Our Impact: Access to Healthcare 

Through our comprehensive health programs, we have made significant strides in improving health outcomes for marginalized and underserved populations, including LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and vulnerable women. Below is an overview of our impact across various health focus areas:

HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment

• Delivered over 5,000 HIV testing and counseling sessions, linking individuals to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and follow-up care.

• Distributed 15,000 condoms and 5,000 units of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to at-risk populations, reducing HIV transmission rates.

• Conducted community sensitization programs, reaching over 10,000 people with life-saving information about HIV prevention, stigma reduction, and treatment adherence.

Tuberculosis (TB) Care and Support

• Implemented targeted TB awareness campaigns in rural areas, screening over 3,000 individuals for TB in high-burden communities.

• Facilitated early detection and treatment for TB patients, including those co-infected with HIV, resulting in improved treatment adherence and success rates.

• Provided Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) to over 1,000 people living with HIV, significantly reducing their risk of developing active TB.

Hepatitis Diagnosis and Management

• Partnered with healthcare providers to screen over 4,000 individuals for Hepatitis B and C, ensuring timely access to antiviral treatment for diagnosed cases.

• Conducted vaccination drives, immunizing 2,500 people against Hepatitis B.

• Raised public awareness about hepatitis prevention and the importance of regular screening through community workshops and digital campaigns.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

• Organized free cancer screening events, providing breast and cervical cancer screening to over 2,000 women in rural and urban settings.

• Supported the vaccination of 500 young girls with the HPV vaccine, contributing to long-term cervical cancer prevention.

• Facilitated access to treatment for diagnosed cases by linking patients to affordable care providers and support groups.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

• Trained over 1,500 women in sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

• Provided safe, confidential abortion services and post-abortion care to over 200 women, ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

• Distributed 20,000 menstrual hygiene kits to adolescent girls and women, improving menstrual health awareness and reducing stigma.

Safe Abortion Services and Advocacy

• Advocated for policy reforms that expand access to safe abortion services in Nigeria, reducing the prevalence of unsafe practices.

• Partnered with community-based organizations to provide counseling and support to over 300 women seeking safe abortion care.

• Conducted research on the barriers to safe abortion access, informing advocacy efforts and programmatic interventions.

Holistic Health and Support Services

• Established mobile health clinics to serve remote communities, offering free consultations, diagnostics, and medications.

• Launched mental health support programs for patients facing the psychosocial impacts of chronic illnesses, benefiting over 1,000 individuals.

• Engaged peer educators and health workers to provide tailored health education to vulnerable groups, fostering trust and improving health outcomes.

The Numbers Speak

• Over 30,000 individuals reached through our healthcare programs.

• Partnerships with 15 local healthcare facilities to improve service delivery and referral pathways.

• A growing network of 500+ trained volunteers supporting healthcare initiatives across Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

our work in healthcare goes beyond treatment; it’s about creating a culture of care, breaking down barriers, and advocating for systemic changes that ensure everyone—regardless of their identity or socioeconomic status—has access to the care they deserve.

Our journey continues as we strive to eliminate health disparities, empower individuals, and build healthier communities. Together, we can achieve equitable healthcare for all.

For more information about our healthcare initiatives or to join our efforts, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development, we are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that marginalized populations, particularly LGBTQI+ individuals and sex workers, have access to justice and are protected from discrimination, violence, and legal injustices. Through our Legal Protection and Legal Assistance programs, we provide vital support to those who face systemic barriers in their quest for safety and equality.

Legal Representation and Pro Bono Services

• Successfully represented over 200 individuals in court cases involving wrongful arrests, violence, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Offered pro bono legal services to LGBTQI+ persons and sex workers, enabling them to navigate legal processes with confidence and dignity.

• Secured landmark rulings that have set important precedents for the protection of marginalized groups under Nigerian law.

Rapid Legal Response Mechanisms

• Established a rapid legal response team, available 24/7 to provide immediate support to individuals in crisis, including those who have been unlawfully detained or physically harmed.

