Dedicated to Health Promotion, Disease Prevention & Equity
Women's Health Program
Mamitu & Hirut Women's Health Program
Our organization is proud to introduce a health initiative dedicated to honoring the legacy of two exemplary women who devoted their lives to their families. This initiative focuses on promoting women's health, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that their unwavering commitment to their families and communities is remembered while driving lasting positive change. It serves as both a tribute and a catalyst for future progress.
The two women we honor through this initiative are Mamitu Delessa and Hirut Delessa. These sisters were not only highly educated but also deeply committed to the values of education, family, and community. Throughout their lives, they prioritized the education of their children, ensuring that each generation had the tools and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. Their dedication extended beyond their immediate family, as they also supported extended family members in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Their lives were a testament to the strength of family togetherness, instilling in their loved ones the values of respect, care, and unconditional love. Through their unwavering devotion, they created a legacy that continues to inspire and guide future generations toward both personal and collective success. We are proud to announce the Mamitu and Hirut Women’s Health Program at the Community Health Improvement Collaborative and hope to carry on their work in their honor.
This women’s health program is dedicated to honoring these two exceptional women, who, as schoolgirls, faced the challenges and taboos surrounding menstrual health, navigating traditional practices that often silenced their voices. Despite these obstacles, they remained steadfast in their belief in the vital contributions of women to their families, communities, and society. Throughout their lives, they not only played an essential role in supporting both their immediate and extended families but also uplifted and encouraged girls and women wherever they went. Their legacy continues to inspire this program, which seeks to empower women and girls through initiatives centered on education, support, and the creation of a safe space to break free from stigmas, reclaim their health, and embrace their dignity..
Mamitu Delessa
Mamitu Delessa was a lifelong learner, deeply passionate about personal growth and education. She began her career at the Economic Commission for Africa within the United Nations in Ethiopia, where she played a key role in economic initiatives. After relocating to the United States, Mamitu balanced her professional achievements with raising her family, always pursuing excellence. She notably advanced in her career at the Department of Water Management in Chicago, while also dedicating her time to community service and mentoring others. Her legacy is defined by her unwavering commitment to both personal and communal development.
Hirut Delessa
Hirut Delessa was a passionate lifelong learner, completing her collegiate studies in Russia before returning to Ethiopia to build a successful career in Finance & Economics . Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to her profession while also supporting her family and giving back to her community. Her thirst for knowledge extended beyond her work, as she continually sought personal growth and self-improvement. Through her unwavering dedication and hard work, Hirut left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence and continual learning.
ESETOCH/ እሴቶች Menstrual Health Initiative
Focus of ESETOCH/ እሴቶች Menstrual Health & Hygiene Initiative
Education and Awareness
Develop and implement comprehensive menstrual health and hygiene education and awareness programs in schools and communities.
Challenge and change cultural and societal beliefs and taboos related to menstruation through awareness campaigns, and community dialogues.
Access to adequate menstrual health and hygiene management resources including:
- Establish sustainable supply chains for affordable menstrual hygiene products locally, including reusable options.
- Support women in starting small businesses related to menstrual health, such as producing and selling reusable menstrual products.
- Access to water and hygiene facilities, such as clean and private toilets, washing stations and other supporting resources in schools.
Menstrual Health Ambassadors
Train and empower local women to become menstrual health ambassadors who can provide support and information to their communities.
Partnerships
Collaborate with local NGOs, governments, and international organizations to pool resources and expertise for short-term interventions.
Research and Data Collection
- Conduct research on menstrual health and hygiene practices to gather data and inform evidence-based policies and interventions.
- Monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.
Advocacy and Policy Change:
- Advocate for policies that address menstrual health and hygiene
- Importing resources to make healthy reusable sanitary pads menstrual hygiene management resources as needed
- Working on including budget allocation for menstrual hygiene management in public facilities
Our Goal
Our Goal
Provide the Esetoch Package to school girls in Ethiopia.
