EmpowerSRH Hub

The specific problem IGE-SRH aims to address revolves around the limited access to, and quality of, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services for young LBQTI individuals within our target communities in Nigeria, and extending globally. This marginalized group encounters distinctive barriers due to societal stigma, discrimination, and oftentimes, harsh socio-cultural norms, which significantly hinder their ability to obtain essential SRHR services and information.

Globally, the issue extends to millions of LBQTI individuals residing in regions where discriminatory practices and laws further exacerbate the problem. In Nigeria, the criminalization and discrimination against LBQTI individuals severely impair their access to crucial SRHR services. This not only affects their physical health but also their mental and social well-being.

Key factors contributing to this problem include:

• Societal Stigma and Discrimination: The LBQTI community faces entrenched stigma and discrimination, which deters them from seeking SRHR services.

• Inadequate Education and Awareness: There is a significant lack of accurate and inclusive SRHR education, which fuels misinformation and prejudice.

• Policy and Legal Barriers: Discriminatory laws and policies create formidable barriers for LBQTI individuals in accessing SRHR services and justice.

• Economic Exclusion: Economic barriers further marginalize LBQTI individuals, making it challenging for them to access necessary SRHR commodities and services.

The EmpowerSRH Hub aims to dismantle these barriers by:

• Providing a safe, anonymous, and inclusive digital platform for LBQTI individuals to access accurate SRHR information and services.

• Conducting community outreach and education campaigns to challenge societal norms and improve awareness regarding LBQTI SRHR needs.

• Engaging in advocacy to influence more inclusive SRHR policies and practices.

• Establishing partnerships to enhance the economic accessibility of SRHR commodities and services for the LBQTI community.

By addressing these intertwined factors, our solution strives to significantly improve the SRHR landscape for young LBQTI individuals within our target communities and set a precedent for broader global action.

The EmpowerSRH Hub is a comprehensive solution designed to bridge the SRHR information and service gap for young LBQTI individuals within our target communities. It comprises a digital platform, community outreach programs, advocacy groups, and strategic partnerships to create a more inclusive and accessible SRHR environment. Here's a breakdown of how each component operates:

Digital Platform:

Description: Our digital platform is a user-friendly website and mobile application offering a repository of accurate and comprehensive SRHR information tailored for the LBQTI community. It also provides a virtual consultation feature connecting users with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and referrals.
Technology: The platform uses secure and scalable web technologies ensuring data privacy while handling a growing number of users. The consultation feature employs end-to-end encryption to maintain confidentiality.

Community Outreach and Education:
Description: We conduct regular outreach and education campaigns in local communities to raise awareness about SRHR issues, rights, and available resources. These campaigns also aim to challenge and change harmful societal norms and stigmas associated with the LBQTI community.
Implementation: Utilizing a team of trained volunteers and employing culturally sensitive materials, we engage with communities through workshops, discussions, and distribution of educational materials.

Youth-Led Advocacy Groups:
Description: These are groups formed of young LBQTI individuals and allies, trained and empowered to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and the general public to advocate for more inclusive SRHR policies and practices.
Implementation: Through workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs, we prepare these groups to effectively communicate and advocate for the LBQTI community's SRHR needs.

Strategic Partnerships:
Description: We form partnerships with healthcare providers, suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance the economic accessibility of SRHR commodities and services for the LBQTI community.
Implementation: By leveraging existing networks and engaging in negotiations, we aim to secure affordable or free access to essential SRHR commodities like contraceptives and STI testing kits.

Feedback and Adaptation:
Description: Continuous feedback from the community and stakeholders is sought to adapt and improve the solution. Analytical tools integrated within the digital platform provide valuable insights into user engagement and the effectiveness of the information provided.
Technology: Analytical tools and secure feedback channels on the digital platform facilitate this process, ensuring the solution remains responsive to the community's evolving needs.

Our solution, the EmpowerSRH Hub, is meticulously designed to serve young LBQTI individuals within our target communities in Nigeria. This demographic often faces multi-faceted discrimination, exclusion, and barriers when it comes to accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services. The societal stigmatization, harsh socio-cultural norms, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure tailored to their needs significantly hinder their ability to achieve good sexual and reproductive health.

