One of the operating assumptions of Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) is that poverty, beyond the lack of funds, is reinforced by problems such as too large family size, malnutrition and diseases. In Sierra Leone, these are responsible for the high rate of maternal and under-five mortality. Another key issue linked with poor health indicators in the country is poverty. In Sierra Leone, the incidence of poverty is widespread with the rural population most affected. Due to the high level of poverty, many Sierra Leoneans cannot afford quality health care. The nutritional status of the vulnerable groups, notably children and pregnant women in Sierra Leone is also poor. Malnutrition in children increases the likelihood of mortality from several health complications and poor growth. Stunting has been linked to low productivity later in life.
Health intervention has therefore always been one of our poverty alleviation strategies. LAPO health programmes include maternal and child health (MCH); community campaign for cancer control and; emergency response to outbreak of diseases of international concern such as Lassa fever, Ebola and Corona Viral Diseases. The health activities of the organization focus on maternal (reproductive and antenatal) care, child nutrition and disease outbreaks. The child nutrition programme addresses stunting in children due to malnutrition that has been linked by the World Health Organization (WHO) to low productivity and poor income in adulthood.
LAPO health programmes also address increasing cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer among the general populace. Through the LAPO Community Campaign for Cancer Control project, the organization is promoting awareness on cancer in target communities, providing basic cancer screening services and linking beneficiaries to cancer screening and treatment facilities for a continuum of care.
Key Health Projects:
- LAPO Community Campaign for Cancer Control
- Maternal and Child Health
- Response to Public Health Emergencies
Project Activities
- Community mobilization and advocacy engagements
- Health education
- Medical mission to villages (Community Health Outreaches)
- Health Screening Services:
- Blood Pressure Test
- Blood Sugar Test
- Malaria Test
- HIV Testing Services (HTS)
- Hepatitis Test
- Cervical cancer screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method
- Partnership with development stakeholders such as CBOs and government agencies
Social Product Marketing
Social product marketing is one of the strategies adopted and deployed by LAPO in the fight against poverty and diseases. The organization identifies and promotes access of vulnerable community members to essential health-promoting commodities towards the reduction of HIV/AIDS, malaria management as well as achieves improved nutrition, sanitation and hygiene. Social marketing is no doubt contributing effectively to health-seeking behaviour, improved health status and the general wellbeing of community members.