How eHealth Africa Champions Holistic Well-being through Sporting Activities

By Favour Oriaku

At eHealth Africa, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. Their hard work, dedication, and passion are the driving force behind our mission to build stronger health systems across Africa. Understanding the importance of mental and physical well-being in sustaining high levels of performance and engagement, we have instituted a series of work-life balance activities across our office locations. Central to this initiative is our commitment to fostering a culture of health, unity, and mutual support through our sporting events every Tuesday and Thursday.

These are not just games; they are a fundamental part of our organizational fabric. We have tailored these sessions to involve everyone comfortably, with football attracting many of our male colleagues and volleyball popular among our female staff. This thoughtful categorization ensures widespread participation and is in line with our core values of inclusivity and respect for individual preferences.

The benefits we're seeing go far beyond physical fitness. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to reduce severe health risks, but we're witnessing firsthand the positive energy, reduced stress levels, and the bonding that's building a more resilient eHealth Africa family. The effects spill over from the football field and volleyball court into daily office interactions, enhancing teamwork and easing communication.

But perhaps it's best expressed directly by our team members, who have embraced this initiative wholeheartedly:

In Abuja, Solomon Eteng, one of our dedicated senior network administration associates, observes, "These sessions are about more than just exercise. They're an avenue for bonding with colleagues, sharing a laugh, and easing the day's stress. It's amazing to see the impact on our work environment - there's a boost in morale and productivity."

Also in Abuja, Aisha Yakubu, a key member of our operations  team, adds, "Initially, I wasn't sure sports was for me, but I gave volleyball a try and I'm glad I did! It's refreshing and, beyond the health benefits, it shows the organization values our overall well-being. That really matters."

In our Kano office, the enthusiasm is just as infectious. Mohammed Bello, a project manager who also doubles as the Culture Club lead says, "The football sessions are something I look forward to. It's not just the physical health benefits; it's the improved sleep, the relaxed mind, and the strengthened bonds with colleagues. You can see that team spirit reflected in our work collaborations."

Likewise, Tosin Williams, a coordinator with the GIS department at our Kano office reflects, “Our sporting activities have been a revelation for me. It's not just about keeping fit; it's about the relationships we're building. This has made a huge difference in making our work interactions even more effective and enjoyable."

Our sports initiative is not just another organizational initiative; it's a strategic approach to holistic well-being, reflecting our belief that when we take care of our staff, they can perform at their best, both professionally and personally. By investing in these activities, eHealth Africa is not only promoting healthier lifestyles but also fostering a culture of unity, mutual respect, and emotional support. So, as our teams in Abuja and Kano take to the field each week, we're not just scoring goals in football or volleyball; we're championing the well-being of our staff, and by extension, the communities we serve.

Inside eHealth Africa's Vibrant 'TGIF' Tradition

By Favour Oriaku

Finding the harmony between professional obligations and personal well-being is not just a perk—it's a necessity. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing work environment has birthed our beloved tradition: the "Thank God It's Friday" (TGIF) activity. This vibrant, monthly gathering is not only a testament to our organizational culture but also a celebration of the diversity, unity, and spiritedness that define us.

Held on the last Friday of each month, our TGIF is a variety of activities designed to ignite joy, foster connections, and refresh our team. The event is a lively mix of indoor games—including chess, card games, ludo, and Wood Block Game—as well as outdoor activities with volleyball and table tennis. But the festivities don't stop there; they sometimes reach a climax with karaoke sessions, where our staff showcase their vocal talents, followed by a feast of food and drinks, making it an absolute delight.

Why do we do this? At eHealth Africa, we believe that work-life balance is crucial for the mental health and overall productivity of our team. These activities provide an informal setting for staff to unwind, connect with each other outside of work protocols, and build a sense of family and togetherness. It's a reminder that we're not just colleagues—we're a family.

Our staff's reflections beautifully articulate the impact of these gatherings:

Deborah Solomon, a Senior Project Support Coordinator  from our Kano office, shares, "TGIF is the highlight of my month! The games, the singing, the laughter—it's the perfect way to unwind. I feel deeply connected to my colleagues, and it's wonderful to see everyone let their guard down and just have fun!"

Ibrahim Adepoju, who is part of our network administration team, adds, "The last Friday of the month is something I eagerly await. The activities help me de-stress, and I've discovered so many hidden talents among my colleagues! It's a fantastic way to wrap up the month."

From Abuja, Diligence Saviour Albert, a member of our business application team, remarks, "I've always believed in work-life balance, and the TGIF initiative reinforces that. From board games to karaoke, there's something for everyone. It's not just about relaxation; these moments enhance our teamwork and make us look forward to the challenges ahead."

Similarly, Onyeka Onwuama, an associate project manager in our Borno office, reflects, "These gatherings are not just for fun; they're essential to our well-being. Connecting with colleagues over a game of chess or a song builds a support system that transcends professional relationships. It's refreshing and, honestly, a major morale booster."

Our TGIF tradition is embedded in our core belief at eHealth Africa: we are as dedicated to our staff's well-being as we are to the communities we serve. Creating spaces for our team to relax, connect, and recharge is not just about building a positive work culture; it's a fundamental part of our success story. As we continue to strive for excellence in building a stronger health system in Africa, we remain equally committed to nurturing a work environment where staff are appreciated, celebrated, and cared for—ensuring that at eHealth Africa, every last Friday isn’t just the end of a month, but a celebration of the people who make our mission possible.

