Her Future Health Now

The scale of the problem 

• Approximately 21% of the global population is adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. They lack comprehensive SRHR education, leading to misconceptions and risks. Limited access to contraception results in high rates of unplanned pregnancies, impacting maternal and child health. AGYW are disproportionately affected by STIs, including HIV, contributing to new infections.

Factors contributing to this problem include:

• Challenges for AGYW in accessing SRHR: limited healthcare access, cultural stigmatization, inadequate education, gender discrimination, and a shortage of SRHR specialists.

Solution

Her Future Health addressed these challenges by providing a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and technology-driven platform which includes:

1. Equip AGYW in Nigeria with accurate information on SRHR. The platform provides reliable, evidence-based information on topics such as contraception, family planning, menstrual health, STIs, and safe abortion options. This help empower AGYW to make informed decisions, promote SRHR awareness, and reduce misinformation, ultimately improving their health and well-being.

2. An Anonymous telehealth service is offered to promote confidential and accessible access to healthcare professionals for adolescent girls and young women in Nigeria. They provide consultations, information, and support on various sexual and reproductive health topics while ensuring privacy through encryption, pseudonym usage, and strict privacy policies. These services create a supportive environment for discussing sensitive issues, offer emergency support, and maintain records for follow-up and continuous care, addressing barriers to accessing essential healthcare.

3. A Peer support group is created to nurture an online community where AGYW in Nigeria can connect with peers, share experiences, and offer mutual support. This peer network provides a safe space for open discussions about sexual and reproductive health, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among AGYW. It encourages peer-to-peer learning, advice-sharing, and solidarity, ultimately helping AGYW make informed SRHR decisions

4. Capacity-building resources is offered to equip adolescent girls and young women in Nigeria with essential skills and knowledge. These resources  include virtual workshops, training sessions, and courses covering topics related to sexual and reproductive health, advocacy, leadership, and more. The goal is to enhance their ability to make informed choices about their SRHR and to actively engage in advocacy efforts to improve SRHR rights in Nigeria.

5. "Her Future Health Now" launched a technology-driven platform in Nigeria, offering a comprehensive, culturally sensitive source of accurate SRHR information for adolescent girls and young women. The platform covers vital topics like contraception, family planning, menstrual health, STIs, and safe abortion options. Accessible through social media handle(Whatsapp), it ensures convenient and confidential information access. This solution empowers AGYW with knowledge for informed SRHR decisions, enhancing their overall well-being.

These solutions are to overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Our aim is to reach out to 100 AGYW in Nigeria, ensuring they have the knowledge and support needed to make empowered choices about their SRHR

Our solution, "Her Future Health Now," is a digital platform designed to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) support for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 18-35 in Nigeria.

How It Works:

• Anonymous Telehealth: Our platform offers AGYW the opportunity to access anonymous telehealth services. They can chat with certified healthcare professionals, ask questions, and seek guidance on SRHR concerns while maintaining their privacy.

• Peer Support Groups: AGYW can join virtual peer support groups on our platform. These groups provide a safe space for them to connect with peers, share experiences, and offer mutual support and advice related to SRHR issues.

• Capacity-Building Resources: We provide educational content, workshops, and resources on a wide range of SRHR topics. Users can access these materials to empower themselves with knowledge and life skills.

Technology: Our platform leverages secure and encrypted communication technology to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of user interactions with healthcare professionals. It includes a mobile app.

In essence, "Her Future Health Now" is a user-centric digital solution that empowers AGYW to access SRHR information, professional support, and peer connections in an anonymous and supportive environment. It addresses the specific needs of this demographic, helping them make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

Our solution, "Her Future Health Now," primarily serves adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) between the ages of 18-35 in Nigeria. This target population faces several challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) support, which our solution aims to address:

Challenges Faced by AGYW in Nigeria:

1. Limited Access to Healthcare Facilities: AGYW often have limited access to healthcare facilities, making it challenging to seek SRHR information and services.

2. Cultural Stigmatization: Societal stigmatization due to cultural norms can deter AGYW from seeking SRHR support, leading to misconceptions and risks.

3. Inadequate SRHR Education: Many AGYW lack comprehensive SRHR education, which can result in misconceptions and risky behaviors.

4. Gender-Based Discrimination: Gender-based discrimination can impact AGYW's decision-making power regarding their SRHR choices.

5. Shortage of Trained SRHR Specialists: There is often a shortage of trained SRHR specialists in the healthcare workforce, limiting the availability of quality SRHR services.

