate partner violence, can lead to immediate injuries, including genital trauma. These injuries can result in long-term complications, such as chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and even infertility in some cases. Survivors may also be at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies due to a lack of control over contraceptive choices.

2. Sexual and Reproductive Coercion: GBV often involves reproductive control, where survivors are coerced into unwanted pregnancies or abortions. Perpetrators may sabotage contraception methods or force survivors into sexual acts without their consent. This coercion can lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and emotional distress.

3. Psychological Trauma: Survivors of GBV commonly experience psychological trauma, which can have a profound impact on their reproductive health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can disrupt normal reproductive functioning, affecting menstrual cycles and sexual health.

4. Substance Abuse: Some survivors turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism to deal with the psychological and emotional trauma caused by GBV. Substance abuse can result in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, which increases the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies.

5. Delayed or Avoided Healthcare: Stigma, shame, and fear often prevent survivors from seeking timely medical care and support. Delayed or avoided healthcare can result in untreated injuries, untreated STIs, and complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

6. Reproductive Health Inequities: GBV disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequities. Survivors who face additional layers of discrimination based on factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation may encounter further challenges in accessing appropriate reproductive healthcare.

7. Impact on Mother-Child Relationships: If GBV occurs during pregnancy, it can have detrimental effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. Violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Furthermore, the psychological stress experienced by pregnant survivors can affect the bond between mother and child.

8. Barriers to Family Planning: Survivors of GBV may encounter obstacles to accessing family planning services. They may lack autonomy in making decisions about contraception or face difficulties in negotiating safe sex practices with their partners, resulting in increased risks of unintended pregnancies.

Addressing the effects of GBV on reproductive health requires a comprehensive approach. Efforts should include:

– Awareness and Education: Promoting awareness about GBV and its consequences on reproductive health to encourage survivors to seek help and support.

– Healthcare Services: Ensuring that healthcare providers are trained to recognize and respond to GBV, offering sensitive and confidential care to survivors.

– Counseling and Mental Health Support: Providing survivors with access to mental health services to address trauma and psychological distress.

– Prevention and Advocacy: Implementing policies and programs aimed at preventing GBV and advocating for gender equality.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #Women’sFinance

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON EFFECTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE: TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Monday Health Burst /

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that alters the structure of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by inheriting abnormal hemoglobin genes from both parents. It produces abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) that can cause red blood cells to become rigid and take on a characteristic “sickle” shape under certain conditions, leading to various complications. The underlying genetic mutation affects the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Around 50 million people worldwide have SCD, with 4-6 million of those living in Nigeria (where 1 in 4 people have the sickle cell trait), which is the disease’s epicenter. Globally, around 300,000 infants are born each year with a new SCD diagnosis.1
There are numerous varieties of SCD, but the most common is sickle cell anemia (HbSS). The genes a person receives from their parents determine the particular type of SCD that person has. SCD patients inherit genes that contain the instructions or “code” for faulty hemoglobin.2 The types include:

HbSS
People with this type of SCD inherit two genes—one from each parent—responsible for hemoglobin “S.” The defective hemoglobin, hemoglobin “S” makes red blood cells stiff and sickle-shaped. This condition is known as sickle cell anemia and is usually the most severe type of SCD.

HbSC People with this kind of SCD inherit the “S” gene for hemoglobin from one parent and the “C” gene from the other parent. Typically, this is a less severe variation of SCD.

HbS beta thalassemia
People who have this form of SCD inherit a hemoglobin “S” gene from one parent and a gene for beta thalassemia, another type of hemoglobin abnormality, from the other parent. There are two types of beta thalassemia: “zero” (HbS beta0) and “plus” (HbS beta+). Those with HbS beta0-thalassemia usually have a severe form of SCD. People with HbS beta±thalassemia tend to have a milder form of SCD.
Other types are the HbSD, HbSE, HbSO: These are rare variants with different combinations of abnormal hemoglobin genes.