• Partnered with community organizations to create safe reporting channels, enabling victims to report incidents of violence and discrimination without fear of reprisal.

Legal Education and Empowerment

• Conducted legal literacy workshops that have empowered over 5,000 individuals to understand their rights under Nigerian law and how to assert them.

• Developed and disseminated legal toolkits tailored to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ persons and sex workers, ensuring that communities have access to practical information.

Advocacy for Legal Reforms

• Engaged policymakers to advocate for decriminalization of same-sex relationships and the protection of sex workers’ rights, contributing to ongoing dialogues on human rights in Nigeria.

• Collaborated with legal experts and civil society organizations to draft policy recommendations aimed at reducing human rights violations and promoting equality.

Support for Survivors of Violence

• Provided comprehensive support, including legal aid, counseling, and medical referrals, to over 150 survivors of gender-based violence.

• Facilitated legal interventions for victims of mob attacks and hate crimes, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development, we recognize that economic independence is crucial to breaking cycles of vulnerability, exploitation, and marginalization. Our Economic Empowerment Program is designed to equip marginalized populations, particularly LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and other vulnerable groups, with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive and achieve self-sufficiency.

Skills Development and Capacity Building

• Over 3,000 individuals trained in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development to strengthen their economic stability.

• Partnered with organizations like Faslearn Global Platform, Jobberman Nigeria, and Fast-Her Initiative to deliver high-quality training in career development, education literacy, and job placement.

• Conducted both online and in-person training sessions tailored to the unique needs of participants across North Central, North East, and South West Nigeria.

Supporting Career Advancement

• Provided mentorship programs to guide participants through career development, job placement, and entrepreneurship, focusing on building sustainable livelihoods.

• Facilitated access to professional certifications and advanced skill development, enabling participants to compete in diverse job markets.

• Created linkages to job opportunities, business networks, and markets, expanding economic access for program beneficiaries.

Entrepreneurship Training and Support

• Delivered hands-on entrepreneurship training that helped participants launch and manage small businesses successfully.

• Supported the creation of business plans, financial strategies, and marketing approaches, ensuring participants’ ventures are sustainable and scalable.

• Provided seed funding for promising business ideas, with priority given to those addressing community challenges.

Access to Financial Resources

• Educated participants on microfinancing opportunities, savings schemes, and investment options to promote financial inclusion.

• Collaborated with financial institutions to increase access to credit and financial services for program beneficiaries.

• Organized financial literacy workshops that have enabled over 1,500 participants to adopt effective budgeting and savings practices.

Empowering Vulnerable Populations

• Addressed economic dependence, a root cause of vulnerability to exploitation and harm, by promoting self-sufficiency.

• Tailored programs to meet the unique needs of sex workers, LGBTQI+ persons, and other marginalized groups, creating safe spaces for learning and economic growth.

• Focused on gender-sensitive approaches that empower women and other vulnerable groups to navigate economic challenges effectively.

Key Successes

• Assisted 500+ participants in securing jobs through partnerships with leading employment platforms and mentorship programs.

• Helped establish 200+ small businesses, creating opportunities for economic independence.

• Reached over 2,000 individuals through financial literacy and education campaigns, fostering long-term economic resilience.

Case Study: Empowering Lives Across Nigeria

In partnership with Jobberman Nigeria and Fast-Her Initiative, Open Heart recently implemented a project aimed at empowering women and LGBTQI+ individuals in rural and urban areas. Participants underwent rigorous training in career development, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills. One success story includes a young woman from Kwara State who, with our support, launched a thriving local food business, creating jobs for five others in her community.

Fostering Economic Resilience

• Focused on reducing economic inequality and dependence, which heightens vulnerability to exploitation.

• Developed holistic empowerment models that address both personal and systemic challenges to economic independence.