Impact of "Her Future Health Now":

• Comprehensive SRHR Support: Our platform provides AGYW with a one-stop solution for SRHR information, anonymous telehealth services, peer support, and educational resources. This comprehensive support addresses their diverse SRHR needs.

• Privacy and Confidentiality: By offering anonymous telehealth and peer support, we reduce the stigma associated with seeking SRHR support and ensure user privacy.

• Empowerment Through Knowledge: Through educational content and resources, AGYW can empower themselves with SRHR knowledge and life skills, enabling them to make informed choices about their health and rights.

• Reduced Risk of Unplanned Pregnancies: Improved access to SRHR information and contraception services contributes to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies, positively impacting maternal and child health.

• Mental Well-being: Peer support groups and access to professionals promote mental well-being among users, reducing anxiety and stress related to SRHR concerns.

• Gender Equality and Decision-Making: Our platform fosters gender equality by providing AGYW with information and resources to make informed decisions about their SRHR, reducing the influence of gender-based discrimination.

• Shortage Mitigation: By leveraging telehealth services, we bridge the gap created by the shortage of trained SRHR specialists, making quality support more accessible.

In summary, "Her Future Health Now" directly serves AGYW in Nigeria by addressing their specific SRHR needs, reducing stigma, providing knowledge and support, and ultimately improving their overall well-being and empowerment in matters related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Her Future Health Now: Empowering Young People's SRHR through Anonymous Telehealth, Peer Support Groups, and Capacity-Building Resources

Description: "Her Future Health Now" is a comprehensive digital solution designed to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges faced by young people in Nigeria. It combines anonymous telehealth services, peer support groups, and capacity-building resources to empower young individuals between the ages of 18-35 to take control of their SRHR.

How It Works:

• Our platform offers a secure and confidential telehealth service accessible via a smartphone app or website.

• Young people can access a wide range of SRHR services, including sexual health consultations, contraception counseling, STI testing, and pregnancy advice.

• Utilizing cutting-edge encryption and privacy measures, users can ask questions, receive advice, and even have video consultations with certified healthcare professionals without revealing their identity.

• This anonymous telehealth approach reduces the stigma associated with seeking SRHR information and services, making it more likely for young people to reach out for help.

• "Her Future Health Now" features virtual peer support groups where young individuals can connect with others facing similar SRHR challenges.

• Users can join or create groups based on their interests, experiences, or specific SRHR topics.

• Moderated by trained peer educators, these groups provide a safe space for open discussions, sharing personal stories, and seeking advice from peers who understand their concerns.

• Peer support helps reduce feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of community, enabling young people to support one another through their SRHR journeys.

• The platform offers a library of capacity-building resources, including informative articles, videos, and interactive workshops.

• Users can access educational content on topics such as family planning, consent, safe sex practices, and reproductive rights.

• Additionally, "Her Future Health Now" provides resources to help users develop life skills, such as communication, decision-making, and critical thinking, empowering them to make informed choices about their SRHR.

Technology:

• Our platform leverages state-of-the-art encryption and cybersecurity protocols to ensure the privacy and anonymity of users.

• Video consultations with healthcare professionals are facilitated through secure, end-to-end encrypted channels.

• Peer support groups and educational resources are accessible through a user-friendly app or website, offering an intuitive and inclusive user experience.

Impact:

• "Her Future Health Now" breaks down barriers to SRHR information and services by providing an anonymous, stigma-free environment for young people to seek support and resources.

• By leveraging technology, it reaches a wide audience in UNFPA program countries, including remote and underserved areas.

• The platform empowers young people to make informed decisions about their SRHR, reducing unplanned pregnancies, STI transmission, and instances of gender-based violence.

• Peer support groups foster a sense of community and solidarity among users, improving their overall well-being and mental health.

"Her Future Health Now" is a revolutionary digital solution that empowers young individuals to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health and rights with confidence, knowledge, and support. Through anonymous telehealth, peer support groups, and capacity-building resources, we're shaping a healthier and more informed future for the youth in Nigeria

As we are currently in the Pilot stage of development, our solution, "Her Future Health Now," is serving a limited number of users for testing and refinement. At this stage, we have approximately 300 users actively using our platform and engaging with our services to gather feedback and improve the user experience.

Her Future Health Now is innovative in several key ways:

1. Anonymous Telehealth Services: Our solution leverages technology to provide anonymous telehealth services, allowing young people to access confidential SRHR information and consultations without fear of judgment or stigma. This approach is a breakthrough in ensuring privacy and encouraging more individuals to seek SRHR support.

2. Peer Support Groups: We harness the power of technology to create virtual peer support groups. This innovative approach enables young individuals to connect with peers who have faced similar SRHR challenges, fostering a sense of community, empathy, and shared learning.

