GEDE AND NEPWHAN

Earlier this week, Gede signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with our long time friends and partners, the Network of People Living With HIV-AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN). The signing followed a meeting between Gede’s Managing Director, John Minto, and NEPWHAN’s newly elected National Coordinator, Victor Omoshehin. The ‘new’ MoU places significant focus on mainstreaming the screening, treatment and referral of common mental disorders (including depression) throughout HIV-AIDS care and support, with a particular emphasis on developing ways in which support groups can be strengthened.

The MoU reflects the increasing recognition being given to the importance of mental health as it relates, in particular, to people who have been newly diagnosed. NEPWHAN’s support for the belief that ‘there can be no health without mental health’ marks an important point in the drive towards securing genuinely comprehensive treatment and care for all who need it. For further information about our partners, please see their website – www.nepwhan.org

Joined up thinking…and an open ended question

One of the great strengths of NGOs (and, indeed, of civil society in general) is that they often work tirelessly in bringing a range of ‘unseen’ issues out into the open. This can range from issues such as child slavery to obesity; from mental health to the rights of prisoners. However, one of their weaknesses is often centred around the fact that in raising such issues, they can be relatively blind to the ‘systemic’ challenges which need to be addressed in order for a problem to be fully addressed.

In the case of mental health, without an understanding of health inputs (eg financial resources, legislation), processes (eg how mental health can be integrated into existing health platforms) and outputs (eg monitoring of impact) then this amounts to little more than clapping with one hand. Thankfully, initiatives such as EMERALD are looking into ways in which existing health systems can be strengthened in low and middle income countries for the benefit of those living with and affected by mental health challenges – and this includes financial modelling and the opportunity cost of not doing anything about mental health. Such programmes are a strong call for NGOs to ensure that their planning does not rest only in their own silos and that truly catalytic partnerships need to be developed. Or is this wishful thinking?

Will the pursuit of funding result in fewer and fewer genuinely collaborative ventures? Do too many development agencies fear losing some of their own identity and ‘image’ when embarking on partnership agreements with others? Should more donors actively insist on developing meaningful partnerships in their funding criteria? 

Lost in Translation

One of the key challenges facing mental health professionals and activists working in low and middle income settings is that even when the case for ‘mental health’ has been ‘won’ (and although much needs to be done, the recent inclusion of mental health into international development targets is at least a positive sign), the tricky question remains about how one goes about integrating mental health screening, treatment and care into existing health platforms.

On a very simple, yet illustrative level, how can one develop a tool which busy healthcare providers can use to screen for depression? Many of the existing tools have been validated in high income countries because that’s where most of the interest and research into mental health has historically been. But are such tools relevant to different cultural settings? Wouldn’t there be cultural and linguistic problems and challenges in establishing the meaning of specific terms? What does ‘depressed’ mean across cultures? How relevant is it to ask, in low income settings a classic screening question for depression used in high income countries – ‘Do you have trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?’

In addressing some of these tricky questions, and working with partners King’s College London and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Gede will, in 2016, be testing the validity of (and then adapting) a short screening tool for depression which will be used by HIV-AIDS Adherence Counsellors in Nigeria. Watch this space for further information and insights

What do awards achieve?

The ‘special recognition’ award given to Gede at NEPWHAN’s first ‘Tribute Ceremony’ served two purposes. First, it was a wonderful reflection and acknowledgement of the Foundation’s work within HIV-AIDS which now stretches back over a decade. Not only does it bring great credit on existing Team members, but also on those who have worked for, or been served by, Gede over the years. So, a very big thank you to everyone! Second, awards should always bring about in the ‘winner’ a significant degree of humility – most especially when one considers how much needs to be done for those living with and affected by HIV-AIDS.

In Gede’s case, this extends to working with leading partners to ensure that the case for integrating the screening, treatment and care of people living with HIV-AIDS and common mental disorders (such as depression) is secured – and then resourced and implemented. Without this, it is extremely unlikely that an HIV-AIDS free generation can ever be achieved and, no matter how many awards are received, they will remain empty for those still affected by the crushing twin burden of HIV and mental health illness. With that, it is perhaps fitting by ending this blog by thanking our friends at NEPWHAN once again, while assuring them that the award will help us to redouble our efforts in 2016 and beyond.

GETTING TO ZERO

First of December – World AIDS Day.  For an organization that has worked in the area of HIV/AIDS Treatment and Care for more than a decade like Gede Foundation, December 1 is always a day to remember.   

