Solution
Solution details
Integration of Health Education & Microfinance Services
Project Rationale
The Integration Project offers clients of LAPO Microfinance Bank the opportunity to benefit from health and social intervention services provided by the Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO). These services are delivered during Union and Branch Council Meetings across the country.
The project is implemented nationwide, with health staff deployed to educate clients on critical health topics, including:
- Malaria prevention
- Family planning methods
- Pregnancy care
- Cervical cancer awareness
- Hepatitis-B
- Child immunization
- Diarrhoea prevention in children
- HIV/AIDS education
- Risks of self-medication
In addition to sensitization efforts, the project provides comprehensive health screenings and referral services. These initiatives aim to reduce self-medication, promote preventive healthcare practices, and encourage the use of quality health services.
Beneficiaries are screened for malaria, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and HIV. Additionally, quarterly breast and cervical cancer screening programmes are organized in collaboration with the Edo State Cancer Control Programme for LAPO clients and interested community members.
Our Goal
The project is aimed at reducing hospital attendance, cost and burden of ill-health arising from preventable diseases and related–conditions among clients of LAPO MfB in target communities.
Our Objectives
- Increase in knowledge of participants on pertinent health issues
- Reduction in unhealthy traditional, cultural practices and misconceptions among beneficiaries
- Increase in the uptake of healthcare in recognized hospitals rather than traditional care homes such as Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA)
- Promote access of beneficiaries to screening services and ensure knowledge of their health status
- Promote regular screening practices for early detection of health conditions
- Reduction in self-medication and drug abuse
Project Strategies
Key strategies include:
- Health sensitisation during credit services
- Health screening services
- Referrals for uptake of screening and treatment services
- Referral linkage to health and other social support facilities
Key Achievements
Health intervention has always been one of the poverty alleviation initiatives of LAPO.
The integration project has boosted the impact of micro-credit on poverty as time and money that clients would have incurred on the treatment of preventable diseases are saved or channeled to economically productive activities.