• Created long-term impact by connecting beneficiaries to markets, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

A Future of Empowerment

At Open Heart, we believe that empowering individuals economically is key to fostering dignity, autonomy, and resilience. By providing tools for economic growth, we are not only changing individual lives but also transforming communities.

Together, we are building pathways to a future where every individual can thrive.

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development, we understand that sustainable change requires strong, inclusive, and visionary leaders. Through our Leadership Development Program, we empower marginalized and vulnerable populations, particularly LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and other underrepresented groups, to take on leadership roles and drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

Building Inclusive Leadership

• Trained over 1,500 participants in leadership principles, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills to foster inclusive leadership that reflects the diversity of their communities.

• Developed programs that focus on intersectional leadership, ensuring that women, LGBTQI+ persons, and other marginalized groups have access to leadership opportunities.

• Promoted gender-sensitive leadership models that prioritize equity, diversity, and justice in all decision-making processes.

Capacity-Building Workshops

• Conducted workshops on effective communication, strategic planning, and advocacy skills to equip participants with the tools to lead and inspire others.

• Offered specialized training in emotional intelligence, team management, and crisis response to enhance leadership capabilities in challenging environments.

• Integrated mentorship programs, pairing emerging leaders with experienced mentors for guidance, networking, and capacity development.

Advancing Community Advocacy

• Empowered leaders to spearhead community-based initiatives addressing key issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development.

• Provided advocacy training to enable leaders to engage with policymakers and stakeholders, amplifying the voices of marginalized populations.

• Supported participants in developing and implementing community action plans, ensuring their leadership creates tangible, lasting impact.

Focus on Youth Leadership

• Prioritized the inclusion of youth leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to challenge systemic barriers and create innovative solutions.

• Partnered with educational institutions and organizations to provide young leaders with opportunities for networking, skill development, and civic engagement.

• Enabled youth leaders to represent their communities in local, national, and international forums, ensuring their perspectives are heard.

Promoting Gender-Responsive Leadership

• Trained women leaders and gender-diverse individuals to address systemic inequalities and promote inclusive policies.

• Advocated for the active participation of women and LGBTQI+ persons in leadership spaces traditionally dominated by men.

• Organized gender-focused leadership initiatives that empower participants to address gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequity.

Key Achievements

• Graduated over 300 leaders from our leadership development programs, many of whom now lead community initiatives and organizations.

• Supported the creation of 50+ advocacy campaigns led by program alumni, driving policy changes and raising awareness on critical issues.

• Established leadership networks across North Central, North East, and South West Nigeria, fostering collaboration and mutual support among emerging leaders.

Case Study: Empowering Leadership in Rural Communities

Through our partnership with local organizations, Open Heart supported the development of a women-led cooperative in Kogi State. Program participants underwent training in leadership, financial literacy, and conflict resolution. Today, these leaders have transformed their communities by advocating for healthcare access and initiating income-generating projects.

Driving Systemic Change

• Developed a Leadership Academy, offering intensive training programs that equip participants to address systemic barriers to inclusion.

• Partnered with global organizations to provide participants with resources, mentorship, and international exposure to advance their leadership journeys.

• Promoted peer-led leadership models, ensuring that program graduates mentor others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

A Vision for the Future

Leadership development is at the core of Open Heart’s mission to foster equality, inclusion, and resilience. By investing in leadership, we ensure that marginalized voices are amplified, systemic barriers are dismantled, and communities are empowered to thrive.

Together, we are nurturing a generation of leaders who will transform the world.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a critical challenge, affecting countless lives across communities. Our Awareness Campaign is dedicated to breaking the silence around GBV, dismantling harmful norms, and empowering individuals to advocate for a violence-free society.

Our Objectives

1. Educate Communities: Increase awareness of GBV forms, consequences, and available support systems.

2. Challenge Harmful Norms: Address cultural, social, and institutional practices that perpetuate GBV.

3. Empower Survivors: Ensure survivors are informed about their rights and available resources for support and justice.

Activities and Outreach

• Community Engagement Forums: Hosting town hall meetings and interactive sessions in rural and urban areas to foster dialogue on GBV prevention.