Here’s how the EmpowerSRH Hub is poised to address their needs and impact their lives:

• Providing Accurate SRHR Information: The digital platform within EmpowerSRH Hub will act as a reliable source of accurate and inclusive SRHR information tailored to the unique needs of LBQTI individuals, helping to dispel myths, reduce misinformation, and improve knowledge on sexual and reproductive health.
• Enhanced Access to SRHR Services: The virtual consultation feature on our digital platform will provide a confidential and safe avenue for LBQTI individuals to consult with healthcare professionals, get referrals, and access services without the fear of discrimination or judgment.
• Community Awareness and Acceptance: Through community outreach and education campaigns, we aim to challenge prevailing prejudices and foster a more accepting and supportive environment for LBQTI individuals to openly discuss and access SRHR services.
• Empowerment through Advocacy: Our youth-led advocacy groups will empower LBQTI individuals to actively engage in dialogues with policymakers and community leaders, advocating for more inclusive and equitable SRHR policies and practices. This engagement will also foster a sense of agency and community among LBQTI individuals.
• Economic Accessibility: By establishing partnerships with healthcare providers and suppliers, we aim to reduce the economic barriers that often prevent LBQTI individuals from accessing essential SRHR commodities and services.
• Reduced Stigma and Discrimination: Our multi-faceted approach aims to challenge and change the harmful societal norms that perpetuate stigma and discrimination against LBQTI individuals, creating a more inclusive and respectful community environment.
• Feedback and Adaptation for Better Services: The continuous feedback mechanism will ensure that the services and information provided remain relevant, user-friendly, and beneficial to the LBQTI community, thus ensuring a responsive and impactful solution.

IGE-SRH is deeply rooted in the communities we aim to serve. Our organization was founded with the precise goal of improving the lives of LBQTI individuals who have often been marginalized and excluded due to societal prejudices. Our proximity to the communities is not just geographical, but emotional and experiential, making us well-positioned to empathize with, understand, and address the unique challenges they face.

• Community Representation: Our team, including the Team Lead, comprises individuals who either identify as LBQTI or are staunch allies with personal connections to the LBQTI community. This representation ensures that we have a genuine understanding of the community's needs, fears, and aspirations.
• Community Engagement: From the inception of IGE-SRH, community engagement has been a cornerstone of our approach. We have established strong relationships and networks within the LBQTI community, enabling open dialogue and feedback which are crucial in shaping our solutions.
• Feedback-Driven Design: The design of the EmpowerSRH Hub is significantly influenced by the insights, feedback, and suggestions obtained from the community. Our iterative design process incorporates community feedback at every stage, ensuring our solution is tailored to meet the actual needs of the individuals we aim to serve.
• Capacity Building and Empowerment: We believe in empowering the community to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health. Our advocacy groups and education campaigns are geared towards building the capacity of LBQTI individuals to advocate for their rights and make informed decisions regarding their SRHR.
• Strategic Partnerships: Over the years, we have fostered partnerships with other organizations, healthcare providers, and local authorities who are supportive of our cause. These partnerships enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive SRHR solutions to the LBQTI community.
• Continuous Community Involvement: Our approach to solution development is not a one-off event but a continuous process where the community is involved. Through regular community meetings, feedback sessions, and participatory design workshops, we ensure that the EmpowerSRH Hub evolves in line with the changing needs and preferences of the community.
• Transparency and Open Communication: We maintain a culture of transparency and open communication with the community, ensuring they are well-informed and involved in our projects. This approach fosters trust and a sense of ownership among the community members towards the EmpowerSRH Hub.

