Within the framework of ACOMIN, MEDAN has been entrusted with a pivotal role. The organization was chosen to act as an implementing Community-Based Organization (CBO) for the Global Fund Malaria grant program. This esteemed opportunity aligns with MEDAN's unwavering commitment to health advocacy and intervention. The Global Fund Malaria grant program spans from January 2021 to December 2023 and is specifically focused on Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

The program's objectives underscore the significance of MEDAN's role in driving strategic initiatives and catalyzing meaningful change:

1. Accountability for Malaria Service Provision and Results:
MEDAN, through the Global Fund Malaria grant program, is deeply committed to conducting strategic activities that emphasize accountability. Our aim is to ensure that communities, Primary Health Care (PHC) centers, local government authorities (LGAs), and all relevant stakeholders are held accountable for the effective provision of malaria services and tangible results. By emphasizing transparency and effectiveness, MEDAN contributes to improving the overall quality of malaria intervention services.
2. Sustained Advocacy for Improved Support:
Another critical facet of MEDAN's involvement is our sustained and measurable advocacy efforts. We champion improved state and LGA support for malaria intervention. Through targeted advocacy campaigns, awareness initiatives, and engaging dialogues, we advocate for increased resource allocation and heightened attention to malaria prevention, treatment, and control measures.
3. Enhanced Coordination and Collaboration:
As part of our multifaceted approach, MEDAN works diligently to enhance the coordination of CSOs and community structures. Informed inputs into malaria interventions are crucial for ensuring effective outcomes. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various stakeholders, MEDAN contributes to a cohesive effort that maximizes the impact of malaria intervention strategies.
MEDAN's involvement in the ACOMIN-led Global Fund Malaria grant program exemplifies our dedication to making a tangible difference in health outcomes within our community. By advocating for accountability, driving advocacy efforts, and promoting collaboration, MEDAN plays an active role in the fight against malaria in Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State. Through these concerted efforts, we contribute to the broader goal of reducing the burden of malaria and improving overall community health.

COVID 19, HIV/AIDS & TB

NETWORK OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA (NEPWHAN) a Technical Service Contractor under the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), on the Global Fund C19RM and RSSH-CSS Grant for the ‘Provision of Technical services and support on community interventions to enhance uptake of C19 services and address other barriers towards improving client outcomes for HIV, TB and Malaria services under Global fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism’ and Community Systems Strengthening Interventions towards Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health engaged Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria as implementing CBO in Kaduna South from July 2022 to December 2023 on the Global Fund C19RM & CSS-RSSH grant for its Program Objectives:

• Objective 1: To conduct strategic activities to hold communities, PHC Centers, LGAs, Service Providers and all relevant stakeholders accountable for C19RM/RSSH and ATM-focused service provision and results.
• Objective 2: To engage in sustained and measurable advocacy efforts for improved state and LGA support for C19RM/RSSH.
• Objective 3: To improve the coordination of CSOs and Community Structures for informed inputs into C19RM/RSSH.

Tuberculosis

Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria participated in the Global Fund TB program through collaboration with the Community AIDS/HIV and Tuberculosis Services (CATs). The engagement lasted from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. The focus of the project was on conducting active case finding (ACF) in slum areas and implementing Clinical Pathway for Management of Drug-Resistant TB (CPMDT) in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria (MEDAN) was actively involved in a tuberculosis (TB) program funded by the Global Fund. The key details of this involvement include:
Funding Source: The project was financially supported by the Global Fund, an organization known for its commitment to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.
Project Duration:The initiative commenced on January 1, 2021, and was planned to continue until December 31, 2023, spanning a three-year period.
Implementing Organization:The Community AIDS/HIV and Tuberculosis Services (CATs) were responsible for implementing this TB project.

Project Focus: The project had two primary components:

Active Case Finding (ACF):This aspect involved proactive efforts to locate individuals who might have TB, particularly in slum areas. ACF is a critical strategy for early TB detection and treatment.
CPMDT (Clinical Pathway for Management of Drug-Resistant TB): CPMDT encompasses clinical protocols and approaches for managing drug-resistant forms of TB. This suggests that the project aimed to diagnose and treat drug-resistant TB cases in Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
This initiative played a vital role in addressing TB, particularly in vulnerable communities, with the Global Fund's support. Community-based organizations like MEDAN are crucial in implementing such programs at the grassroots level, ensuring the effective detection and management of TB cases.