• Digital Campaigns: Leveraging social media, videos, and blogs to reach diverse audiences with GBV-related educational content.

• Youth Empowerment: Partnering with schools and youth organizations to incorporate GBV awareness into their programs.

• Creative Advocacy: Using art, drama, and storytelling to communicate powerful messages about the impact of GBV.

• Resource Distribution: Providing educational materials such as flyers, posters, and toolkits in local languages to ensure inclusivity.

Key Achievements

• Conducted 25 awareness sessions, directly reaching over 10,000 individuals across rural and urban communities.

• Trained 150 community leaders to become GBV prevention champions in their regions.

• Engaged 5,000+ youths in campaigns promoting healthy relationships and respect for all genders.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The success of our campaign is strengthened through partnerships with local organizations, media outlets, and community stakeholders, amplifying our reach and impact.

Call to Action

Ending GBV requires collective effort. Join us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and creating a safer, more equitable society.

Together, we can make a difference—because everyone deserves to live free from violence and fear.

The consequences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) are devastating, often leaving survivors with lasting physical, emotional, and social scars. Our GBV Support Program is a lifeline for survivors, offering immediate and long-term assistance to help them heal, rebuild, and regain control over their lives.

Program Goals

1. Provide Immediate Relief: Offer survivors access to medical care, counseling, and safe spaces.

2. Empower Survivors: Equip survivors with the tools and support needed for sustainable recovery and independence.

3. Drive Systemic Change: Advocate for improved policies and practices to protect survivors and prevent GBV.

Key Services Offered

1. Crisis Response:

   • A 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors to report abuse and seek assistance.

   • Emergency shelter in safe houses for individuals fleeing violence.

2. Medical and Psychological Support:

   • Access to trauma-informed counseling and therapy services.

   • Comprehensive medical care, including treatment for injuries and post-violence care.

3. Legal Aid and Advocacy:

   • Free legal assistance to help survivors navigate the justice system.

   • Support in obtaining restraining orders and pursuing legal action against perpetrators.

4. Empowerment and Rehabilitation:

   • Skills training and economic empowerment programs to help survivors achieve independence.

   • Peer support groups that foster a sense of community and shared healing.

Our Impact

• Supported 200 survivors with medical care, counseling, and legal aid in the last year.

• Reintegrated 50 survivors into safe, self-sustaining environments through economic empowerment programs.

• Conducted 20 community dialogues to increase awareness and reduce stigma around GBV.

Building a Safer Future

Through partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders, we are expanding the reach of our GBV Support Program to ensure no survivor is left behind.

Together, we are committed to creating a world where survivors are empowered, perpetrators are held accountable, and GBV becomes a thing of the past.

Raising public awareness is a cornerstone of our mission to drive social change and ensure inclusivity, equity, and justice. Through strategic campaigns and community engagement, our Public Awareness Program aims to educate communities, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote informed decision-making on critical social and health issues.

Program Objectives

1. Educate the Public: Provide accurate information to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding health, gender equality, and human rights.

2. Encourage Positive Behaviors: Promote practices that support health, safety, and inclusivity.

3. Foster Advocacy: Empower individuals to become advocates for change in their communities.

Key Initiatives

1. Health Education Campaigns:

   • Comprehensive campaigns addressing HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH).

   • Dissemination of information on preventive care, early detection, and available treatment options.

2. Community Dialogues and Outreach:

   • Interactive sessions in urban and rural areas to engage communities in discussions on social issues like GBV, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health.

   • Distribution of educational materials in local languages to ensure accessibility.

3. Social Media Advocacy:

   • Leveraging digital platforms to reach diverse audiences with targeted messages, infographics, and videos.

   • Weekly webinars and live Q&A sessions with experts to promote real-time engagement.

