The Moms and Infants Care Network (MICN) has launched evidence-based and community-focused initiatives across the country to address health disparities.The MICN is a non-profit organisation committed to creating equitable environments for the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families.

Speaking at the launching, held at Mom Civic Centre, Warri, Delta State, MICN Vice President, Border-ere Fiemotonghan, emphasised the critical role of policy in addressing health disparities and advocated continuous citizen involvement in the policy-making processes.

Fiemotonghan, at the inaugural health fair organised by MICN in Gbaramatu Kingdom, where 800 participants received free health screenings and care, advocated integrating barbers into cardiovascular disease awareness campaigns and education.

She highlighted the success of this approach in Mississippi, United States, where barbers are trained to educate African Americans about cardiovascular risk factors and conduct hypertension screenings, leveraging clients’ existing trust in their barbers—a model that has proven highly effective across America and will potentially see great success if replicated in Nigeria.

In the fight against health disparities in Nigeria, Fiemotonghan highlighted MICN’s commitment to reaching people where they live, work, play, and worship. “Implementing these strategies could enhance health equity and outcomes for underserved populations,” she said.
[ad]

With over seven years of experience working with underserved communities and engaging in evidence-based public health and policy, the Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy and Administration at Jackson State University is dedicated to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for minority populations. By partnering with diverse community groups, she spearheads and implements public health programs that educate citizens on cardiovascular disease risk factors and promote
meaningful behavioral changes.

Her community engagement programs extend to working with churches in Mississippi to establish health ministries, motivating mayors to set up health councils, promoting healthy housing initiatives among low-income housing communities, and training students and community members to become participants in public health research throug the Community the Research Fellowship Training Program.

As a member of Care for
Mississippi, she works to expand healthcare access for low-income individuals through policy advocacy, a model she believes should be replicated
in Nigeria.

In the fight against health disparities in Nigeria, Fiemotonghan highlighted MICN’s commitment to reaching people where they live, work, play, and worship.

“Implementing these strategies could enhance health equity and outcomes for underserved populations. ‘For many parents and children at the health fair, this was their first eye or dental screening-this is why we provide these services in these areas,’ she said.”
[ad]
Border-ere Fiemotonghan’s leadership and experience, particularly her success in similar initiatives in Mississippi, serve as a blueprint for sustainable health interventions in Nigeria. Her advocacy for continuous citizen involvement in policy processes and incorporating barbers and church leaders into health campaigns is a testament to the importance of community-driven solutions. As MICN continues to expand its outreach, the organization’s efforts highlight the critical role of local and global partnerships in promoting health equity and improving the wellbeing of mothers, children, and families.

In addition to Fiemotonghan’s contribution to community health and development, the MICN will be holding an event tagged “Wear it pink 2024”, highlighting seminar, free workshops, raffle draws and many others.

The event, which is scheduled to hold
on October 18, in Ekpan General Hospital, Warri, Delta State, is billed to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month.
[ad]