ASC has received funding from the French Embassy in Nigeria to implement the Kiara Care Project, which is designed with the goal of contributing significantly to the development of women’s general health and equality in society through the use of ICT, human resource development, and psychosocial support. The project would focus on supporting victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV) as well as women with mental health challenges. The project would be implemented in three benefiting Southeastern states of Nigeria (Abia, Enugu, and Anambra) at the primary health care level, which is the most utilized and basic institution of health care provision in the states. This project would span over a 6-month period in three components. They include:

• Creation and development of a software application, and the training of personnel on the software use, as well as education in the areas of GBV and data collection.
• Training and empowerment of 600 identified women with GBV or mental health challenges on different vocational skill programs and small-scale businesses.
• Advocacy on Gender-Based Violence and establishment of help desks in each selected local government area of the three benefiting states.

This project will facilitate the preparation of a holistic management plan for addressing the needs of these vulnerable people. The management plan will guide the implementation of various services in partnership with other local or international donors.

Furthermore, this project will make a significant contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, particularly SDG 3 – Good health and well-being, SDG 5 – Gender equality, and SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities.

The Governor of Abia State has approved our application for 50 hectares of land to build Healing Field, a multipurpose rehabilitation center for people with mental health challenges.