Mental Health Sensitization Workshop

On Wednesday, the 5th of October 2017, PAHCCDI Nigeria was pleased to receive the following staff from Federal Psychiatric Hospital Calabar, under the umbrella of Mental Health Alliance who came to conduct a sensitization workshop on Mental Health in the organization; 
[i.] Mrs. Blessing Ina – Hospital Matron and Program Director, Mental Health Alliance
[ii.] Dr. Franklin Ifeanyi Eleazu Scurty – Psychiatrist
[iii.] Mr. Asu Obase – Psychologist
[iv.] Mr. Asuquo Okon – Psychologist
[v.] Mr. Asuquo Etim - Member
[vi.] Mr. Esang Moses Esang - Member

Lead Facilitator, Mrs. Blessing Ina anchoring the first segment

Also in attendance were the Executive Director and other staff of PAHCCDI Nigeria. A total of 24 person participated in the sensitization workshop.

The Sensitization Workshop was done during the Mental Health Week which ran from 3rd to 10th October 2017 as part of the activities carried out to mark the 2017 World Mental Health Day, with the theme: ‘’Mental Health in the Workplace.’’
 

Anchoring the first segment was the Program Director, Mrs. Ina Blessing who started by defining the terms associating with mental health and also dismissed certain myths and misconceptions widely held by people about mental health. Such myths according to the Program Director include but not limited to claims that (a) mental health problems are a sign of weakness, (b) mental therapy is a waste of time, (c) it is not possible to prevent mental illness, (d) people with mental illness lack intelligence, (e) mental illness is spiritual / caused by evil spirit / ’ogbanje,’ (f) mentally ill people are violent / criminals, etc.

The Program Director went further to explain cases that may require persons to undergo mental evaluation such as; (a) feeling of sadness, (b) feeling of anxiety, (c) inability to sleep well, (d) having addiction to drugs, (e) losing appetite, (f) inability to cope with co-workers, etc.

The next facilitator, Dr. Franklin Friday Eleazu Scurty threw more lights on the myths and misconceptions of mental health. While sighting examples using the mentally derailed people that roam about the streets, he encouraged all to take up the responsibility for vigilance, peer education and referrals. More so, Dr. Eleazu, shared the success story of his colleague who went about the street treating mentally derailed individuals who has been rejected and written off by their families and how he was able to achieve tremendous success, even to the extent of reintegrating these individuals back to the society and reuniting them with their families.

Question and answer session
Opening the floor was Mrs. Okim Precious, she asked to know if mental illness is hereditary. Dr. Eleazu answered this question by explaining that there are three factors that can cause mental illness; these factors are biological, psychological and environmental. Most times all or at least more than one of them must come to play before an individual becomes mentally derailed.

The second question was asked by Mr. Chinedu Okoye, he asked about the role of early detection in mental illness. In answering the question Dr. Eleazu likened mental illness to physical machete cut, he said that early treatment of machete injuries can reduce or even eliminate the scar left behind as a result of the cut. In the same vein, mental illness if treated early will ensure lasting cure free of ‘’scars.’’ He went on to say that mental illness is caused by imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Alcohol and other addictive drugs like cannabis. He also adds that specific drugs and psychotherapy can gradually reverse this injury.

Dr. Eleazu responding to some key questions

Miss Kaka asked about a friend of hers who was displaying some signs which she demonstrated, she was told that the said signs are pointers, but the person in question has to visit the hospital so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be established.

Miss Cecilia Odu asked the team if there is a rehabilitation facility in the hospital and she was informed that they have a Rehabilitation Centre in the hospital.

Finally, Miss Christiana Ita asked to know if sleep-walking is part of mental illness, she was told that it is medically called insomnia and could be very severe or even life threatening, it can be caused by a variety of factors, therefore individuals with such symptoms should seek medical help.
 

Group photograph

 Highlights of the workshop was presentation of customized Mental Health Alliance T-Shirt and Face Cap, there was also group photographs with the team and all participants after which a vote of thanks was given by the Executive Director of PAHCCDI Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Christy Obono.

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Reaching out to the Calabar Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) through the Innovative Birthday Approach

PAHCCDI is currently implementing a self funded OVC intervention. These OVC are children of the key population, - Female Sex Workers (FSW), High Risk Men (HRM) and Injecting drug Users (IDU). Imploring an innovative strategy of using the birthday celebrations of her staff to reach to the OVC, PAHCCDI aims to show empathy and bring succour driven by passion and zeal in line with her mission and vision statement.

Celebrants (Mirable and Christabel) pose with PAHCCDI staff and OVC

Taking into cognisance the estimated national population of orphans from all causes which was put at 7 million in 2003, PAHCCDI driven by passion and the desire to serve the marginalized and underserved groups, courageously ventured into the OVC intervention having understood the conducted desk review of the situation of OVC in Nigeria that implicated factors like poverty, socio-cultural constraints, gender inequalities, inadequate policies and enabling environment which has over the years put the rights of the OVC in jeopardy.  PAHCCDI undertook these interventions across Eight thematic areas; Health, Nutrition, Shelter/Care, Education, Psychosocial Support, Protection, Economic Strengthening and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH).

