Saving Lives: One New Mother at a Time

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Saving Lives: One New Mother at a Time o. 1 2012/N Uma-Shree Pal (right) with client, Rashida Begum, who survived after giving birth, because of misoprostol. IN THIS Saving Lives: One New Mother at a Time ISSUE As a young girl, Uma-Shree Pal dreamed of An estimated 85% of women in Bangladesh The Shang Ring being able to improve health for people in give birth in their homes without the her community. Helping to save mothers’ presence of a formally trained health Interview with lives during childbirth fits perfectly into her professional. Postpartum hemorrhage kills Pam Barnes childhood vision. so many new mothers in settings like this because without medical knowledge, it is New Board At age 35, Uma-Shree is now a government- difficult to tell the difference between normal Members trained field worker in the Tangail District of and excessive bleeding before it is too late— Bangladesh, working to distribute misoprostol, women often accept all postdelivery bleeding Empowering a drug that can prevent postpartum as normal, mistakenly thinking that it is Youth for a hemorrhage (PPH)—the leading cause of simply menstrual blood that built up for Healthy Life maternal death in the country and globally. nine months. “I wanted to serve my community,” said But a single dose of misoprostol, which Uma-Shree, mother of a 5-year-old boy. costs just 50 cents, can help prevent “That is what motivated me to help mothers women from dying needlessly. As part of an access the medicine and assistance they need EngenderHealth-led program, Uma-Shree to stay healthy.” works in four villages, home to 3,000 people continued on next page > www.engenderhealth.org > continued from front page and some 62 home births per year, to distribute a dose and nongovernmental organizations to distribute of misoprostol to pregnant women during their third misoprostol and ensure their appropriate use. To date, trimester. Uma-Shree and her colleagues received training all mothers have survived. on how to educate women to use misoprostol through EngenderHealth’s Mayer Hashi project, in collaboration These days, because of misoprostol, Uma-Shree finds that with government partners. excessive vaginal bleeding postpartum is controlled. She believes that educating women and families about the In addition to training, Uma-Shree also received flipcharts, dangers of PPH is saving mothers’ lives in her community. leaflets, and stickers, which strengthened her ability to counsel women in her catchment area. The support base “Seeing the smile of a woman who has just given birth for her work is also strong, with monthly meetings with gives me such great happiness,” Uma-Shree said. “I other nearby fieldworkers and EngenderHealth experts. consider that smile a priceless reward for my hard work.” “EngenderHealth’s training was very effective and Following the success of the program in Tangail District, comprehensive,” Uma-Shree said. “It gave me the EngenderHealth has continued training community information I needed to communicate effectively and health workers in misoprostol distribution in Cox’s Bazar demonstrate how a simple pill, when taken properly, can District, where nearly 31,000 pregnant women—97% save their lives or the lives of their daughters and wives.” of home deliveries recorded under the program there— opted to use the lifesaving tablets after giving birth to During the project’s first phase, Uma-Shree and other prevent PPH. The project is now being scaled up in three field workers distributed misoprostol to nearly 13,000 additional districts in Bangladesh: Comilla, Moulvibazar, pregnant women, at or after 32 weeks of pregnancy. and Barisal. More than 90% of these women used the tablets as directed, demonstrating the effectiveness of using For more information about how we are improving community-level fieldworkers from the government maternal health, visit www.engenderhealth.org. The Shang Ring: A Promising Device to Prevent HIV among Men A novel medical device called the Shang Ring has the potential to revolutionize how male circumcision services are offered in Africa, where the procedure is in high demand among men seeking protection against HIV. A recent study, conducted by EngenderHealth and the Weill Cornell Medical College, confirmed that the Shang Ring is highly acceptable to men in Africa and safe for further study. Strong scientific evidence has shown that male circumcision cuts the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission by as much as 64%. As a result, the United Nations has recommended that these services be included in HIV prevention programs across Africa. The Kenyan government is among those that have endorsed voluntary adult male circumcision services in their health programs, taking a bold step to encourage the practice in places where it has not traditionally been performed. Compared with conventional surgery, the Shang Ring offers a