Our solution, EmpowerSRH Hub, is at the Prototype stage as we have moved beyond conceptualization to actual development and initial testing of certain components of our solution. Here are the details that substantiate our claim:

• Digital Platform Development:We have developed a beta version of our digital platform, which includes a website and mobile application. The platform's design and basic functionality have been established, offering a repository of SRHR information tailored for the LBQTI community.
• Content Creation: A range of SRHR content, specifically tailored to the needs and concerns of the LBQTI community, has been created and uploaded to the digital platform. This content has been reviewed by healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Initial User Testing: The beta version of our digital platform has been tested by a small group of individuals from our target community to gather feedback on its usability, relevance, and overall user experience. The feedback obtained has been used to make necessary adjustments to the platform. 
• Community Outreach Programs: We have conducted preliminary community outreach sessions to understand better the SRHR knowledge gaps and service needs within the LBQTI community. These sessions have helped refine our approach to community education and advocacy.
• Partnership Engagements: Preliminary discussions and engagements with potential healthcare providers and suppliers have been initiated to explore partnerships for providing affordable or free SRHR commodities and services.
• Feedback Mechanisms: We have developed and tested feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous community input, such as online surveys and feedback forms on our digital platform, which have been utilized during the initial testing phase.
• Team Formation and Training: A dedicated team has been formed, and training has been conducted to ensure they are well-equipped to manage, operate, and further develop the EmpowerSRH Hub.
• Advisory Board Engagement: We have engaged with an advisory board comprising experts in SRHR, LBQTI advocacy, and digital health solutions to guide the development and implementation of our solution.

The innovation of EmpowerSRH Hub stems from its holistic and integrated approach towards addressing the SRHR needs of young LBQTI individuals, combining digital technology, community engagement, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Here are some of the innovative aspects of our solution:

1. Digital Platform:

   • New Application of Technology: Our digital platform utilizes existing web and mobile technologies to create a safe, confidential, and user-friendly environment for LBQTI individuals to access accurate SRHR information and virtual consultations with healthcare professionals. The end-to-end encryption ensures user privacy, which is crucial given the sensitivity of SRHR issues within our target communities.

1. Community-Centric Design:

   • Human-Centered Design: Our solution is designed with and for the LBQTI community. The iterative design process, fueled by continuous feedback from the community, ensures that the EmpowerSRH Hub effectively addresses the real needs and concerns of our target demographic.

2. Youth-Led Advocacy Groups:

   • Capacity Building: By training and empowering young LBQTI individuals to advocate for more inclusive SRHR policies and practices, we are fostering a grassroots movement that can drive systemic change in SRHR policies and societal attitudes.

3. Strategic Partnerships:

   • New Business Model: Our partnerships with healthcare providers and suppliers aim to create a sustainable model for providing affordable or free SRHR commodities and services to the LBQTI community, thereby reducing the economic barriers to SRHR access.

4. Feedback and Adaptation:

   • Continuous Improvement: The integration of analytical tools and feedback mechanisms within our digital platform and community outreach programs allows for continuous assessment and adaptation of our solution, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.

5. Replicable and Scalable Model:

   • Market Change: The EmpowerSRH Hub model has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts by serving as a replicable and scalable model for other organizations and regions. Our approach could inspire and guide similar initiatives, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and accessible SRHR landscape globally.

6. Cross-Sector Collaboration:

   • Legal, Policy, and Advocacy: Our solution encourages young people’s meaningful participation in cross-sector collaborations, thereby fostering a more inclusive dialogue and action on SRHR issues at the legal, policy, and advocacy levels.

The combination of these innovative elements within the EmpowerSRH Hub positions our solution as a transformative initiative that not only addresses the immediate SRHR needs of young LBQTI individuals but also contributes to creating a more inclusive, understanding, and equitable society. Through the leverage of digital technology, human-centered design, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on the SRHR landscape for the LBQTI community.

Over the next year and the subsequent five years, our primary focus is to drive a transformational impact on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young LBQTI individuals within our target communities and beyond. Here are our impact goals and strategies to achieve them:

Next Year:

1. Engagement and Accessibility:

   • Reach and engage at least 10,000 young LBQTI individuals through the EmpowerSRH Hub, providing them with accurate SRHR information, virtual consultations, and access to affordable commodities and services.
   • Strategies: Launch a comprehensive digital marketing and community outreach campaign to promote the EmpowerSRH Hub, and establish partnerships with local healthcare providers to expand service offerings.

