Our Projects

Overview of our projects

Health Outreach Program

HIV and Tuberculosis

Tackling HIV and Tuberculosis Among Marginalized Communities

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development successfully implemented two critical health interventions: the HIV Prevention and Treatment Access Project and the Community TB Awareness and Support Initiative. These initiatives, funded through dedicated fundraising campaigns, targeted vulnerable LGBTQI+ sex workers and other underserved populations in Niger and Anambra States, Nigeria.

HIV Prevention and Treatment Access Project

This project aimed to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and enhance access to lifesaving treatment among LGBTQI+ sex workers. It was implemented in Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State, and Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Key Activities:

Conducted HIV counseling and testing services to ensure early detection.
Distributed free condoms and lubricants to promote safe sexual practices.
Provided antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and referrals to healthcare facilities for treatment.
Organized community sensitization sessions to reduce stigma and foster acceptance for HIV-positive individuals.

Impact:

Over 500 beneficiaries were tested, educated, and linked to care during the program, significantly improving their quality of life and reducing HIV transmission rates in the targeted communities.

Community TB Awareness and Support Initiative

Tuberculosis remains a critical health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among marginalized groups. This initiative focused on raising awareness, enhancing detection, and improving access to TB treatment. It was implemented in Bida Local Government Area, Niger State, and Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Key Activities:

Conducted TB screening camps for early diagnosis.
Distributed educational materials highlighting preventive measures and the importance of completing treatment regimens.
Facilitated access to Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course (DOTS) for TB patients through partnerships with local health centers.
Held community advocacy campaigns to combat stigma and encourage individuals to seek timely treatment.

Impact:

The project reached over 400 individuals, with numerous cases of TB detected early and treated effectively. The community advocacy efforts also helped to dispel misconceptions about TB and encouraged health-seeking behavior.

Open Heart’s commitment is geared towards

Providing comprehensive healthcare services to LGBTQI+ sex workers, including regular health check-ups, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis prevention and treatment, and sexual health education.

Mental Health Support Initiative

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development proudly implemented the Mental Health Support Initiative in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. This project addressed the urgent need for accessible mental health services for LGBTQL+ persons marginalized in rural communities, where stigma and lack of resources often hinder individuals from seeking help.

Project Overview

The initiative aimed to provide comprehensive mental health support through a multi-faceted approach, ensuring that individuals in underserved areas could access the care they deserve. This intervention focused on reducing stigma, offering professional counseling, and fostering community-based support systems to promote mental wellness.

Key Activities

Confidential Counseling Services:
- Partnered with licensed therapists to offer one-on-one and group counseling sessions.
- Ensured a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals could freely discuss their mental health concerns.
Establishment of Peer Support Groups:
- Created peer-led support networks to provide ongoing emotional support and encouragement.
- Trained community members to facilitate these groups, empowering local champions of mental health.
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns:
- Conducted workshops and sensitization programs to dispel myths and misconceptions about mental health.
- Engaged local leaders, schools, and religious organizations to amplify the message of acceptance and understanding.
Capacity Building for Healthcare Workers:
- Organized training sessions for local healthcare providers to identify and manage common mental health conditions.
- Strengthened referral pathways to ensure seamless access to advanced care when needed.

Impact

Increased Access to Care: Over 200 individuals benefited from counseling and therapy services, many seeking mental health support for the first time.
Reduced Stigma: Community sensitization reached more than 1,000 residents, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding.
Empowered Local Advocates: Trained peer facilitators and healthcare workers became key drivers of mental health advocacy in the community.

Sustaining the Momentum

This initiative was a significant step toward bridging the mental health care gap in rural Enugu. Open Heart remains committed to expanding this program, leveraging its success to scale similar projects across Nigeria.

Legal Aid and Advocacy Project

Pursuing Justice and Safety for LGBTQI+ Individuals in Abuja

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development is steadfastly implementing its Legal Aid and Advocacy Project in Abuja, Nigeria. This ongoing project addresses the alarming instances of violence, discrimination, and legal challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly LGBTQI+ sex workers, in a hostile socio-legal environment.

Case Overview

Currently, Open Heart is representing five individuals who were subjected to brutal lynching and theft. These heinous acts were perpetrated by people exploiting the same-sex prohibition law to inflict harm under the guise of moral enforcement. The victims sustained severe physical and psychological injuries during their ordeal and are seeking justice, legal redress, and compensation.

Key Objectives of the Project

Legal Representation and Redress:
- Providing pro bono legal support to ensure the victims’ voices are heard in court and their rights upheld.
- Pursuing compensation for the physical harm and mental trauma endured by the victims.
Advocacy for Legal Reforms:
- Highlighting the misuse of laws to justify violence and discrimination.
- Partnering with other human rights organizations to push for legislative reforms that safeguard the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals.
Community Sensitization on Safety Protocols:
- Educating LGBTQI+ individuals about practical safety measures to navigate daily life in an often-hostile environment.
- Creating awareness within the broader community to foster understanding, acceptance, and protection of human rights.
Capacity Building for Legal Advocates:
- Training legal practitioners and human rights advocates to effectively handle cases involving LGBTQI+ individuals.