faster, more cost-effective way to perform male circumcisions. The disposable device consists of two concentric plastic rings that lock together over the foreskin. Whereas surgical circumcisions can take 20–40 minutes, the Shang Ring takes just 3–5 minutes, Indeed, adult male circumcision rates in requires no sutures, and causes minimal bleeding and Africa remain low; since 2007, only about few complications. All health professionals—not just 600,000 men have been circumcised, in spite surgeons—can be trained to use the Shang Ring, an of high demand for the procedure. The dearth important benefit in countries where trained surgeons of trained surgeons and critical medical supplies may be scarce. can make surgical circumcisions more challenging to perform on a large scale. “Given the Shang Ring’s success in China, we decided to investigate whether it could be adapted for use in Africa, EngenderHealth has decades of expertise in simplifying where the HIV epidemic is most serious,” said Jared medical procedures for low-resource settings, while Nyanchoka, EngenderHealth Technical Advisor, based also ensuring safety, quality care, and informed choice. in Kenya. “Our hope is that the Shang Ring can help EngenderHealth is conducting additional studies on meet the growing demand here for safe, voluntary adult the Shang Ring, in partnership with the Kenyan and circumcision.” Zambian governments, FHI 360, and Weill Cornell Medical College. The increase in the number of individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa 20% receiving antiretroviral treatment between 2009 and 2010. 100,000 Miles and Just Getting Started: A Chat with EngenderHealth President Pamela Barnes As EngenderHealth’s President, in your first year you EngenderHealth has been working in Tanzania for traveled more than 100,000 miles, to India, Ethiopia, 30 years. What more needs to be done to improve Bangladesh, Tanzania, and beyond. What is your favorite health care there? travel memory? One area we must continue to address is the need I have so many incredible memories, and one is from for more skilled health care professionals. I remember my recent trip to Tanzania. For example, I saw men and visiting a maternity ward in Tanzania where two women visiting health clinics together and deciding as laboring women were assigned per bed. With only partners whether and when to have children. We know two doctors and four nurse midwives on staff, the that men are becoming increasingly supportive of the facility was delivering two to four babies every hour health of their partners, but to see it in real time is always of the day. While it was incredible to see so many a great reminder that our work is making a difference. At women choosing to deliver at a health facility, the the government and community levels, EngenderHealth facilities need more staff and equipment to meet that is recognized as a “Tanzanian” program, one that has growing demand and provide the necessary care. This truly leveraged local skills and talent to improve health is why we train health professionals to expand their throughout the country. skill sets, particularly the lower-level health workers who can help fill this critical gap. “ Innovation isn’t about finding a shiny new penny. It’s about doing what we know works well and finding ways to do it better at a lower cost to make even greater impact.” As the leader of a global nonprofit organization, one of your many roles is inspiring people to care about important issues and to take action. Who inspires you? From community health workers to ministers of health, I meet people whose passion for their work really lights a fire in me. They are all so genuinely committed to improving the welfare of women, families, and communities and to seeing their nations thrive. Another source of inspiration is the EngenderHealth staff. From fistula repair to HIV prevention breakthroughs to contraceptive technologies—I’m awed by their deep technical knowledge, and I learn something new every day. New Board Members From where you sit, what do you think EngenderHealth welcomes Mark Chiaviello and are the emerging issues for the field of Sara Seims to its Board of Directors, who bring reproductive health? deep financial and technical expertise to the I think that innovation will be a key driver of Board, with a strong track records of leadership in success in reproductive health. But innovation international development and health. isn’t about finding a shiny new penny. It’s about doing what we know works well and finding ways to do it better at a lower cost to make even greater impact. We already have a deep basket of expertise and we need to find a way to advance that know-how. Also, in the field of public health, ideas come into favor, fall out of favor, and then come back again. Right now, there is a focus on stronger, integrated health care that is comprehensive and centered on the client. Quite frankly, that has always been Mark Chiaviello, M.B.A.