2. Community Education and Awareness:

   • Conduct at least 50 community education sessions, reaching over 5,000 individuals to challenge prejudices and foster a more supportive environment for LBQTI individuals.
   • Strategies: Mobilize and train community educators and advocates, and collaborate with local authorities and organizations for support and resource sharing.

3. Feedback and Improvement:

   • Collect and analyze feedback from at least 2,000 users to enhance the platform's functionality, content, and services.
   • Strategies: Implement a robust feedback mechanism within the digital platform and community programs, and engage an advisory board for regular reviews and recommendations.

Next Five Years:

1. Scaling and Replication:

   • Expand the EmpowerSRH Hub to serve at least 100,000 LBQTI individuals across multiple regions, and replicate the model in at least three other countries.
   • Strategies: Secure additional funding and partnerships, document and share our model, and collaborate with international organizations and governments for support and endorsement.

2. Policy Influence and Advocacy:

   • Facilitate the establishment of at least five more inclusive SRHR policies or amendments at the local or national level, fostering a more equitable SRHR landscape.
   • Strategies: Strengthen our advocacy groups, engage in policy dialogues, collaborate with other advocacy organizations, and leverage media and public campaigns to drive awareness and support for inclusive SRHR policies.

3. Capacity Building and Economic Empowerment:

   • Train and empower at least 500 LBQTI individuals as community educators, advocates, or entrepreneurs, contributing to their economic empowerment and the overall community's SRHR wellbeing.
   • Strategies: Develop and implement training programs, provide mentorship and resources, and establish a supportive network for continuous learning and growth.

4. Cross-Sector Collaboration:

   • Establish at least 10 significant cross-sector collaborations, enhancing young LBQTI individuals' meaningful participation in SRHR-related legal, policy, and advocacy fields.
   • Strategies: Initiate dialogues with various sector stakeholders, showcase the impact of our solution, and advocate for more inclusive collaboration opportunities.

5. Sustainable Partnerships:

   • Form at least 20 strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainable provision of SRHR commodities and services.
   • Strategies: Engage in partnership development activities, demonstrate the value and impact of our solution, and work collaboratively to identify and address challenges and opportunities.

The Theory of Change for our solution, EmpowerSRH Hub, is predicated on the notion that providing accurate, accessible, and tailored Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services to young LBQTI individuals will lead to improved SRHR outcomes within this community.

Activities:

1. Development and Launch of EmpowerSRH Hub:

   • Creating a digital platform with comprehensive SRHR information and virtual consultation capabilities.
   • Establishing partnerships with healthcare providers and suppliers for affordable SRHR commodities and services.
   • Conducting community outreach and education programs.

2. Community Engagement and Advocacy:

   • Training and mobilizing youth-led advocacy groups.
   • Conducting SRHR awareness campaigns and community dialogues.
   • Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders for inclusive SRHR policies.

3. Feedback Collection and Continuous Improvement:

   • Implementing feedback mechanisms within the digital platform and community programs.
   • Regularly reviewing and updating the platform's content and services based on user feedback and emerging SRHR trends and needs.

Immediate Outputs:

1. Increased Access and Usage:

   • Higher number of young LBQTI individuals accessing and using the EmpowerSRH Hub for their SRHR needs.
   • Increased attendance and engagement in community education and advocacy activities.

2. Improved Knowledge and Attitudes:

   • Enhanced SRHR knowledge and reduced stigma among the target community and the broader society.
   • Increased awareness and support for inclusive SRHR policies among stakeholders and policymakers.

Longer-term Outcomes:

1. Improved SRHR Outcomes:

   • Lower rates of SRHR-related issues such as unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and discrimination in healthcare settings among young LBQTI individuals.
   • Better mental and social well-being as a result of reduced stigma and discrimination.

2. Empowered LBQTI Community:

   • Stronger, self-sustaining community networks advocating for LBQTI rights and SRHR inclusivity.
   • Economic empowerment through capacity building and engagement in advocacy, education, and other SRHR-related activities.

Evidence to Support Theory of Change:

1. Third-Party Research:

   • Numerous studies highlight the positive impact of accurate SRHR information and accessible services on improving SRHR outcomes (e.g., reduced STI rates, improved contraceptive use).