3. Capacity-Building Resources: Through our platform, we offer a wide range of capacity-building resources, including educational content and workshops. This knowledge empowerment approach equips young people with life skills and SRHR information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and rights.

4. Privacy and Security: We prioritize data privacy and security, utilizing advanced encryption and cybersecurity measures to ensure user anonymity and data protection. This commitment to privacy is a game-changer in the SRHR space, where confidentiality is often a major concern.

5. Diverse Representation: Our solution is girl and women-led, with leadership positions held by young women who understand the unique challenges faced by their peers. This diverse representation ensures that our platform is designed with the needs and experiences of young women and girls at its core.

6. Community Engagement: "Her Future Health Now" actively engages with local youth organizations and women-led initiatives to promote SRHR awareness and accessibility. By collaborating with grassroots organizations, we catalyze broader positive impacts and promote community-driven solutions.

7. Scalability: Our solution is designed to be scalable, potentially changing the market by creating a model for delivering effective and accessible SRHR services and support to young people in UNFPA program countries. As we expand to reach more communities and users, we aim to inspire similar initiatives globally.

In summary, our solution innovatively leverages technology, privacy, and community engagement to transform the way young people access SRHR information and services. It creates a safe and supportive digital ecosystem where young individuals can make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. By pioneering this approach, "Her Future Health Now" has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts and drive positive change in the SRHR field

Goals for the Next Year:

1. Increase User Base: In the next year, we aim to expand our user base by 10-fold. This means reaching and actively engaging with at least 3,000 young individuals in UNFPA program countries through our platform.

2. Improved SRHR Knowledge: We aim to see a 20% increase in SRHR knowledge and awareness among our users within the first year. We will measure this through pre- and post-engagement assessments.

3. Reduction in Unplanned Pregnancies: Our goal is to contribute to a 10% reduction in unplanned pregnancies among users accessing our platform, with a focus on young women.

4. Peer Support Network Growth: To facilitate the formation of at least 50 active peer support groups on our platform within the first year, allowing young individuals to support each other.

To Achieve These Goals in the Next Year:

• Targeted Marketing: We'll implement targeted marketing strategies to reach a broader audience of young people, leveraging social media, online advertising, and partnerships with local organizations.

• User-Centric Improvements: We will continuously gather user feedback to make iterative improvements to our platform, ensuring it remains user-friendly and meets the evolving needs of our target demographic.

• Partnerships and Outreach: We will forge partnerships with local NGOs, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to expand our reach and promote our solution to communities in need.

• Data-Driven Insights: We will use data analytics to gain insights into user behavior and preferences, enabling us to tailor content and services to address specific SRHR challenges.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:

1. Global Expansion: Over the next five years, we aim to expand our reach to 30,000 young individuals in UNFPA program countries and beyond, providing them with access to our platform and its resources.

2. Comprehensive SRHR Knowledge: Our long-term goal is to empower users with comprehensive SRHR knowledge, resulting in a 50% increase in SRHR awareness and informed decision-making.

3. Substantial Reduction in Unplanned Pregnancies: We aspire to contribute to a 25% reduction in unplanned pregnancies among users accessing our platform, making a significant impact on maternal and child health outcomes.

4. Vibrant Peer Support Community: We aim to facilitate the formation of at least 500 active peer support groups worldwide, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among young individuals.

How We Will Achieve These Goals in the Next Five Years:

• Global Outreach: We will actively explore opportunities to expand our platform beyond UNFPA program countries, considering cultural, linguistic, and regional differences in SRHR challenges.

• Multilingual Support: To cater to a more diverse user base, we will introduce multilingual support for our platform, ensuring accessibility to users from various linguistic backgrounds.

• Advocacy and Policy: We will engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies and legal frameworks related to SRHR, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity.

• Research and Innovation: We will invest in research and innovation to stay at the forefront of SRHR solutions, exploring emerging technologies and trends that can enhance our platform's impact.

• Sustainability: To ensure long-term sustainability, we will explore opportunities for revenue generation through partnerships, grants, and philanthropic support.

Theory of Change for "Her Future Health Now":

Activities:

• Anonymous Telehealth Services: We provide a secure platform for young individuals to access SRHR information and services anonymously.
• Peer Support Groups: We facilitate virtual peer support groups where young people can connect and share experiences.
• Capacity-Building Resources: We offer educational content and workshops to empower users with SRHR knowledge and life skills.