Recommended publications
  • The Male Reproductive System
    Management of Men’s Reproductive 3 Health Problems Men’s Reproductive Health Curriculum Management of Men’s Reproductive 3 Health Problems © 2003 EngenderHealth. All rights reserved. 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org This publication was made possible, in part, through support provided by the Office of Population, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), under the terms of cooperative agreement HRN-A-00-98-00042-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID. Cover design: Virginia Taddoni ISBN 1-885063-45-8 Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Men’s reproductive health curriculum : management of men’s reproductive health problems. p. ; cm. Companion v. to: Introduction to men’s reproductive health services, and: Counseling and communicating with men. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 1-885063-45-8 1. Andrology. 2. Human reproduction. 3. Generative organs, Male--Diseases--Treatment. I. EngenderHealth (Firm) II. Counseling and communicating with men. III. Title: Introduction to men’s reproductive health services. [DNLM: 1. Genital Diseases, Male. 2. Physical Examination--methods. 3. Reproductive Health Services. WJ 700 M5483 2003] QP253.M465 2003 616.6’5--dc22 2003063056 Contents Acknowledgments v Introduction vii 1 Disorders of the Male Reproductive System 1.1 The Male
    [Show full text]
  • Reaching out to People Living with HIV/AIDS in India
    Spring 2006 United Nations Update Population Award Laureate Reaching Out to People Living with HIV/AIDS in India “The doctor was very loving and only 35,000 were receiving ART. patient. It’s rare to get doctors like Weak supply systems, prohibitive him. I have a lot of respect for him. costs, and lack of information He was not only my doctor, he was about HIV treatments all con- also my counselor—he helped me tribute to this treatment gap. Even disclose my status to my wife. Thanks people who receive ART face to him, I could counsel others who ongoing challenges due to side saw my side effects and were scared effects, a dearth of treatment to start ART (antiretroviral therapy).” information in local languages, —HIV-positive client and/or lack of support on how to manage treatment regimens. menting an integrated training With the second highest number The good news is that a nation- initiative that includes establish- of people living with HIV/AIDS in al effort is underway to address ing two Continuing Education the world after South Africa, India these issues. EngenderHealth’s and Training Centers (CETCs); is facing one of its biggest public India Office is part of a diverse these will serve as model training health challenges. India accounts consortium of local Indian non- centers for the consortium for nearly 10% of the 40 million governmental organizations throughout the six states. The people living with HIV/AIDS glob- (NGOs) working to improve the centers will also provide ongoing ally and more than 60% of the quality of care and support ser- training and support to providers 7.4 million such people in the vices for people taking ART.
    [Show full text]
  • Infection Prevention
    Infection Prevention A reference booklet for health care providers 2nd edition Infection Prevention A reference booklet for health care providers 2nd edition © 2011 EngenderHealth. All rights reserved. 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY, 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org EngenderHealth works to improve the health and well-being of people in the poorest communities of the world. We do this by sharing our expertise in sexual and reproductive health and transforming the quality of health care. We promote gender equity, advocate for sound practices and policies, and inspire people to assert their rights to better, healthier lives. Working in partnership with local organizations, we adapt our work in response to local needs. The first edition of this publication was made possible by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. EngenderHealth has taken all reasonable precautions to verify the information contained in this handbook. However, the material is provided on an “as is” basis, without warranty or condition, either expressed or implied. Responsibility for interpreting and using the information contained herein belongs to the reader alone; the publisher (EngenderHealth) is in no way liable for any loss or damage, of any kind, arising from its use. Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper. ISBN 978-1-885063-99-1 Suggested citation: EngenderHealth. 2011. Infection prevention: A reference booklet for health care providers, 2nd edition. New
    [Show full text]
  • SEED™ Assessment Guide for Family Planning Programming
    SEED™ Assessment Guide for Family Planning Programming SEED™ Assessment Guide for Family Planning Programming © 2011 EngenderHealth EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org This publication was made possible through support provided by the F.M. Kirby Foundation. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and do not necessarily reflect the views of the foundation. Cover design, graphic design, and typesetting: Weronika Murray and Tor de Vries Printing: Automated Graphic Systems ISBN 978-1-885063-97-7 Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper. Suggested citation: EngenderHealth. 2011. The SEED assessment guide for family planning programming. New York. Photo credits: M. Tuschman/EngenderHealth, A. Fiorente/EngenderHealth, C. Svingen/EngenderHealth. ii ContEntS Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................................. iv Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... v Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 2 EngenderHealth’s SEED Programming Model .......................................................................................... 3 How to Use This Assessment Guide........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Choices in Family Planning: Title Page/Contents/Acknowledgements
