About Us
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Every woman and girl in Ghana has access to quality homecare supplies, education, and support they need to flourish in every aspect of their lives.
Our vision is simple yet powerful: Every woman and girl in Ghana deserves the opportunity to flourish. This means ensuring they have access to three key pillars: Essentials, Education, and Empowerment. Let's break it down:
We are committed to ensuring that every woman and girl in Ghana has access to essential homecare supplies, including hygiene products and other necessities.
We aim to meet the basic needs of individuals and support their overall well-being, including caregivers who care for children with cerebral palsy (CP).
We are dedicated to providing women and girls in Ghana with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health, hygiene, and overall well-being.
Through our educational programs for caregivers of children with CP and young school-aged girls, we empower them to confidently navigate challenges and provide the best care for themselves and their families.
At the heart of our mission is the empowerment of women and girls. By offering access to essentials, education, and support, we empower them to take control of their lives, realize their full potential, and serve as agents for positive change in their communities. Our ultimate goal is to create a future where every woman and girl in Ghana has the opportunity to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
We empower women and girls in Ghana by providing essential resources, education, and support, with a particular emphasis on caregivers. Through advocacy for their health and overall well-being, we strive to create a community where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
The organization wants to use advocacy to educate the community on the importance of defining hygiene products as essential to integrate into government funding within NHIS in Ghana.
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CP is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain that affects a child's ability to control their muscles.
There are several possible causes of the abnormal development.
A few causes: Prenatal factors such as a infection
Perinatal factors such as trauma during delivery complications or
postnatal factors such as
The abnormal development can happen before birth, during birth, or during the first years of a child's life, while the brain is still developing.
According to the CDC, the majority of CP cases (85% to 90%) are congenital, meaning it occurred before or during birth.
In many cases, the specific cause is not known.
Q: What is an early sign of CP?
A: An early sign of CP is a child's difficulty with movement, balance, and posture. These are often the first indicators parents notice.
Q: Can other children be around a child with CP?
A: Yes, children with CP can interact with others. CP is not contagious and does not worsen over time, although symptoms may change as the person ages.
Q: Can CP be cured?
A: There is currently no cure for CP. However, treatment can improve the quality of life for those with the condition.
In Ghana, families with children suffering from cerebral palsy (CP) face immense challenges, both financially and emotionally. According to Cerebral Palsy Africa, 1 in 300 children born in Ghana have CP. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of access to rehabilitation and educational services for affected children.
The average income for families with a child with CP in Ghana is below 2,000 cedis ($135 USD) per month, with many earning below 1,000 cedis ($70 USD). This is substantially lower than the average income for a typical family. Moreover, the livable wage in Ghana is 900 cedis ($60 USD) per person per month, placing immense financial strain on these families.
The cost of essential therapies for children with CP, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, is 2,687 cedis ($180 USD) per month. This far exceeds the monthly minimum wage in Ghana, making it extremely challenging for families to afford necessary medical care. Additionally, these therapies are not covered by Ghana's health insurance, further burdening families financially.
More than 85% of children with CP in Ghana do not attend school due to lacking basic functional capabilities required for enrollment. Social stigma further exacerbates the situation, often leading caregivers to hide children with CP or even resort to infanticide. This lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and marginalization.
Basic necessities such as diapers and baby wipes pose an additional financial burden. A 30-day supply of diapers and wipes can cost between 150-300 cedis ($10-$20 USD), which is a significant portion of the monthly income for these families.
The cost of menstrual products, which can be up to 20 cedis ($2 USD) per package of 10 pads, adds to the financial strain faced by families, particularly those with limited resources.
Given these challenges, HEAL’s work is crucial for women and girls in Ghana. HEAL provides vital support services, including educational programs, essential supplies, and advocacy for policy changes to ensure better access to healthcare and education for women and girls in Ghana.
We believe in doing the work outside of our own space and serving our community in tangible ways. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with local partners, hospitals, organizations, and individuals to address the needs of our community effectively. Through our initiatives and projects, we strive to foster a sense of belonging and unity, creating a stronger, more resilient community.
We believe in showing appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated at-home caregivers. Caregivers play a vital role in our society, often making significant sacrifices to care for their loved ones. We recognize their immense dedication, compassion, and resilience. Whether through acknowledgment programs, support networks, or acts of kindness, we seek to express our appreciation for caregivers' selfless devotion and unwavering commitment.
We believe that resourcefulness fuels determination to cope and overcome difficulties. In the face of challenges, we embrace resourcefulness as a guiding principle to find creative solutions. We empower women and girls by providing them with access to free or low-cost educational resources, such as workshops, to enhance their skills and knowledge. Additionally, we collaborate with local community organizations, healthcare professionals, and volunteers to establish a network of support and mentorship for caregivers, offering practical advice and assistance in navigating healthcare systems and accessing essential services. Through these initiatives, we demonstrate the power of resourcefulness in overcoming challenges and fostering personal growth.
We believe in uplifting and encouraging women and girls in an effort to help them remain hopeful. Empowering language has the power to boost confidence, cultivate hope, and drive meaningful transformation. At every opportunity, we strive to offer words of encouragement and affirmation to those facing challenges or setbacks. By fostering a culture of positivity, we aim to create a supportive community where women and girls feel valued and empowered to pursue their dreams.
Every woman and girl in Ghana has access to the quality homecare supplies and education they need to flourish.