Eme Ita (celebrant) cuts the Cake with the OVC

Undeterred and unimpeded by the lack of funding for these interventions, PAHCCDI developed an innovative approach of using staff birthdays to reach out to the OVC and with support from internally generated funds, PAHCCDI support every staff to celebrate their birthday with the OVC as part of the interventions while providing multiple services on spot, in company of friends and family members.

Since the idea was conceived, PAHCCDI have so far reached the Lemna cohort of Calabar Municipality L.G.A. with these interventions twice, while celebrating the birthday for two of her staff, Miss Eme Ita Sunday on Friday the 22nd day of September, 2017 and Miss Mirabel Enebong Essien who co-celebrated with her twin sister Miss Christabel Enebong Essien on Monday the 2nd of October, 2017.  

Vulnerability Assessment and Enrollment

 We realize the fact that without taking determined steps to address the specific needs of children there will be no chance of meeting the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and having implemented the largely successful SHiPS for MARPs project which targeted the key population and their partners, we felt the need to fill the vacuum created, since the project did not cover interventions for the children of these key populations. 

OVC feasting on the foods, drinks and nutrient supplements

Although what we have done and our achievements so far can be considered to be a drop in the sea of massive deprivation owing to the number of children yet to be reached, however, it still represent; a new dawn for interventions in resource deficient settings like ours, a gateway for funded collaborations, an easy access to intervention expansion and a dependable / sustainable voice & face of OVC response in Cross River State.

Distribution of nutritional supplement packs

 Over 47 (32 females, 15 males) OVCs were captured during the exercise with an average age of 13.21 and average vulnerability rating of 13.68.

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Report on the Medical Outreach held on the 13th of July 2017 during the Flag Off of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Student Association (NIMELSSA) Health Week 2017

Member of PAHCCDI staff with other stakeholders

Paradise Health Care Community Development Initiative (PAHCCDI-Nigeria), Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Student Association (NIMELSSA), Student Union Government (SUG) University of Calabar in collaboration with other stakeholders / partners conducted HTS, STIs screening and treatment as part of the activities to mark the 2017 NIMELSSA Health week with the theme: "Candidiasis, the Unknown Friendly Infection."


The Objectives of the outreach was to:

• To sensitize the students about STIs with particular emphasis on Candidiasis.
• To screen and treat identified STI cases.
• To conduct HIV Testing Services (HTS).
• To educate and distribute safer sex products (Male Condoms, Female Condoms and Lubrica).



HIV testing services during the activity

• To conduct malaria testing using the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits.

Opening the event, the President of NIMELSSA, Mr. Monday Obio welcomed all present, he went on to highlight the importance of the event stating that the one thing is common across all types of infection and that is the fact that early detection helps to save lives, he therefore urged participants to take advantage of the presence of PAHCCDI Nigeria and the SHiPS for MARPs project to make maximum use of the interventions that were brought.

The Program Officer Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Chinedu Okoye went on to educate the participants on the nature of intervention that was brought to them, He also stated the modalities and protocols for accessing each service and encourage all to be open especially during counselling sessions so that the providers can provide maximum care and support accordingly. Chinedu also assured the participant of the high degree of professionalism that PAHCCDI staff and the SHiPS for MARPs project is known for and so there should be no fear of stigma, discrimination or bottlenecks.

The intervention proper started at 9:30am and continued till 3pm. Side attractions included dance, drama, comedy and rally. 

STI services during the activity

Outcome of activity

• 29 persons were screened for HIV and result of test disclosed to them.
• 29 persons were screened for STI.
• 12 persons were treated for STI.
• 21 persons were screened for malaria.

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Training for Community Facilitators in SHiPS for MARPs Project

 Training for PAHCCDI-Nigeria Community Facilitators in SHiPS for MARPs

In the month under review, the Society for Family Health (SFH) conducted a two day training for community facilitators of the SHiPS for MARPs project working under PAHCCDI-Nigeria, in Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Bakassi and Odukpani LGAs to build their capacity and equip them to work better.

Venue: Society for Family Health Territorial Office, Calabar.

Date: 4th - 5th July 2017.

Registration: All participants were made to register by writing down their names and other details in the attendance sheet.

Attendance: There were 18 persons in attendance, this includes the facilitators.

Time started: 09:00am


Setting norms

The following were the ground rules set by the participants

• All phones on silence
• Good time management
• No chorus answers
• No sleeping
• Punctuality
• Respect others opinion

Thereafter, Rapateurs were nominated to take note for the training.