    Realizing Rights in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Choices in Family Planning: Informed and Voluntary Decision Making © 2003 EngenderHealth. All rights reserved. 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org This publication was made possible, in part, through support provided by the Office of Population, U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), under the terms of cooperative agreement HRN-A-00-98-00042-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and do not necessarily reflect the views of AID. ISBN 1-885063-33-4 Cover design: Virginia Taddoni Cover photo credits: UNICEF: Didier Bregnard; Hugo Hoogenboom; United Nations: John Isaac; United Nations Printing: Automated Graphic Systems, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Choices in family planning: informed and voluntary decision making: realizing rights in sexual and reproductive health services. p. cm. A “tool kit” which includes four sections: Introduction; Discussion guide; Preliminary assessment guide; Next steps guide. ISBN 1-885063-33-4 1. Birth control—Decision making. 2. Reproductive health—Decision making. 3. Contraception—Decision making. 4. Family size—Decision making. 5. Women— Health and hygiene. I. Title: Realizing rights in sexual and reproductive health services. II. EngenderHealth (Firm) HQ766.C52234 2002 304.6’66—dc21 2002192721 Contents Acknowledgments v Introduction
    [Show full text]
  • Choices in Family Planning: Informed and Voluntary Decision Making © 2003 Engenderhealth
    Realizing Rights in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Choices in Family Planning: Informed and Voluntary Decision Making © 2003 EngenderHealth. All rights reserved. 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org This publication was made possible, in part, through support provided by the Office of Population, U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), under the terms of cooperative agreement HRN-A-00-98-00042-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the publisher and do not necessarily reflect the views of AID. ISBN 1-885063-33-4 Cover design: Virginia Taddoni Cover photo credits: UNICEF: Didier Bregnard; Hugo Hoogenboom; United Nations: John Isaac; United Nations Printing: Automated Graphic Systems, Inc. Printed in the United States of America. Printed on recycled paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Choices in family planning: informed and voluntary decision making: realizing rights in sexual and reproductive health services. p. cm. A “tool kit” which includes four sections: Introduction; Discussion guide; Preliminary assessment guide; Next steps guide. ISBN 1-885063-33-4 1. Birth control—Decision making. 2. Reproductive health—Decision making. 3. Contraception—Decision making. 4. Family size—Decision making. 5. Women— Health and hygiene. I. Title: Realizing rights in sexual and reproductive health services. II. EngenderHealth (Firm) HQ766.C52234 2002 304.6’66—dc21 2002192721 Contents Acknowledgments v Introduction
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Human Resources for Health Landscape for Adult Male Circumcision Rollout in Four Districts in Nyanza Province, Kenya
    Exploring the Human Resources for Health Landscape for Adult Male Circumcision Rollout in Four Districts in Nyanza Province, Kenya By Paul Perchal, George Odingo, and Melinda Pavin © 2011 EngenderHealth. 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.engenderhealth.org This publication was prepared under a subagreement funded by FHI under Grant No. 47394, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views, analysis, or policies of FHI or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, nor does any mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by FHI or the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Suggested citation: Perchal, P., Odingo, G., and Pavin, M . 2011. Exploring the human resources for health landscape for adult male circumcision rollout in four districts in Nyanza Province, Kenya. New York: EngenderHealth Photo credits: Cover and pp. 8, 11, and 39, Multy Media Agencies; p. 6, S. Odiwuor; p. 15, APHIA II/EngenderHealth CONTENTS 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 5 ACRONYMS & ABBREViations 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10 BACKGROUND 12 OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY 16 FINDINGS • Desk Review • Facility Assessments • In-Depth Interviews • Focus Group Discussions 36 DISCUSSION • Human Resource and Training Gaps • HRH Strategies for Addressing Gaps • Barriers and Facilitating Factors 40 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDations 43 REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS EngenderHealth would like to thank the following people for their
    [Show full text]
  • Comprehensive Counseling for Reproductive Health—Participant’S Handbook © 2003 Engenderhealth