4. School and Youth Engagement:

   • Programs targeting young people with information on consent, healthy relationships, and personal safety.

   • Workshops in schools to address bullying, stigma, and peer support mechanisms.

Our Impact

• Reached over 10,000 individuals through targeted community campaigns in urban and rural areas.

• Distributed 5,000 educational toolkits across schools, marketplaces, and healthcare centers.

• Partnered with 15 organizations to amplify advocacy messages and extend program reach.

• Increased access to healthcare services by 30% in communities targeted by awareness campaigns.

Shaping a More Informed Society

Our Public Awareness Program is rooted in the belief that knowledge is power. By equipping communities with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions, we are driving collective action towards a healthier, safer, and more inclusive society.

Together, we can challenge stigmas, empower individuals, and pave the way for sustainable change.

Community events are a vital part of our mission to foster connection, engagement, and collective action for social change. These events serve as platforms to bring people together, share knowledge, and inspire a sense of unity and responsibility in addressing pressing societal issues.

Program Objectives

1. Engage Communities: Create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration on health, gender equality, and human rights.

2. Raise Awareness: Use interactive activities to educate communities on key topics like healthcare access, GBV, and mental health.

3. Foster Inclusion: Build safe and welcoming spaces for marginalized groups to share their stories and participate in shaping solutions.

Key Activities

1. Health Outreach Fairs:

   • Free health screenings and consultations for diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and reproductive health issues.

   • Distribution of educational materials and resources on prevention and treatment.

2. Community Dialogues:

   • Town hall meetings that bring together stakeholders to discuss local challenges and identify solutions collaboratively.

   • Topics include GBV prevention, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic empowerment.

3. Workshops and Trainings:

   • Skills-building sessions in areas like financial literacy, career development, and leadership.

   • Peer-to-peer training programs to empower local champions for ongoing advocacy.

4. Cultural and Recreational Events:

   • Art exhibitions, music performances, and sports tournaments that celebrate diversity and promote unity.

   • Activities tailored to reduce stigma and create positive narratives around marginalized communities.

5. Commemorative Events:

   • Marking significant days like World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, and Mental Health Awareness Month.

   • Engaging participants in reflective and action-oriented activities.

Our Impact

• Hosted over 50 events annually across urban and rural communities, reaching thousands of participants.

• Increased participation in healthcare programs by 40% in communities where health fairs were conducted.

• Mobilized over 200 volunteers to support event organization and execution.

• Strengthened local networks by partnering with 10+ organizations and institutions for event planning and resource sharing.

Building Connections, Creating Change

Through our Community Events Program, we are breaking barriers, strengthening bonds, and mobilizing collective action. These events are more than gatherings—they are catalysts for empowerment, education, and sustainable impact.

By participating, communities become active players in creating a healthier, more equitable future for everyone.

At the core of our initiatives lies evidence-based programming, driven by rigorous research and data collection. This approach ensures that our interventions are not only relevant but also highly effective in addressing the needs of our target populations. Through our commitment to generating and utilizing reliable data, we have created programs that are both impactful and responsive to the realities on the ground.

Research Focus Areas

1. Health and Well-being:

   • Studies on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis, and other critical health concerns among marginalized populations.

   • Data on access to sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion and cancer screenings.

2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV):

   • Research on the prevalence and impact of GBV in rural and urban communities.

   • Analysis of reporting barriers and survivors' access to support services.

3. Economic Empowerment:

   • Surveys on economic dependence and vulnerability among key populations.

   • Assessments of the effectiveness of skills training and empowerment initiatives.

4. Mental Health:

   • Studies on the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and other marginalized groups.

   • Data on stigma and barriers to accessing mental health support services.

Practical Evidence of Impact

1. HIV/AIDS Program Design:

   • Research revealed a lack of awareness about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in rural communities, leading us to integrate PrEP education into our HIV/AIDS prevention workshops. This resulted in a 30% increase in PrEP uptake among beneficiaries within the first year of implementation.