Symptoms:
• Chronic anemia: SCD leads to a shortage of red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness.
• Pain crises: Intense, episodic pain due to blocked blood vessels, often in the bones, chest, abdomen, or joints.
• Organ damage: Repeated sickling of cells can harm organs like the spleen, kidneys, and liver.
• Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly in children.
• Stroke: A risk, especially in children with SCD.
• Delayed growth and development in children.
• Hand-foot syndrome: Swelling and pain in hands and feet, common in infants with SCD.

Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive care are pivotal in enhancing the lives of those with SCD, involving pain management, blood transfusions, medications, and, in severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Raising awareness and promoting early intervention are essential steps towards alleviating the burden of this disease on affected individuals and their families.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

REFERENCES:
1. Ogbonna Collins (et al., 2022) in the work entitled “An overview of sickle cell disease from the socio-demographic triangle – a Nigerian single-institution retrospective study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9120745/

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html

#MondayHealthBurst
#SickleCellAwareness #PreventionIsKey #StayStrong

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE: TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GENDER INEQUALITY: THE TOLL ON WOMEN AND SOCIETY

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights /

Gender inequality is a pervasive issue that has plagued societies for centuries. While considerable progress has been made in recent years to address this problem, it continues to exert a profound toll on women and society at large. This article explores the multifaceted impacts of gender inequality, shedding light on the challenges faced by women and the broader repercussions for society.

1. Economic Disparities
One of the most evident consequences of gender inequality is economic disparity. Women often earn less than their male counterparts for equivalent work, leading to a persistent gender pay gap. This disparity not only affects women’s financial independence but also contributes to a cycle of poverty that can be passed down through generations.

2. Limited Educational Opportunities
In many parts of the world, gender inequality restricts women’s access to education. This lack of educational opportunities hampers their personal growth and economic prospects. Moreover, when women are denied access to education, society as a whole miss out on their potential contributions to various fields.
3. Unequal Representation in Leadership
Gender inequality is glaringly evident in the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Whether in politics, business, or academia, women continue to face barriers that hinder their ascent to influential roles. This imbalance deprives society of diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that women leaders can bring.

4. Health and Healthcare Disparities
Women often face disparities in healthcare access and quality, with some countries lacking comprehensive reproductive health services and family planning options. This inequity can lead to adverse health outcomes for women and their families. Furthermore, gender-based violence and discrimination can have severe mental and physical health consequences for women.

5. Unpaid Domestic Labour
Women disproportionately shoulder the burden of unpaid domestic labour, including childcare and household chores. This leaves them with less time and energy to pursue personal and professional aspirations. Society misses out on their full potential when this unpaid labour goes unrecognized and unvalued.

6. Gender-Based Violence
Gender inequality is closely linked to gender-based violence, which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The prevalence of such violence affects not only individual women but also disrupts social cohesion and contributes to a culture of fear and mistrust.

7. Hindrance to Social Progress
Gender inequality poses a significant hindrance to overall social progress. When half of the population is systematically marginalized and denied equal opportunities, society as a whole cannot reach its full potential. Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of a just and prosperous society.

8. The Path to Gender Equality
Efforts to address gender inequality must involve individuals, communities, governments, and institutions working together. Key steps include:

– Implementing and enforcing equal pay policies
– Promoting education and educational access for girls and women
– Encouraging women’s participation in leadership roles
– Providing comprehensive healthcare services, including reproductive health
– Recognizing and valuing unpaid domestic labour
– Combatting gender-based violence through legislation and awareness campaigns

Gender inequality takes a toll on both women and society. It hampers individual potential, perpetuates economic disparities, and fosters social injustice. Achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for building a fair, prosperous, and progressive society. It is the responsibility of all individuals and institutions to work tirelessly towards a future where gender inequality is eradicated, and the full potential of all members of society can be realized.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #WomensFinance

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GENDER INEQUALITY: THE TOLL ON WOMEN AND SOCIETY Read More »