    From Comprehensive Counseling for Reproductive Health—Participant’s Handbook © 2003 EngenderHealth Appendix D HIV and STI Resource Materials What Are STIs and RTIs7 . 215 Seriousness of ST1/RTIComplications 216 Why ShouldReproductive Health Services Focus on RTIs and STIs7 217 SpecialConcerns for Women 219 Common STIs and RTIs 219 Critical Components of STJ and RTI Management 222 What Are HIV and AIDS7 224 How HIV Is Transmitted . 224 How HIV Is Not Transmitted . 225 Modes of Transmission 226 HIV Risk and Vulnerability 229 HIV Testing 232 EngenderHealth Comprehensive Counseling for Reproductive Health—Participant's Handbook 213 Appendix D What Are STIs and RTIs? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—also known as sexually transmitteddiseases (STDs)— are infectionspassed from person to person primarily by sexual contact. Some STIs can be passed to a baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding, causing seri- ous complications. Some STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiencysyndrome (AIDS), can also be passed through unclean sur- gical instruments, injection needles, and skin-cutting tools, as well as through transfusions of infected blood. STIs are part of a broader group of infections known as reproductive tract infections (RTIs). RTIs include infectionsof the reproductive system that: • Are not caused by sexual contact, including infections caused by an imbalance of normal reproductive tract microorganisms (such as yeast infections) • Are acquired during medical procedures (often when there is a failure in aseptic technique) STIs can be divided into two broad categories: curable and incurable. • Curable STIs can be treated with medications, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials. These STIs include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), chancroid,granuloma inguinale, pubic lice, and scabies.
    [Show full text]
  • Participant Handbook
    Men’s Reproductive Health Curriculum Introduction to Men’s Reproductive Health Services— 1 Revised Edition 2008 EngenderHealth. All rights reserved. EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 U.S.A. Telephone: 212-561-8000 Fax: 212-561-8067 e-mail: [email protected] www.acquireproject.org This publication is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the Office of Population and Reproductive Health, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), under the terms of cooperative agreement GPO-A-00-03-00006-00. The contents are the responsibility of EngenderHealth and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. ISBN: 978-1-885063-72-4 Suggested citation: EngenderHealth. 2008. Introduction to men’s reproductive health services— Revised edition: Participant handbook. New York. Contents Acknowledgments ...........................................................................................................................v Introduction .................................................................................................................................. vii 1 Delivering Men’s Reproductive Health Services ...................................................................1.1 The Importance of Involving Men in Reproductive Health ...................................................... 1.1 The Range of Men’s Reproductive Health Services ..................................................................1.5 A Framework for Working with Men ........................................................................................1.9
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Acting and Permanent Contraception: an International Development, Service Delivery Perspective Roy Jacobstein, MPH, MD
    Long-Acting and Permanent Contraception: An International Development, Service Delivery Perspective Roy Jacobstein, MPH, MD Recent scientific findings about long-acting and permanent methods of contraception underscore their safety, effectiveness, and wide eligibility for individuals who desire them. This has led to new guidance from the World Health Organization to inform national policies, guidelines, and standards for service delivery. Although developing countries have made much progress in expanding the availability and use of family planning services, the need for effective contraception in general (and long-acting and permanent methods in particular) is large and growing because the largest cohorts in human history are entering their reproductive years. More than half a billion people will use contraception in developing countries (excluding China) by 2015, an increase of 200 million over levels of use in 2000. The health, development, and equity rationales that historically have underpinned and energized the international family planning effort remain valid and relevant today. Despite the other compelling challenges faced by the international health community, the need to make family planning services more widely available is pressing and should remain a priority. J Midwifery Womens Health 2007;52:361–367 © 2007 by the American College of Nurse- Midwives. keywords: contraception, female sterilization, implants, international family planning, IUDs, reproductive health, vasectomy, WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria INTRODUCTION of maternal mortality and an even greater risk of maternal morbidity. By contrast, women in developed countries Over the past four decades, the organized international face a lifetime risk of maternal death of one in 2800 family planning effort has made great progress in ex- 2 panding the availability and use of voluntary reproduc- (.035%).
