USAID EngenderHealth Fistula Care Plus Project

Daughters of Virtue and Empowerment Initiative (DOVENET), is a non-governmental organization registered in the year 2005 with the vision to see that every woman, child, youth (Girls) are been empowered and liberated from the shackles of illiteracy, poverty and ill-health. DOVENET works with community structures, health partners, and government agencies in 136 wards in 12LGAs of Ebonyi state and 4 wards of 3 LGAs of Benue and Ebonyi State to reach out to her targeted population on prevention of Maternal Health issues most especially Obstetric Fistula, identify and refer women faced with the challenges of Obstetric Fistula for repairs, also in promoting access and utilization of reproductive health care services (Antenatal Care, Family Planning).

DOVENET has been partnering with EngenderHealth in the Fistula Care Project since 2015 but In October 2016, DOVENET went into partnership with EngenderHealth to implement 10 months sub-award project on Fistula Care Plus Prevention, Intervention and Treatment (FC+) in 12 LGAs of (Ikwo, Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ohaukwu, Ohaozara, Ivo, Onicha, Abakaliki, Ebonyi) Ebonyi State. The overall goal of the sub agreement was to strengthen the Objective 2 work of Fistula Care Plus in Ebonyi State which was to enhance community level knowledge around fistula prevention, stigma reduction, and access to treatment services.

This project is aimed at raising awareness on Obstetric Fistula, Family Planning, Antenatal Care Services, Identify, Screen and refer women faced with the challenges of Fistula for repairs, promote accessibility and utilization of reproductive health care services 136 wards in 12 LGA of Ebonyi state. Also, in July 2017, DOVENET was given a 12 months sub-award modification lasting from July 2017-June 2018.

In this sub-award modification of July 2017-June 2018 under report, DOVENET conducted advocacy at the state level, in 12LGAs, and in 132 wards. DOVENET also trained 420 Ward Development Committees/Community Volunteers who implemented the project in various communities.

DOVENET supported her trained WDCs and CVs in implementation of community based advocacies, dialogue meetings, community based Sensitization outreaches and in identification and mobilization of Fistula Clients for repairs, edutainment(movie screenings) also, Pregnancy Monitoring via home visit, and in promotion of ANC and Family Planning. Also community members were reached with the knowledge of Fistula Care Plus Prevention Messages which are on Fistula, Family planning/Child Spacing, Antenatal, Male involvement, Birth Preparedness, Girl Child Education, Female Genital Mutilation, etc.

For ownership and sustainability of the project; DOVENET ensured participation and involvement of Community Stakeholders/leaders and heads of agencies both at the state and LGA level in all her activities and program

Community Dry Movie Screenings & Drama

Trainings