Outputs:

• Increased Access: Users can easily access SRHR information, services, and support.
• Community Building: Peer support groups create a sense of community and connection among users.
• Knowledge Empowerment: Users gain comprehensive SRHR knowledge and life skills.

Outcomes (Short to Medium Term):

• Reduced Stigma: Anonymous telehealth and peer support reduce the stigma associated with seeking SRHR information and services.
• Informed Choices: Users make more informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
• Reduced Unplanned Pregnancies: Improved knowledge and access contribute to a reduction in unplanned pregnancies.
• Mental Well-being: Users experience improved mental well-being due to peer support and knowledge empowerment.
• Empowerment: Users become advocates for SRHR rights and engage in cross-sector collaboration.

Long-Term Impact:

• Healthier Communities: As young individuals make informed choices and access SRHR services, communities experience improved overall health outcomes.
• Gender Equality: Increased access and empowerment contribute to gender equality, reducing disparities in SRHR rights.
• Policy and Advocacy: A generation of informed advocates emerges, influencing policies and legal frameworks to support SRHR rights.
• Market Transformation: The success of our platform inspires similar initiatives globally, transforming the market for SRHR solutions.
• Sustainable Impact: Long-term sustainability is achieved through diversified funding sources and community engagement.

Evidence to Support Change:

• Data from user surveys and assessments demonstrate improved knowledge and awareness.
• Feedback from users highlights reduced stigma and increased comfort in seeking SRHR support.
• Reduced unplanned pregnancy rates among users indicate the impact on maternal and child health.
• Engagement of users in advocacy efforts and cross-sector collaboration demonstrates empowerment.

Why We Expect Impact: "Her Future Health Now" addresses the root cause barriers to SRHR care faced by young individuals. By providing a safe, anonymous, and supportive digital ecosystem, we empower users with knowledge, reduce stigma, and foster community support. As users make informed choices and engage in advocacy, they catalyze broader change in communities, policies, and markets, ultimately leading to healthier and more equitable societies.

Our theory of change is grounded in evidence, user feedback, and the belief that access to SRHR information and support is a catalyst for positive transformations in the lives of young people and their communities.

In the next year, we will continue to operate and expand our services primarily in the following UNFPA program countries:

1. Nigeria and Ghana

These countries are our initial focus for the pilot phase and immediate expansion. However, as we progress and receive interest from other regions, we remain open to exploring opportunities to expand our operations to serve a more diverse and global user base.

Our team has been working on "Her Future Health Now" for approximately 2 years. During this time, we have been developing, testing, and refining our solution to address the sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges faced by young people in Nigeria. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation as we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young individuals in need of SRHR support.

At "Her Future Health Now," we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) in all aspects of our work. We believe that DEI is not only a moral imperative but also essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of our solution. Here's how we approach DEI:

Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects our commitment to DEI. Approximately 60% of our leadership positions are held by young women, ensuring diverse perspectives and experiences are integral to our decision-making processes. We actively seek to include individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

User-Centric Design: We place our users at the center of our design process. We conduct user research and engage with diverse groups to ensure our platform is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, we tailor our content and resources to address diverse cultural norms and practices. Our aim is to provide SRHR information and support that resonates with users from various cultural backgrounds.

Accessibility and Language Inclusivity: We are actively working to make our platform multilingual to ensure accessibility for users who speak different languages. This step will eliminate language barriers and enhance inclusivity.

Equity in Peer Support: We promote equity within our peer support groups, ensuring that they are inclusive and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Our moderators are trained to create safe spaces for open dialogue and support.

Community Outreach: We actively engage with local organizations and communities to ensure our solution reaches marginalized groups and underserved populations. We seek partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to DEI.

Training and Sensitization: Our team undergoes regular training and sensitization sessions on DEI issues to foster an inclusive and equitable work environment. We recognize that continuous learning is essential for promoting inclusivity.

Data Collection and Monitoring: We collect demographic data from our users (on a voluntary basis and with their consent) to monitor the diversity of our user base. This data helps us identify areas where we need to improve inclusivity.

Feedback and Adaptation: We actively seek feedback from users and stakeholders on DEI-related matters and adapt our approach accordingly. Feedback mechanisms allow us to continually improve our inclusivity efforts.

Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to transparency in our DEI efforts, setting clear goals and tracking progress. Our leadership team is held accountable for meeting DEI targets and ensuring that our solution remains inclusive.

Overall, our approach to DEI is embedded in our organizational culture, guiding our decision-making, product design, and outreach efforts. We view DEI as an ongoing journey, and we are dedicated to learning, evolving, and continually striving for a more inclusive and equitable future for all young people accessing our platform.