2. GBV Support Services:

   • Data collected through community surveys highlighted the need for trauma-informed care for GBV survivors. This informed the creation of our GBV Response Program, which now provides counseling and legal aid to over 150 survivors annually.

3. Economic Empowerment:

   • A needs assessment identified financial literacy gaps as a key barrier to economic independence. In response, we developed targeted financial literacy training that has empowered 200+ participants with skills to manage their finances and pursue entrepreneurship.

4. Mental Health Support:

   • Our research on the mental health impact of stigma revealed a critical need for peer support groups. As a result, we established safe spaces for LGBTQI+ individuals, where 95% of participants reported improved mental well-being after six months of engagement.

Data-Driven Advocacy

Our research has also informed advocacy efforts, enabling us to push for systemic change:

• Policy Reform: Data from our studies have been used in policy briefs advocating for improved access to reproductive health services.

• Awareness Campaigns: Findings on the stigma surrounding TB and HIV have shaped our community sensitization campaigns, leading to increased testing and treatment uptake.

Commitment to Excellence

By leveraging data, Open Heart has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups. This commitment to informed programming has ensured that every intervention is strategically targeted to maximize impact.

Through ongoing research and data collection, we remain dedicated to refining our programs and contributing to a future where health, equity, and empowerment are accessible to all.

Key Reports Published

1. The State of HIV and Tuberculosis Care Among Marginalized Communities
   This comprehensive report highlights the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and sex workers in accessing HIV and TB care in rural areas. It provides actionable recommendations, such as integrating stigma-free healthcare training for medical professionals.

2. Mental Health Challenges in LGBTQI+ Populations
   Based on a year-long study across five states, this report sheds light on the mental health struggles of marginalized populations. It also documents the success of peer support networks in improving mental health outcomes.

3. Economic Empowerment and Financial Literacy: A Path to Independence
   This report analyzes the economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the effectiveness of skills training programs. Data from the report informed the scaling up of our training initiatives, benefiting hundreds of participants.

4. The Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence: A Call for Action
   This report presents data from community surveys and survivor interviews, highlighting the alarming prevalence of GBV. It emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and has been used in advocacy efforts to secure better funding for GBV support services.

5. Barriers to Reproductive Health Access
   Focused on access to safe abortion, cervical cancer screenings, and other sexual and reproductive health services, this report identifies systemic barriers and offers recommendations for improving healthcare delivery.

Impact of Our Published Reports

1. Policy Influence:

   • Data from our reports on GBV and reproductive health have been cited in policy briefs submitted to local and national governments.

   • Our findings on HIV and TB care gaps contributed to the development of community-based healthcare models.

2. Program Development:

   • The insights gained from our research have shaped the design and implementation of new initiatives, such as financial literacy training and mental health support groups.

3. Academic Contributions:

   • Our reports have been referenced in academic research on marginalized populations, highlighting their role as credible sources of information.

4. Global Recognition:

   • Open Heart’s published works have gained attention from international organizations, leading to partnerships and increased support for our programs.

Future Goals for Published Reports

1. Expanding Reach:

   • Translate key reports into multiple languages to reach a broader audience.

   • Disseminate findings through digital platforms to ensure accessibility for grassroots organizations and activists.

2. Innovative Reporting Formats:

   • Incorporate multimedia elements like infographics, videos, and interactive dashboards to make data more engaging and comprehensible.

3. Collaborative Research:

   • Partner with academic institutions, government bodies, and international NGOs to co-author reports and enhance their credibility.

Commitment to Excellence

Open Heart remains dedicated to publishing high-quality, evidence-based reports that not only reflect our achievements but also inspire and guide future interventions. Through our reports, we aim to drive meaningful change, foster collaboration, and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and acted upon.

Our published reports stand as a testament to our impact and as a beacon for others working toward a more equitable and just society.