2. Preliminary Feedback and Data:

   • Initial feedback from our target community indicates a significant demand for tailored SRHR information and services.
   • Data from similar digital SRHR platforms and community engagement programs demonstrate positive impacts on user knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding SRHR.

3. Advisory Board and Expert Reviews:

   • Guidance and validation from our advisory board comprising SRHR, LBQTI advocacy, and digital health solutions experts.

Our theory of change articulates a logical and evidence-based pathway from our activities through the intended long-term outcomes, grounded in the lived experiences and expressed needs of the young LBQTI community we serve. Through a combination of digital innovation, community engagement, and advocacy, we aim to address the root causes of barriers to SRHR care and foster a more inclusive and equitable SRHR landscape.

The EmpowerSRH Hub initiative within IGE-SRH comprises a dedicated team of individuals working towards achieving our mission. Here's the breakdown of our team:

• Full-time Staff: 10 (including the Executive Director, Program Officers, Communications Officer, and Advocacy Officer among others)
• Part-time Staff: 4 (engaged in community outreach, advocacy, and content development)
• Contractors: 2 (primarily for technical development and maintenance of the digital platform)

Additionally, we have a network of volunteers and community educators who are crucial to our outreach and advocacy efforts, and we collaborate closely with our board members and advisors for strategic guidance and oversight.

The EmpowerSRH Hub initiative was conceptualized and commenced earlier this year. Therefore, we have been working on this solution for less than a year. However, IGE-SRH, as an organization, has been actively engaged in promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of LBQTI individuals since its inception in 2020. The experiences, insights, and networks we've developed over these years significantly inform and bolster the efforts directed towards the EmpowerSRH Hub, ensuring a grounded and community-centric approach to addressing the SRHR needs of our target demographic.

The ethos of IGE-SRH is fundamentally rooted in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), particularly for marginalized LBQTI individuals. Here's how we are embodying DEI in our work through EmpowerSRH Hub:

1. Diverse Leadership and Team Composition:

   • Our leadership team and board members come from diverse backgrounds, genders, and orientations, representing the very community we aim to serve.
   • We have a deliberate focus on including individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives in decision-making processes to ensure a comprehensive understanding and approach towards addressing SRHR challenges.

2. Community-Centric Approach:

   • We engage the community in the design, implementation, and evaluation of our solution to ensure it meets their unique needs and challenges.
   • By involving community members in leadership and advisory roles, we foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity, ensuring that our initiatives are grounded in the realities and aspirations of the community we serve.

3. Inclusive Platforms and Services:

   • The EmpowerSRH Hub is designed to be a safe, inclusive, and user-friendly platform where individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can access crucial SRHR information and services without fear of discrimination or stigmatization.

4. Capacity Building and Economic Empowerment:

   • Our programs aim to build the capacity of LBQTI individuals, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to advocate for their rights and contribute meaningfully to society.
   • We strive to create economic opportunities for community members, thereby addressing one of the systemic barriers to equity and inclusion.

5. Policy Advocacy for Equity:

   • Through advocacy and policy dialogues, we aim to challenge and change discriminatory policies and practices that perpetuate inequity and exclusion.

6. Continuous Learning and Improvement:

   • We have established mechanisms for feedback, learning, and continuous improvement to ensure our DEI efforts are effective and responsive to emerging needs and insights.
   • Our team engages in regular DEI training and reflections to deepen our understanding and enhance our practices.

7. Collaborations and Partnerships:

   • By forming collaborations and partnerships with other organizations, we aim to foster a broader coalition advocating for DEI, thereby amplifying the impact beyond our immediate community.

8. Transparent Reporting and Accountability:

   • We maintain a culture of transparency and accountability, regularly sharing our DEI goals, progress, and challenges with our community, partners, and stakeholders.

9. Accessible Information and Resources:

   • All our resources, training, and information are made accessible in local languages and user-friendly formats to cater to the diverse literacy levels and language preferences of our community.