Our business model centers around providing value to young individuals seeking sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, support, and resources. Here's how our business model works:

Customer Segments:

1. Young Individuals (Ages 18-35): Our primary customers are young people in UNFPA program countries who seek SRHR information, anonymous telehealth services, peer support, and capacity-building resources.

Value Proposition:

• Comprehensive SRHR Support: We offer a holistic solution that addresses the diverse SRHR needs of young individuals, including anonymous access to telehealth services, peer support, and educational resources.

• Privacy and Confidentiality: Our platform ensures anonymity, reducing the stigma associated with seeking SRHR information and services.

• Empowerment and Knowledge: We empower users with SRHR knowledge, life skills, and a supportive community, enabling them to make informed choices about their health and rights.

Channels:

• Digital Platform: Our platform, accessible via a mobile app and website, is the primary channel through which users access our services.

Customer Relationships:

• User-Centric Approach: We maintain a strong focus on user satisfaction, actively seeking user feedback and adapting our platform to meet their evolving needs.

• Community Building: We foster a sense of community among users through peer support groups, creating a support network that encourages engagement and retention.

Revenue Streams:

• Subscription Model: We offer subscription plans with premium features and benefits for users willing to pay for enhanced access and support.

• Partnerships: We explore partnerships with healthcare providers, NGOs, and educational institutions for revenue-sharing opportunities and subsidized access for users.

• Grants and Donations: We seek grants and philanthropic support to sustain our operations and offer free or subsidized access to underserved populations.

Key Resources:

• Technology Infrastructure: Our digital platform requires ongoing development and maintenance.

• Healthcare Professionals: We partner with certified healthcare professionals to provide telehealth services.

• Content and Educational Resources: We curate and create SRHR educational content and resources.

Key Activities:

• Platform Development: Ongoing improvement and expansion of our digital platform.

• User Engagement: Community management and peer support group facilitation.

• Content Creation: Developing and updating educational content and resources.

Key Partners:

• Healthcare Providers: Collaborations with healthcare professionals for telehealth services.

• NGOs and Community Organizations: Partnerships for outreach and community engagement.

Cost Structure:

• Technology Costs: Development, maintenance, and hosting of our digital platform.

• Human Resources: Salaries and training for our team members.

• Content Creation: Costs associated with creating and updating educational resources.

Our business model aims to provide sustainable revenue streams through subscriptions, partnerships, and grants while ensuring that our services remain accessible to young individuals in need of SRHR support. We are committed to balancing financial sustainability with our social impact goals, making SRHR information and services more accessible and equitable for all.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable involves a combination of revenue streams, partnerships, and grant funding to support our work in the long term. We recognize the importance of financial sustainability to ensure the continuous availability of our services to young individuals seeking sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) support. Here is our strategy:

1. Subscription Model:

• We offer subscription plans with premium features and benefits for users willing to pay for enhanced access and support. These subscription fees will contribute to our revenue and help cover operational costs.

2. Partnerships:

• Collaborations with healthcare providers, NGOs, and educational institutions are integral to our sustainability strategy. We explore revenue-sharing opportunities with these partners, allowing us to tap into their existing networks and resources while expanding our user base.

3. Grants and Philanthropic Support:

• We actively seek grants and philanthropic support from foundations, organizations, and government agencies that share our mission. These funds will support our operational expenses and enable us to offer free or subsidized access to underserved populations.

4. Service Contracts:

• In the future, we may explore service contracts with governments or healthcare systems interested in providing SRHR support to young individuals. These contracts could help cover the costs associated with delivering our services.

5. Investment Capital :

• While our primary focus is on sustainability through revenue streams and partnerships, we remain open to raising investment capital if it aligns with our mission and growth plans. Investment could be used to scale our operations and reach a broader user base.

6. Diversified Funding Sources:

• We aim to diversify our funding sources to reduce dependency on any single stream. This approach will enhance our resilience and ensure that we can continue to provide services even if one source of funding fluctuates.

7. Cost Management:

• We will prioritize efficient cost management to ensure that our expenses align with our revenue streams. Regular financial assessments and adjustments will be made to maintain sustainability.

8. Long-Term Sustainability Planning:

• Our team will develop a long-term sustainability plan that outlines revenue targets, key performance indicators, and strategies for adapting to changing financial circumstances.

Overall, our approach to financial sustainability is rooted in a balanced revenue model that combines user subscriptions, partnerships, grant funding, and potentially service contracts. By diversifying our funding sources and maintaining a strong focus on cost management, we aim to ensure the continuity and growth of our mission to provide accessible and equitable SRHR support to young individuals.