The insecticide treated net (ITN) campaign program is funded under the Global Fund Malaria project and been implemented in Kaduna State by State Ministry of Health with the National Malaria Elimination Programme in collaboration with Society for Family Health, Catholic Relief Services. MEDAN is been engaged as an CSO to carry out Advocacy and social mobilization activities to mobilize community members to receive the net and sleep inside. MEDAN played a critical role in the implementation of Social and Behavior change (SBC) activities in the 2022 ITN replacement campaign through different SBC activities which include mobilization of communities to participate fully in the campaign as well as encouraging community members to adopt positive behavior in use of ITN and COVID-19 prevention.

Pre-Campaign SBC Activities:

Before the ITN campaign, MEDAN engaged in extensive community mobilization, orientation for leaders, and advocacy sessions. They emphasized COVID-19 preventive measures alongside net distribution. The focus was on educating leaders and coordinators, stressing ITN importance, care, and dispelling misconceptions. These efforts were concentrated in Kajuru LGA and involved various stakeholders, aligning with the Global Fund Malaria project's goals.

During-Campaign Activities:

MEDAN's activities during the distribution phase involved sensitization of community, religious, and union groups. They emphasized the importance of using ITNs, COVID-19 preventive measures during distribution, and disseminated key messages about malaria prevention. Sensitization sessions were held, involving community and religious leaders, school pupils, and union members, ensuring consistent information using manuals and templates.

Post-Campaign SBC Activities:

Following the campaign, MEDAN continued sensitization efforts targeting schools, community leaders, and unions. They reiterated key messages about ITN use, deployed rumor management strategies, and advocated for ITN support at different levels. The post-campaign phase concentrated on sustaining behavioral change, reiterating the importance of consistent net use and disseminating key malaria messages in Kajuru LGA.
Throughout these phases, MEDAN focused on engaging various groups, disseminating information consistently, and ensuring active community participation in ITN usage, aligning with their roles in advocacy and social mobilization.

In response, MEDAN has taken a proactive stance by offering free skill acquisition training programs designed to equip individuals with practical skills that are relevant in the contemporary job market. This initiative not only aims to empower individuals with employable skills but also aligns with MEDAN's overarching goal of promoting integrated rural development.

The free skill acquisition training program is conducted regularly, with sessions scheduled every four months, ensuring a continuous and accessible process. With this initiative, MEDAN is actively contributing to addressing the unemployment crisis and providing individuals with the means to secure their livelihoods and economic well-being.

The Mobilization for Empowerment and Development Association of Nigeria boasts a robust and effective governance and management framework, anchored by its primary decision-making body, the Board of Trustees. Comprising nine dedicated members, the Board is led by a Chairman, overseeing the Association's strategic direction. The Executive Director serves as the Board's Secretary, facilitating transparent communication and updates on the Secretariat's progress.

This organizational structure demonstrates a well-defined division of responsibilities, guaranteeing that programmatic and financial decisions are executed in a skilled and timely manner. By maintaining a clear segregation of duties and roles, the Association ensures that key decisions are made professionally, optimizing the impact of its initiatives and fostering effective management.

The highlight of the seminar was a thought-provoking paper presentation by MEDAN's founder, which centered on the book "The Complete Career Guide (The Neutral Counselor)." The book, co-authored by a dedicated MEDAN volunteer and the founder, received commendation from Professor Julius Atama Gwani, the Dean of the Faculty of Education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, for addressing the critical importance of wise career choices.

Professor Gwani praised the book's discussion of key career selection constructs, guidelines for proper course and career choices, exploration of courses and job opportunities, and subject combinations for UTME (JAMB) examinations. He recommended the book to schools, students, parents, and guidance counselors.

The seminar's impact was further highlighted by its coverage in the New Nigerian Newspaper, adding to its credibility and recognition in the community.