The business model for the EmpowerSRH Hub is conceived as a hybrid model integrating social impact with financial sustainability. Here are the core components:

Value Proposition:

• Providing accurate, accessible, and tailored SRHR information, consultation, and services to young LBQTI individuals.
• Offering a safe, inclusive, and stigma-free platform for SRHR education, access, and community support

Key Beneficiaries:

• Primary Beneficiaries: Young LBQTI individuals in need of SRHR information and services.
• Secondary Beneficiaries: The broader community, healthcare providers, and policy makers benefitting from reduced stigma, better health outcomes, and more inclusive policies.

• Donor Funding and Grants: Securing funding from philanthropic donors, grants from international organizations, government funding, and CSR funds.
• Membership Subscriptions: Offering a premium membership for additional services such as personalized consultations, discounts on SRHR commodities, and access to exclusive educational resources.
• Service Fees: Charging nominal fees for some specialized services while keeping basic information and services free.
• Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with healthcare providers and suppliers for a share in revenue generated through referrals and sales of SRHR commodities.

• Major costs include platform development and maintenance, community outreach programs, personnel, partnerships with healthcare providers, and operational expenses.

• Continuous content development and updating, community engagement and education, advocacy, partnership management, and monitoring & evaluation.

• The digital platform serves as the primary channel for delivering SRHR information and services.
• Community outreach programs and partnerships with local healthcare providers to extend our reach and impact on the ground.

• Collaborations with healthcare providers, suppliers, local NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and advocacy groups to expand service offerings, reach, and impact.

• Building trust and long-term relationships with our beneficiaries through community engagement, feedback loops, and personalized support.

• Utilizing a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to assess the impact on SRHR outcomes, community awareness, and policy advocacy.

• As the platform gains traction and demonstrates impact, we plan to scale the model to other regions and countries, adapting to the local context and needs.

Achieving financial sustainability is crucial for the long-term viability and impact of the EmpowerSRH Hub. Here's our multifaceted approach towards financial sustainability:

1. Diversified Funding Sources:

   • Grants and Donations: Continue to actively seek grants from international organizations, government bodies, and philanthropic donors focused on SRHR, LBQTI rights, and digital health solutions.
   • Membership Subscriptions: Introduce a tiered membership model where users can opt for premium services for a nominal subscription fee, while ensuring core services remain free.
   • Service Fees: Charge nominal fees for specialized services such as personalized consultations or advanced educational materials, ensuring a balance between revenue generation and accessibility.

2. Partnerships and Collaborations:

   • Revenue-sharing Agreements: Establish agreements with healthcare providers and SRHR commodity suppliers for a share in the revenue generated through referrals and sales via our platform.
   • Collaborative Grants: Partner with other NGOs, healthcare institutions, and academic bodies to jointly apply for grants and implement collaborative projects.

3. Value-Added Services:

   • Offer value-added services such as training programs, workshops, and consultancy services to other organizations, healthcare providers, or governmental bodies on LBQTI-inclusive SRHR practices and policies.

4. Contractual Services:

   • Explore opportunities for service contracts with governmental and non-governmental bodies to provide SRHR services, education, and advocacy in specific communities or regions.

5. Social Enterprise Ventures:

   • Explore the possibility of launching social enterprise ventures that align with our mission and generate revenue to support our core activities.

6. Online Marketplace:

   • Develop an online marketplace within the EmpowerSRH Hub for vetted SRHR products and services, generating revenue through commissions and featured listings.

7. Efficient Resource Management:

   • Implement cost-saving measures, optimize operational efficiencies, and utilize technology to minimize expenses without compromising the quality of services.

8. Impact Investment:

   • As the platform demonstrates impact and a viable business model, explore opportunities for impact investment to scale operations and reach.

9. Community Support and Crowdfunding:

   • Engage our community and supporters through crowdfunding campaigns for specific projects or enhancements to the platform.

10. Capacity Building and Training:

    • Offer capacity building and training services on a fee-for-service basis to other organizations, thereby generating additional revenue.

11. Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Continuously monitor and evaluate our financial performance, adapt our strategies, and explore new revenue streams to ensure financial sustainability.