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Impact Report President’S Message
    2017 IMPACT REPORT PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We are living in a new reality. It’s the power of she. For nearly 75 years, EngenderHealth has Looking ahead, EngenderHealth is more been on the front lines fighting for women’s committed than ever to championing Ulla Müller with Khadija sexual and reproductive health and rights at all levels rights-based approaches to and her daughter at an across more than 110 countries. We have sexual and reproductive health, advancing tackled tough issues before and have knowledge and solutions to reach more EngenderHealth-supported weathered daunting political challenges women and girls, and expanding strategic site in Tanzania. and constrained funding climates. Yet today partnerships that will unleash women’s is different: Attacks on women’s sexual and and girls’ potential and ensure sustainable reproductive rights are unprecedented in development. As you will read in the stories scope and are growing. that follow, we are well on our way toward achieving our goals and forging a new This reality only fuels our resolve to work reality for women and girls everywhere. smarter and harder—we will not rest until sexual and reproductive rights are Thank you for your invaluable partnership respected as human rights, so that women and generous support to make this vision and girls have the freedom to reach their a reality. full potential. Because when a woman can access contraception and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion, she can determine the course of her future. She will be healthier, is more likely to finish her Ulla E.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating Engenderhealth Women Leaders in Ethiopia Title That Spans One Line
    CelebratingCelebrating EngenderHealth EngenderHealth Women Leaders in Ethiopia Title that spans one line Women Leaders in Ethiopia Stories collected by EngenderHealth’s Ethiopia Office for International Women’s Day, 8 March 2021 Introduction As the world convenes around the theme of “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” for International Women’s Day 2021, EngenderHealth’s Ethiopia office celebrates the accomplishments of three women leaders on the team. Read their stories below. Seblewongel Endashaw Bealem - Senior Director for Finance and Operations Seblewongel Endashaw Bealem is the Senior Director for Finance and Operations in EngenderHealth’s Ethiopia Office. A member of senior management for more than a decade, Seblewongel contributes significantly to the success of EngenderHealth’s work to improve access to high-quality reproductive health services for millions of Ethiopians. Equipped with a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Seblewongel has a shining track record of managing complex logistics, human resources, and multi-million dollar projects efficiently and effectively. She encourages young women to be confident, to know their purpose, and to smash gender stereotypes. She wants women to know what they are capable of and believe they can make their dreams come true. She encourages all to focus on their interests, know their short- and long-term goals, and work each day to accomplish those goals. Metasebia Admassu Joffe - Regional Team Leader, Hawassa Program Office “This journey of my life, being a mom and a leader, I believe, has enabled me to internalize the various challenges (including sexual and reproductive health issues) women experience and keep motivated to better serve my community, especially women,” says Metasebia Admassu Joffe, Regional Team Leader, Hawassa Program Office.
    [Show full text]