Today, we commemorate those infected and affected by HIV and salute their strength in this fight against the virus; we celebrate the individuals and organizations who selflessly offer their time, resources, talents and expertise in addressing issues related to HIV/AIDS; we are grateful to international and national funders and governments who ensure that enough resources are made available to those who need them most; we appreciate support groups and caregivers; we encourage children orphaned by AIDS to go on with life; we acknowledge the shakers and movers in communities for raising awareness and addressing stigma; and we enjoin everybody to join us in getting to the goal – ZERO!  

Special mention also goes to the formidable team members (former and current) of Gede Foundation for having gone this far in our fight against HIV/AIDS and other related diseases.  Thank you for 13 years of December 1s.  Let’s keep counting ‘til we get to ZERO. 

Jeremy Boglosa

PD: OD/SS

December 1, 2015

GEDE received Special Recognition Award

The National Network of People Living with HIV-AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) marked 2015 World AIDS Day with a cultural Night of Tributes.  Development Partners, Government Agencies, People Living with HIV-AIDS and other relevant agencies representing various groups attended the event.

Organizations and individuals were recognized based on their contributions to the national response to HIV prevention, treatment and care.

Gede Foundation ART treatment to people living with HIV-AIDS and care for children orphaned by AIDS stretches back to 2003 with thousands of beneficiaries reached through several projects.Gede’s current prevalence study on depression, alcohol abuse and suicidality among people living with HIV-AIDS is a pointer to the Foundation’s wider consideration and advocacy for the integration of mental health into ART services in order to enhance treatment outcomes to those currently on treatment. It is the work being undertaken with partners, IHVN.

The Foundation is using this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Award Committee for considering the nominations and thereafter, awarding Gede   with “A SPECIAL RECOGNITION’. With this, Gede is hereby encouraged to do more as the Foundation pledges more commitment to its work in improving the mental health of those living with stigmatized and underserved health burdens.

What happens to the mental health of a child who is sexually abused?

The mental health of the sexually abused child was considered in Gede’s recent mental health dialogue meeting where Hajia Aisha Umoru Tokura (Twin and I Childcare Foundation) spoke extensively on the subject matter. It was a heart rendering session as participants were told about different scenarios where children have been sexually abused and ended up with one mental challenge or the other which include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and suicide.

Although tackling the issue of child sexual abuse may appear daunting in our environment, joint efforts that can be employed to overcome this hurdle as identified in this dialogue include – providing adequate shelter (centres)  where abused children can be taken for safety ( a way of avoiding the mental torture they go through if they continue to see the abuser), enforcement agencies to be equipped with adequate database and have up to date offenders’ list so society is aware of who to be on the lookout for, holistic enlightenment that also involves parents through parents forum etc, educational policy and curriculum to incorporate sex education at certain times in the school calendar. Participants were relieved that there was an association like the coalition on mental health where they could air views as one voice to the appropriate authorities. With this, The Mental Health Dialogue for 2015 has come to a successful end. For further details about Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’ and to obtain the list of speakers in the coming year 2016, please email Olusolape Bamijoko on (obamijoko@gedefoundation.org)

The Role of Advocacy in Promoting Mental Health

For any underserved and stigmatized health burden such as mental health, a lot is required to bring it ‘out of the shadows’. Gede Foundation and the CSO Coalition are taking different approaches to generate discussions around mental health. There is need to sustain the ‘dialogue’ as much as possible to relevant stakeholders, which will evolve eventually  into tangible positive national responses. At Gede’s Mental Health Dialogue Programme, a significant attention is given to awareness raising around many issues relating to mental health and the dangers that are linked with stigma from the illness.

During the recent Mental Health Dialogue meeting, Emmanuel Osemeka of Social Welfare Network Initiative (SWNI) was able to present the importance of Advocacy as a tool in driving mental health issues to relevant stakeholders for maximum impacts and discussed  the characteristic of a successful advocacy group.

In Nigeria for instance, Gede and the  Coalition of Civil Society Organizations under the umbrella of Global Awareness for Mental Health Association is in the fore front to participate in any advocacy activity that will enhance inclusiveness of mental health across various health intervention programmes as well as promote the National Policy for the Delivery of Mental Health Services in Nigeria.

There is much to be articulated in making advocacy effective, kindly visit the site for more on the outcome of the Coalition  advocacy activities.

For further details about Gede’s ‘Mental Health Dialogue Programme’ and to obtain the list of speakers for the rest of 2015, please email Olusolape Bamijoko on: obamijoko@gedefoundation.org

Gede makes landmark presentation to Embassy in Abuja

There is often confusion between pressure or challenges and stress, and sometimes it is used to excuse bad management practices.

Gede’s innovative Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme notched up another key milestone through a major presentation to management staff of the Netherlands Embassy.

The Gede Foundation’s “Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme” is helping to raise awareness about stress in the workplace, causes and ways in which some of the issues regarding stress can be addressed.

