Project HOPE

Health workers are our first line of defense against the health impacts of a rapidly changing climate, yet they cannot confront these challenges alone. Project HOPE partnered to bring together frontline health care workers, program leaders, health system advisors, policy and advocacy professionals, community leaders, and strategic relationships to collaborate on potential solutions for enhancing climate resilience. Access the full report below for insights on some promising practices and considerations necessary to build a climate-resilient health care workforce. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/3WbryEB

Many people are fleeing violence and conflict, and the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather. Many are on their way to the U.S. while others plan to stop in Mexico or other countries along the way, where they hope to settle and work. Project HOPE is providing critical health support to migrants at the Nicaragua-Honduras border, ensuring they have the care they desperately need.

This May I visited Poland, where I witnessed firsthand the struggles of Ukrainian mothers and children who have been uprooted from their homes by Russia’s full-scale invasion. What I saw reminded me that the struggles faced by these families in Poland are echoed in countless communities grappling with mass migration around the world. I wrote about the experience for Project HOPE.   As we confront the global challenges of displacement, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health and well-being of those affected. This means not only providing access to essential services like education and health care, but also recognizing the profound psychological impact of forced migration and investing in trauma-informed care and support services.    https://lnkd.in/gEx8edqJ  

A new mobile unit for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) started its work in Dobczyce, a picturesque corner of Poland, where over 150 Ukrainian women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities found shelter and support. Recently, the team organized a talent show where they sang Ukrainian songs, danced, drew, and performed skits and gymnastics routines the children had prepared. In addition, Project HOPE psychologists conducted art therapy sessions for the women living at the center, helping them to express their emotions through art. At Project HOPE, we encourage creativity in all forms in order to better people's moods and outlooks. To learn more about this work, follow the link below. https://lnkd.in/gAc5uYXx

We all know that when climate conditions worsen, #WomensHealth takes a hit—think of it as the world’s most unwelcome domino effect. Research shows a significant correlation between air pollution, extreme heat, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm births and low birth weight. And as if that’s not enough, these factors also exacerbate maternal health complications and menopausal symptoms. In an alarmingly bleak statistic, United Nations Environment reports that 80% of climate-displaced individuals are women and girls, heightening their vulnerability to poverty, violence, and unintended pregnancies. Just look at the ongoing drought in Zambia—it’s a stark reminder of this reality! So, what can we do? It’s time to roll up our sleeves and take action by: - Strengthening local healthcare capacity: Imagine if healthcare organizations had the resources to provide essential care to women during climate emergencies. We need to make that a reality. - Integrating reproductive healthcare: Let’s push for reproductive healthcare to be a staple in national climate disaster relief strategies. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Is your country prepared? It’s time to check and advocate if necessary. #WomensHealth #ClimateChange #Healthcare #Advocacy #ClimateAction Project HOPE

Project HOPE, as a member of the Frontline Health Workers Coalition (FHWC), applauded the inclusion of the new, dedicated line item for “Global Health Workforce” of $10 million for USAID in the FY24 Federal budget. We worked hard to secure this initial investment in frontline health workers around the world and we strongly urge the Senate to include $20 million in this years’ budget aligning with the request made by the Administration. We hope this funding will be used with precision to play a catalytic role in driving improvements in the global health workforce, primary health care, global health security, and pandemic preparedness. Supporting frontline health workers is key to achieving U.S. global health goals at the local, community, national, and global level. https://lnkd.in/g5pfHxcf

"It's the smallest things that make a big difference." Health professionals put their needs on hold to address the needs of their patients. Whether they travel across the globe to save the lives or dedicate their time to their community, every single one is incredibly valuable.

Today, Project HOPE participated in a congressional briefing on mental health in partnership with the Global Mental Health Alliance. “Even in countries with complex contexts, change can be possible, if we are intentional about integrating mental health services into health programming overall. With the right political will, commitment to collaboration, and involvement of key stakeholders, mental health reform is possible even in the most challenging contexts.” - Rawan Hamadeh #MentalHealthMatters #GlobalHealth #GlobalMentalHealth #Resilience #MentalHealthIntegration Management Sciences for Health Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health International Medical Corps Action for the Welfare of Women and Children in Congo

As the conflict in Gaza continues for a ninth month, the health system is nearly nonexistent and attacks on civilians are on the rise once again. Project HOPE continues to operate clinics in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah but evacuated our surgical and specialty medical staff from Gaza City due to the increase in violence and have set up temporary health clinics to receive displaced communities. Read more from our press statement https://lnkd.in/gfKC-Naz

According to the World Health Organization, individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and respiratory tract infections are more susceptible to severe climate changes. Areas of greater poverty with limited access to medical care are likely to suffer more, as they have less developed medical services. As this crisis deepens, we are preparing and strengthening the capacity of health workers and local health systems to withstand and respond to future climate disasters. Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/g7tfM3As