Project Impact

Through this initiative, Open Heart aims to:

Empower victims to reclaim their dignity and seek justice.
Challenge the societal and legal structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination.
Build a network of informed and resilient LGBTQI+ individuals who can advocate for their rights.

A Commitment to Justice and Inclusion

This project is more than a legal battle; it is a call for systemic change and a commitment to a future where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can live without fear of violence or prejudice.

Open Heart remains resolute in its mission to support marginalized communities, advocate for inclusivity, and pave the way for a safer and more equitable society. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and human rights are universally respected.

Empowerment and Skills Training

Open Heart Community-Based Initiative is committed to empowering vulnerable populations with the tools and skills they need to achieve economic independence. In partnership with Faslearn Global Platform, Jobberman Nigeria, and the Fast-Her Initiative, we are implementing the Empowerment and Skills Training Program, a transformative project aimed at reducing economic dependence and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Project Overview

This program is being carried out across North Central, North East, and South West Nigeria, using a hybrid model of online and in-person workshops to ensure broad accessibility.

Key Focus Areas

Entrepreneurship Training: Providing participants with the knowledge and tools to start and manage successful businesses.
Financial Literacy: Equipping individuals with the skills to manage their finances effectively and build long-term economic stability.
Education Literacy: Enhancing foundational skills to boost personal development and career prospects.
Career Empowerment: Supporting participants in exploring career paths, accessing tailored training programs, and developing job-ready skills.
Job Placement Support: Facilitating connections to employment opportunities through industry linkages and mentorship.
Mentorship and Market Linkages: Offering guidance and access to networks that help participants thrive in their chosen fields.

Project Goals

To reduce economic dependence, which increases vulnerability to exploitation and harm.
To provide participants with the tools and resources to achieve self-reliance.
To create pathways for professional growth and access to new opportunities.

This ongoing initiative reflects Open Heart’s commitment to empowering LGBTQI+ sex workers and other vulnerable populations, supporting them to overcome challenges, and ensuring their full participation in economic and social life.

Community TB Awareness and Support Initiative Project 2024

Ending Tuberculosis in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Analysis

Prepared by Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health concern, with Nigeria ranking among the top 10 high-burden countries. Despite advances in healthcare delivery, the disease continues to claim thousands of lives annually, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations such as LGBTQI+ communities, sex workers, and economically disadvantaged groups. Open Heart is committed to advancing efforts to end TB in Nigeria by leveraging research, advocacy, and partnerships to address gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and education.

Epidemiological Overview of Tuberculosis in Nigeria

Global Context: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2023, there were an estimated 10.6 million new TB cases worldwide in 2022, with 1.6 million deaths.
Nigeria’s Burden:
- Nigeria accounted for 4.4% of the global TB burden in 2022.
- The incidence rate was approximately 219 per 100,000 people, with a treatment coverage rate of only 53%, leaving nearly half of TB cases undiagnosed or untreated.
- Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is an emerging challenge, with an estimated 4,000 cases annually, often linked to treatment default or inadequate healthcare systems.

Emerging Research Trends and Innovations

Diagnostic Advances:
- Introduction of rapid molecular tests like GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra, which can detect TB and drug resistance within two hours.
- Research into biomarkers for non-invasive and more accessible TB diagnostics is gaining traction.
Treatment Innovations:
- Shorter drug regimens such as BPaL (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid) have shown promise in treating MDR-TB, reducing treatment time to six months compared to the standard 18-24 months.
- Development of new TB vaccines like M72/AS01E, which has demonstrated 50% efficacy in preventing active TB in clinical trials.
Digital Health Tools:
- Mobile health (mHealth) technologies are increasingly being utilized to support treatment adherence through SMS reminders, telehealth counseling, and digital pill dispensers.
Social Determinants of Health:
- Studies highlight the impact of poverty, stigma, and access barriers on TB outcomes. Programs addressing these determinants are critical for sustainable TB control.

Key Research Questions

Prevention: What innovative community-based strategies can effectively prevent TB transmission in high-burden and high-risk populations?
Diagnosis: How can access to rapid TB diagnostics be expanded in rural and underserved areas?
Treatment: What are the most cost-effective ways to scale up shorter and less toxic treatment regimens?
Social Barriers: How does stigma related to TB, particularly in LGBTQI+ populations, influence healthcare-seeking behavior?
Integration: How can TB control programs integrate with HIV/AIDS and other health initiatives to maximize impact?

Open Heart’s Commitment to Ending TB

Community-Based Interventions:
- Conducting TB awareness campaigns that emphasize early detection and treatment adherence.
- Training community health workers to provide education and support to vulnerable populations.
Innovative Research:
- Collaborating with academic and healthcare institutions to conduct studies on TB prevalence, risk factors, and barriers to care.
- Utilizing digital tools to track treatment outcomes and improve program monitoring.
Advocacy and Policy Influence:
- Lobbying for increased government funding for TB programs, particularly for marginalized groups.
- Working with partners to advocate for the integration of TB services into primary healthcare systems.
Strengthening Partnerships:
- Partnering with local and international organizations such as the Stop TB Partnership, WHO, and community-based networks to share knowledge and resources.
- Expanding engagement with private sector stakeholders to mobilize resources for TB control.