The Ambassador and Staff of the Netherlands Embassy played host to Gede during their management meeting as they welcomed Gede’s Managing Stress in the Workplace Programme. Participants saw the need for a more conscious approach in developing healthy workforce as outlined during the presentation and ways in which this could be sustained. Possible work place stressors were identified, which, if not checked and addressed, could lead to economic loss in the workplace.

‘While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity’- says a participant.

The ability to cope with stress begins with recognizing the warning signs and seeking appropriate professional help as outlined in the presentation.

 There is treatment pathway which will enable organizations to access Gede’s interventions in providing support geared toward promoting healthy work force within organizations. High quality institutions need an appropriate mental health welfare package for their team members and Gede is engaging with an increasing number of organizations to provide this.

Contact us through godwin@gedefoundation.org for more information 

GRATEFUL vs GREAT FOOL-EDOKWE, Chidozie Bright

I recently stumbled on the saying that “he who is not GRATEFUL is a GREAT FOOL.” I thought deeply about this and as we wrap up the PSP, I’d like to mention a few things that I am grateful for.

1.       I am ever grateful to Gede Foundation and IHVN for the opportunity to be part of the biggest Prevalence Study on Depression, Alcohol Use and Suicidality among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Abuja, Nigeria. From the interview day till the end of the study, it’s been a huge learning process; I am really grateful.

2.       I am grateful to the Senior Management Team, the Managing Director Mr John Minto and Dr Cynthia Ticao, for ‘fishing’ me out from my other nine colleagues to be Project Assistant. It was indeed an honour, I am really grateful. Jeremy Boglosa and Godwin Etim, I appreciate you deeply.

3.       I am grateful to my esteemed and wonderful colleagues with whom I worked tirelessly on this project for six months;

Prisca- you are indeed a rare gem- you assisted me throughout the times I doubled as Project Assistant and Interviewer and even at the same time, the team leader for UATH site (University of Abuja Teaching Hospital). You helped me where you could and where you couldn’t you showed concern.

Chinonso- you were always there to assist, always! You made a lot of things work at UATH, you were the uniting force among us, that was good, and you did it intentionally.

Bukky- quiet in your own way but diligent to work. We had our fighting times and laughing times; it was just a typical case of disagreeing to agree. You stood for what was right. I loved it! There was a note you made in ‘your office’ on the computer screen that talked about leadership and integrity, each time I come to that office, I peep at it because it continually reminds me of who I am and what I should represent.

Miriam- you are a committed and focused young lady who knows her onions and how to get it.

Tina- my lovely Tina! I disturbed you a lot during your tenure as team leader, but you know, we had to do our work. What all the other team leaders faced from me was just a tip of the iceberg compared to you. You know what, you are a reliable lady, and I love you for that!

Akomeno- my guy my guy! The ladies’ man! You had a way of mixing work with fun, I really wish I could do that. Moreso, Kome, you are a much focused young man who knows where he is going and know how to get there. Kudos brother. 

Comfort- you are very eccentric, combines so many things at same time, good at work also with very beautiful smiles.

Samira- I love your sincerity of heart and your dedication to duty, we talked more during the last days of the project and each time we spoke, I see a lady who will one day be in helms of affairs of this great country. Believe me!

Alilu- my close rival, how could I have taken Tina away from you, so that you visit your village because of me? Mba nu!(LOL). I loved the way you possessed Tina from the beginning of the project till the end, even though it was all jokes. You are also a good and kind man with great focus, and you always strive for excellence.

Shriley- beautiful and talented. You may not be known and understood from a distance, but a close contact with you is very revealing of the potentials in you and your sincerity of purpose.

Itunu- yes, you are loud, but always loud for a reason. You are willing to learn, willing to adjust and willing to take corrections. This is great!

Yusuf- you came in and blended in a flash! Could it be because of your friend Maleek? I can’t say; but I can say that your confidence is remarkable. You are also very detailed.

4.       IfyOguine and Jennifer Nwosu, our data encoders, you did a very great job! I am grateful to both of you.

5.       I am grateful to John Adakolo, MrsSolapeBamijoko and KizitoEbhohimen.; I enjoyed working with you. I found in you all profound humility.

6.       Francis Adagazu, you drove us back and forth the three sites without any mishaps. I am grateful to you for that. Mr Tony Ewesor, you ensured that we got paid promptly, thanks, I am grateful.

7.       Can I ever forget Esther Umoru, Micah Musa, Joy, and all the security guards? Each day I see you, I continually ask myself, how can someone be this humble? I am grateful to you for indirectly helping me re-enact the gift of humility.

I am indeed really grateful to you all!