Where
Nigeria

Why
To improve the health and well-being of women and children under five, with a focus on maternal care, nutrition, and prevention of common childhood illnesses.

Funded by
General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church

When
2016 – 2017

What
Under this project, Hands of Mercy International worked to improve maternal and child health outcomes in selected communities in Nigeria, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

The initiative focused on strengthening health services within the catchment areas of local health facilities by supporting renovations and improving essential infrastructure to enhance service delivery. This contributed to safer environments for antenatal care, skilled deliveries, and postnatal services.

In collaboration with community health workers, Hands of Mercy International established mothers’ support groups, where women were trained on UNICEF’s 16 Key Family Practices. These sessions equipped mothers with practical knowledge on child nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, and early care-seeking behaviors—key factors in reducing morbidity among children under five.

To promote sustainability and economic resilience, graduates of the mothers’ groups were supported to form community savings and microfinance groups. These groups enabled women to generate income, save for healthcare needs, and better support their families—particularly in accessing facility-based deliveries and essential child health services.

Through this integrated approach—combining health system strengthening, community education, and economic empowerment—Hands of Mercy International contributed to improved birth outcomes, enhanced family nutrition, and reduced preventable illnesses among young children.