Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia’s Post

Our latest publication, based on project implementation experiences, highlights the critical role of family planning in enhancing community resilience. The evidence demonstrates that family planning not only improves women's health outcomes but also significantly boosts economic stability, social cohesion, and food security. This study presents a compelling argument for integrating family planning services into resilience-building initiatives.

The Individualized Funding: A Rural Societal Issue with Pros and Cons The IF model has been little known and is raising huge some flags and complex questions for rural areas, where limited services make it more than just a financial or service issue—it's a societal issue. On one hand, giving individuals choice could stimulate rural economic development, bringing in new service providers and supporting local businesses while allowing individuals to choose where they would like to receive services from. promoting choose and individualization. On the other hand, traditional work/day programs, often the backbone of rural communities for persons with barriers to traditional employment may face closures, threatening more jobs and a breakdown of essential services. How should rural communities and current operating work programs prepare? #RuralEconomy #SocialChange #DisabilitySupport #BalancedDebate

📢 New Report Alert! 🏠    Hibiscus has just released a report on the housing challenges faced by Black and minoritised migrant women in the UK. "The Unsafe, insecure: barriers to safe housing for Black and minoritised migrant women and their children" report reveals that having unsafe and insecure housing correlates with an increased likelihood of mental health struggles and experiences of violence and exploitation for these women. The report draws on focus groups with Hibiscus’ frontline practitioners and service users, data from our casework and desk-based research.      Key insights include:    ➡ Structural barriers stemming from the hostile environment policy push women to live in unsafe, overcrowded, and unsuitable housing conditions.  ➡ There is an urgent need for intersectional, gender-informed, trauma-responsive housing policies.    With this report, we call for radical reforms, including abolishing the hostile environment policy and investing in decent, family-friendly social housing.     Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gjuAFiis

This is such a powerful reminder that listening to community needs is the foundation of sustainable development. Childcare and fresh food options aren’t just conveniences—they’re essential components of thriving local economies. By designing solutions that align with what people need most, we’re not just improving access—we’re building equity and trust within the community. The idea that spending decisions should guide recruitment is a game-changer for local economic development. Recruiting businesses and services that reflect community priorities ensures not only financial viability but also long-term impact. Let’s invest in what communities truly value. #CommunityCapital #ChildCareSolutions #LocalEconomy #ImpactInvesting #SustainableDevelopment #FreshFoodAccess #CommunityNeeds

Do you know… According to the Community Wellbeing Index 2023, Fairfield County has an overall population of 957,419. Over the past decade, while Connecticut’s population grew by 1%, Fairfield County experienced a 4% increase. Between 1980 and 2020, the white share of the population declined from 85% to 58%. While the number of residents from many European countries declined between 2000 and 2020, the share of foreign-born residents in Fairfield County increased from 17% to 22%. Communities from Ecuador, India, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil saw the largest population increases! Learn more about Fairfield County by downloading the Executive Summary of the Community Wellbeing Index, 2023 (https://bit.ly/3Sx2KWK) or the full report (https://bit.ly/3LLLwBj).

I strongly believe that – in the main - people are deeply connected to the idea of looking out for each other. They care about the kind of society we live in, and they know that it’s only when we invest together, that we can build a better society and a better future. A civilised society puts compassion and justice into action by making sure that every household has the building blocks of a decent life – a warm home, safe streets, a safe environment, an adequate income, education and training, the ability to get around easily, and to access health care and social care when we need it. Without these things, people have less freedom to build a better future for themselves, and a better society for all of us. They have less security, and that leaves all of us insecure. But, if people are so supportive of compassionate values, why are we living in a society with growing destitution, record child homelessness, and where our public services and social security appear to be being weakened again and again? https://lnkd.in/e8HeFREQ

We are pleased to present our seventh (in a series of eight) Healthy America Ecosystem sector paper focusing on housing. To build a healthy America, housing must be a priority. It provides stability, safety, and a foundation for individuals and families to thrive. Access to affordable, quality housing is directly linked to better health outcomes, educational achievement, and economic opportunities, all of which contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. By addressing housing challenges, we can create a more equitable ecosystem where everyone has the chance to live, work, and grow in an environment that supports their well-being and success. #housing #affordablehousing #health #equity #HealthyAmericaEcosystem #rentcontrol #community #economicopportunity #AHealthierWE #homelessness #healthequity

Our next installment in our Network Commons series is less than 2 weeks away! This webinar will explore the role of the public health sector in building and guiding upstream investments through cross-sector collaboration with the community development sector. Panelists will discuss the barriers and opportunities to public health and community development collaboration and share recommendations from the new public health primer which points towards opportunities for public health to implement racial equity goals through engagement with those shaping the built environment. There's still time to register 👉 https://lnkd.in/gD-p996N #racialequity #healthequity #crosssectorcollaboration #communitydevelopment #upstreaminvestments #equitablecommunities

Education and resource access are pivotal in shaping sustainable population growth. By empowering communities, we not only foster economic stability but also pave the way for a healthier environment. Let’s commit to providing the necessary tools and knowledge for every community to thrive. #EducateAndEmpower #SustainableFuture #CommunityDevelopment #EducationForAll #PopulationControl #GlobalGrowth #ResourceManagement

People in Scotland believe in a society based on justice, compassion, and equality. I know. I’ve seen the figures. The newest edition of the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey has found that almost half of people think government should increase taxes and spending on health, education and social benefits. Just 12% think government should reduce taxes and spending. Let’s think about that for a minute. Even after so many people’s incomes have been stretched due to rising costs, they are still prepared to invest in strengthening the services we all rely on, and that are often a lifeline for people on the lowest incomes. Why is that? I think the answer might lie in another bit of research. The Common Cause Foundation asked people what they valued in life. Was it compassionate values like ‘helpfulness’, ‘equality’ and ‘protection of nature’, or more selfish values such as ‘wealth’, ‘public image’ and ‘success’. Researchers found that a massive 74% of people place greater importance on compassionate values than selfish values. They found that to be the case irrespective of age, gender, region, or political persuasion.