Call to Action

Open Heart recognizes that ending TB in Nigeria requires a multi-sectoral approach driven by evidence-based strategies, community engagement, and strong political commitment. As we continue to champion the health and rights of marginalized communities, we call on stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public to join us in this fight.

Understanding the Tuberculosis and HIV Dichotomy: A Pathway to Ending the Dual Epidemic

Prepared by Open Heart Community-Based Initiative for Health Empowerment and Sustainable Development

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are two intersecting epidemics that continue to pose severe public health challenges globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, with its high burden of both diseases, exemplifies the urgency of addressing the TB-HIV co-epidemic. People living with HIV (PLHIV) are significantly more vulnerable to TB due to weakened immune systems, making TB the leading cause of death among PLHIV.

Open Heart is committed to combating the dual burden of TB and HIV by leveraging research, policy advocacy, and community-based interventions to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes for affected populations.

Epidemiology of TB-HIV Co-Infection

Global Statistics:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 9% of new TB cases worldwide were associated with HIV, resulting in an estimated 214,000 deaths among co-infected individuals.
- HIV-positive individuals are 18 times more likely to develop active TB compared to HIV-negative individuals.
Nigeria’s Burden:
- Nigeria ranks 6th globally in TB cases and has the 4th highest number of TB-HIV co-infections.
- Among TB cases reported in Nigeria in 2022, 12% were co-infected with HIV, with treatment success rates significantly lower for co-infected individuals.
- Over 50% of HIV-related TB deaths occur due to late diagnosis and treatment barriers.

The TB-HIV Dichotomy: Challenges and Intersections

Immune System Dynamics:
- HIV infection compromises the immune system, reducing the body's ability to contain latent TB infections.
- TB exacerbates the progression of HIV by increasing viral load and reducing CD4 counts, creating a vicious cycle.
Delayed Diagnosis:
- Symptoms of TB and HIV often overlap, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Stigma around HIV further discourages individuals from seeking timely medical intervention.
Treatment Complexities:
- Managing TB and HIV concurrently poses challenges due to drug-drug interactions, especially between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and rifampicin-based TB treatment regimens.
- High pill burden and prolonged treatment duration often result in poor adherence among co-infected individuals.
Access Barriers:
- Many affected individuals face financial, geographical, and systemic barriers to accessing integrated TB-HIV services.
- Marginalized groups, including LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and rural populations, are particularly affected.

Emerging Research and Innovations

Integrated Diagnostics:
- WHO recommends joint TB-HIV screening at the point of care to improve early detection rates.
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF and Point-of-Care CD4 testing are becoming critical tools for simultaneous diagnosis.
Preventive Therapy:
- Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) in reducing the risk of active TB in PLHIV by up to 37% when combined with ART.
Shortened Regimens:
- Ongoing clinical trials for 4-month TB treatment regimens and simplified ART combinations show promise in reducing treatment duration and improving adherence.
Community-Based Models:
- Decentralized models of care that integrate TB and HIV services at the community level have demonstrated success in countries like Kenya and South Africa.

Key Research Questions

How can diagnostic integration be scaled up in resource-constrained settings?
What are the most effective community-based strategies to improve TB and HIV treatment adherence?
How does stigma uniquely impact the access and outcomes of TB-HIV co-infected populations in Nigeria?
What policies are needed to ensure equitable access to preventive therapies for high-risk populations?

Open Heart’s Commitment to Addressing TB-HIV Co-Infection

Integrated Service Delivery:
- Establishing community-based centers that provide free, integrated TB and HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services.
- Partnering with local healthcare facilities to implement WHO-recommended collaborative TB-HIV activities.
Research and Data Collection:
- Conducting studies on TB-HIV co-infection trends, barriers to care, and treatment outcomes among LGBTQI+ and sex worker populations.
- Using data to inform advocacy efforts and improve program design.
Advocacy and Policy Influence:
- Engaging with policymakers to prioritize TB-HIV integration in Nigeria's health agenda.
- Advocating for increased funding and resources for co-infection management.
Community Empowerment:
- Training peer educators to provide accurate information on TB-HIV prevention and treatment.
- Conducting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage early health-seeking behavior.

Call to Action

To effectively combat TB-HIV co-infection in Nigeria, it is critical to scale up integrated services, strengthen community engagement, and invest in innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches. Open Heart invites stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the general public to join us in this mission to reduce the burden of TB-HIV co-infection and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Safe Space Creation

Establishing safe and supportive environments where LGBTQI+ sex workers can access resources, connect with peers, and participate in community-building activities.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Program

Providing immediate support, counseling, and legal assistance to LGBTQI+ sex workers affected by gender-based violence, while also conducting awareness campaigns to prevent GBV.

Community Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns

Raising public awareness about the rights and needs of LGBTQI+ sex workers through media campaigns, community events, and collaborations with other organizations.

Research and Data Collection

Undertaking research projects to collect data on the health and socio-economic conditions of LGBTQI+ sex workers, which informs our programs and advocacy efforts.

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