Esetoch Package Contains:
1 Sanitary pad case
1 Reusable sanitary pad set
3 Pairs of underwear
1 Detergent (small portable bar soap/liquid detergent)
1 Educational Fact Card about Menstruation
Healthy Together Initiative
Community Garden
The Healthy Together Initiative is dedicated to promoting community health and well-being by improving access to fresh greens and vegetables through community gardens. By creating these shared spaces, the initiative not only provides healthier food options but also fosters a sense of connection among community members. The gardens encourage sustainable practices, support local nutrition, and offer opportunities for individuals to come together, grow their own food, and share knowledge. This initiative aims to empower communities to take charge of their health while strengthening bonds and promoting a culture of wellness and cooperation.
Healthy Lifestyle & Diet
The initiative focused on enhancing healthy cooking and eating among immigrant women aims to provide essential resources, education, and support to help individuals adopt nutritious eating habits while preserving cultural culinary traditions. By offering cooking workshops, nutritional guidance, and practical tips, the program empowers immigrant women to create healthier meals using fresh, locally available ingredients. It fosters a sense of community by bringing together women from diverse backgrounds to share experiences, learn new skills, and support one another in their journey towards better health and well-being. Through this initiative, participants gain the confidence and knowledge to make informed choices that benefit both their health and their families.
Community Health Forum
About the Program
Community Health Forum is a community-based initiative focused on addressing priority health issues - particularly noncommunicable chronic diseases and their modifiable risk factors - within underserved communities. It places a strong emphasis on culturally sensitive and tailored health education to raise awareness and promote informed decision-making among community members regarding their health.
Focus of Community Health Forum Program
Facilitating Proactive Discussion: The program aims to encourage and enable discussions within underserved communities. This suggests a community-based approach where individuals can openly talk about their health concerns and issues.
Priority Health Issues and Concerns: The discussions are centered around priority health issues and concerns. This means the program likely identifies specific health challenges that are particularly pressing within the underserved community.
Understanding Modifiable NCDs and Risk Factors: The program seeks to educate participants about noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) and their modifiable risk factors. NCDs are long-lasting health conditions that are not contagious (e.g., diabetes, heart disease), and understanding their modifiable risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Tailored and Culture-Informed Health Education: The program is designed to provide health education that is tailored to the needs and cultural context of the underserved community. This approach ensures that the information provided is relevant and accessible to the target audience.
Raising Awareness: One of the primary goals is to increase awareness among individuals about NCDs and their associated risk factors. This awareness empowers people to take charge of their health.
Informed Decision-Making: By providing information and facilitating discussions, the program aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Informed decision-making involves understanding the risks and benefits of different choices and taking actions that promote better health.
Key Strategies
Education: Community health forums should provide accessible and comprehensible information about NCDs, including their types (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer), risk factors (e.g., unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking), and the impact on individuals and the community.
Guest Speakers: Invite healthcare professionals, local experts, and individuals with personal experiences to speak at the forums. They can share insights, provide guidance on prevention, and answer questions from attendees.
Interactive Workshops: Conduct workshops that promote healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes. Topics could include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation.
Screenings and Check-ups: Offer on-site health screenings or facilitate access to local healthcare services. Early detection of NCD risk factors can encourage individuals to take preventive action.
Community Engagement: Encourage community participation by involving residents in planning and organizing the forums. This fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility.
Resource Materials: Distribute pamphlets, brochures, and other informative materials about NCDs and local healthcare resources. Ensure that these materials are available in multiple languages if necessary.
Support Groups: Create support groups for individuals dealing with NCDs or those at high risk. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be immensely beneficial.
Regular Meetings: Establish a consistent schedule for the forums, making them a regular part of community life. Consistency helps maintain interest and momentum.
Online Presence: Utilize social media and digital platforms to reach a wider audience and provide resources and updates related to NCDs and forum activities.
Feedback Mechanism: Encourage attendees to provide feedback and suggestions for improving the forums. This ensures that the content remains relevant and engaging.
Collaboration: Partner with local healthcare providers, NGOs, and government agencies to pool resources and expertise in NCD prevention and awareness.