 
Welcome address

Taken by the State Program Officer, SHiPS for MARPs project SFH, Mrs. Akpesiri Uboko

In her address, she welcomed all participants on behalf of the STL SHiPS for MARPs and the Executive Director PAHCCDI Nigeria. She went further to say that the success of any project depends on quality services, that the purpose of the training is to ensure that the target group in various communities and LGAs have knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS, so as to prevent further spread. Finally, She said that everything should be done conscientiously without cutting corners urging the new CFs to be open minded to learn and share past experience of work; also she briefed participants of the goal and objective of the SHiPS for MARPs project in the LGA.
Participant expectations

• Proper documentation
• Acquire skills in
• Learn more in reporting with SFH tools
• Skill in data analysis
• Understanding SHiPs for MARPs indicators
• Understanding Target groups tools

Participant fears

• Time Management
• Not getting good understanding of the training generally
• Certification of participants

Objectives of the training

• Understanding Target groups concepts and M&E Framework
• Train community facilitators (CFs) SHiPS for MARPs partners on the use of data capturing and reporting tools
• Understanding of report flow and timelines.

The Territorial M&E stated that community facilitators based in different communities and LGAs, that the purpose of engaging them (CFs) is to identify Most at risk populations (FSW) in their various communities and recruit them as peers which they will hold three sessions with them for the period of two month(s) and ensure that HTS is given to all so they can meet MPPI.

The Prevention Program Assistant Mr. Ken Mbu facilitated on the component of MPPI which he said that the component comprises of: Structural, Biomedical and Behavioural, She further explained the meaning as of MPPI as Minimum Prevention Package Intervention, that peers recruited by CFs within this quarter should reached the three packages of intervention.

Key topics covered: 

Introduction to the SHiPS for MARPs Project, Combination prevention/MPPI, Overview of PEP model, Entry Phase (Community mapping), Intensive Phase Approach, Exit Phase Approach , Behavioural change communication, Monitoring and Evaluation, HTS, SRR, Familiarization of work tools and Reporting timelines.

Use of PEP manual: Kenneth Mbu, also facilitated on the use of PEP manual stating that it is a guideline for community facilitators (CFs) to discuss with peers during session, also she informed peers that the flip chart is divided into three module (i.e module topic: life skill, 2 sexuality and 3 money and conflict management). He further explained that the first topic discuss in the month is: Goal setting, self esteem, decision making, values, negotiation and refusal skills. The following month (2) topic: Gender and HIV while in the 3rd month is money resources

Condom use and demonstration: There was an interactive session with CFs on condom use and demonstration anchored by Mrs. Glory Ekanem (CF.), She explained the importance and use of condom, saying that condom is used as a preventive measure from diseases such HB/HC, Syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV as well as teenage pregnancy, some persons might not accept using condom because of one reason and the other, that the duty of CFs is to educate and encourage FSW on the use condom that it is for their safety.

Procedure of recruitment: Program Assistant informed the CFs on the use and importance of recruitment form by explaining to the CFs how to recruit peers using the form that CFs should get all information needed from the target group and record in the form and submit same to the M & E.

Use of peers monthly tracking form/Attendance Sheet was also facilitated by the Mr. Keneth Mbu, he explained how CFs are to use the tracking form and attendance at the end of the month to summarized their monthly activities by capturing the numbers of condom, lubricants and number of peers tested by CTs in their session.

Recap / Call to Action: The recap was facilitated by the SPO Mrs. Akpesiri, POP Miss Mirabel and Program Assistant Mr. Keneth, they revised the topics discussed and the CFs took turns to answer questions. The training ended 3:30pm for Day 1 and 3:00pm for Day 2.

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The Candle Light Memorial for PLHIV

Report on the Candle Light Memorial for PLHIV held across the State Capital on Saturday 20/05/2017 and Sunday 21/05/2017. 

Paradise Health Care Community Development Initiative (PAHCCDI-Nigeria), Cross River State Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CRINEPWHAN) and Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) in collaboration with other stakeholders/partners (UNFPA, FHI360 e.t.c.) were pleased to organize and observe the first state wide candle light memorial for PLHIV. 


The theme of the memorial which was "Ending AIDS Together" saw to a pledge of commitment from PLHIV and stakeholders in the course to Reduce stigma / discrimination, confidentiality and effective service delivery.

The objectives of the memorial were:

• To stand in solidarity and pay homage to all that lost their lives and the lives of their lost ones in the struggle with HIV/AIDS.
• To pledge support and solidarity with PLHIV.
• To create awareness attract the attention of collaborators, gatekeepers and key influencers.
• To unite IPs together and align all their activity towards the global 90 90 90 strategy of UNAIDS
• To conduct targeted HTS in selected spots across the state capital.

Opening the event was the Coordinator of CISHAN in Cross River State, Mr. Ekume who welcomed all present; he also went on to highlight the importance of the event stating that the time to act is now. 

The areas that calls for immediate actions are:

• Zero tolerance for Stigma and discrimination.
• Implementation of anti stigma law.
• Zero AIDS related deaths
• Zero new infection.
• Increased care and support package for PLHIV.

Over 43 FSW, 3 MSM and 48 IDU persons received HIV testing services during the activity.

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