Collaboration is at the core of eHA’s culture

By Juliana Jacob

Collaboration across all stakeholders is key to the success of projects. It guarantees that stakeholder inputs can be taken into account early on, risks managed and that project objectives can be agreed upon, which benefits stakeholders and teams. 

We believe that building a culture where employees feel comfortable supporting one another is one of the best ways to maximize effectiveness across different aspects of their work. We have several activities in place where cross-functional teams at eHealth Africa collaborate. With teams working on multiple projects, the need for collaboration is more important than ever.

Here are 3 ways teams collaborate at eHA:

Programs & Impact Meeting
At the program team’s monthly time-out, participants share project highlights, challenges and lessons learnt. Team members celebrate their achievements at this meeting, share experiences, and learn from each other. It is also an excellent opportunity for new team members to learn about what everyone else has been working on throughout the month, and for existing team members to expand on their previous presentations.

In May, the Global Health Facility Database (GHFD) project team shared that the team successfully finalized desk research for all countries to better understand the existing health facility list. Data collection was from open-source platforms hosted by a variety of agencies. From these highlights, other team members have a better understanding of projects' progress.

Quarterly Review Meeting (QRM)

Every quarter, the review meeting is a chance for us to really dig into projects' performance as program managers share more than just project highlights. During this quarterly 3-day meeting, the executive team and other internal stakeholders get more structured updates on all the ongoing projects. Program Managers describe the project goals, resources, management and milestones, budget status, delivery dates, plans, etc. At eHA we aim for overall project success, and we believe structured meetings like this one are an important part of that process.

Program & Impact Retreat

Our annual Program and Impact directorate goal-setting retreat and knowledge-sharing forum provide an opportunity for teams to brainstorm and identify new focus areas and discuss challenges, and lessons learnt from previous projects. The 2022 P & I retreat which was held in February this year ended with a town hall meeting. It was an engaging session. We divided participants into smaller groups to maximize the opportunity.

Employees at the Abuja office

The more we can collaborate, the better we perform. Our team at eHealth Africa is constantly working towards providing quality solutions by working together collaboratively. Not only do we collaborate, but these opportunities also allow us to foster good relationships among our team members. We work together, share information and support each other to improve our performance. As a collective, we will continue to strengthen Health Systems across Africa.

eHealth Africa: getting ahead of Breast Cancer through awareness

By Favour Oriaku

Kano, Nigeria

Staff who attended the training physically at the eHealth Africa's HQ office in Kano State.

18 years ago, Hauwa Garba, witnessed a family friend go through breast cancer and eventually lost her. She had never heard of cancer. It was a painful experience that stuck with her. It left her terrified.

Over the years, Hauwa has lost others - colleagues and friends to several forms of cancer. “It is never an easy experience to see a loved one dying gradually. Awareness of breast cancer and other cancers is very important. It is consoling to know that early detection can help save lives.” She said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. 685,000 deaths were recorded globally, and significant differences in breast cancer mortality rates have been evidenced among countries. As expected, low- and middle-income countries had increasing mortality rates. A study has revealed that a lack of awareness and early detection programs in developing countries is the reason for escalating mortality.

To commemorate Breast Cancer Day, eHealth Africa partnered with EHA Clinics to host a training session for the entire eHA workforce including Hauwa who is a procurement manager at the organization. The training addressed misconceptions about breast cancer, including those Hauwa had held for so long. It also reminded participants of the importance of early detection in fighting the disease. The session was anchored by Dr. Mujidat Babah, who has a verifiable track record of applying medical knowledge to the diagnosis, prevention, and management of diseases in both clinical and public health settings. She gave information on how mammogram works, new discoveries in treating breast cancer, as well as adopting the right lifestyle as a preventive measure for not contracting the disease.

Hauwa Abdulmutalib-Garba, Manager, Procurement and Asset, eHealth Africa

“I used to believe that mammograms were dangerous because of the radiation, but during the training, I learned that the radiation level used for a mammogram is insignificant.”

— Hauwa Abdulmutalib-Garba

Asked what other lessons she'd take away from this session for other women who share similar misconceptions about breast cancer, Hauwa committed to encouraging women to examine their breasts regularly for lumps and squeeze the nipple to see if any liquid comes out. She would also advise them to go for a medical examination if anything felt strange. 

The training brought together all staff of eHA Africa and staff of the eHA clinics in Kano, including their family and friends. Another Participant Aisha Bello, also commented “the training was an eye-opener for me. It was also quite revealing to me to learn that men could also get breast cancer. I always thought it was entirely a women’s issue"

eHealth Africa is intentional about staff health and well-being and continues to prioritize it at all times through insightful trainings and sebinars to optimize their performance and general well-being.

eHealth Africa: Making Mental Health a Priority

By Emmanuel Uko

Discussions about mental health are becoming popular. However, the gap between reliable information and positive action remains to be bridged. One of those who experienced this information gap is Farid Suleiman, an intern at eHealth Africa. He believed that mental health interventions could only take place in psychiatric units. For Farid, this is now changing.

“My perspective has improved. I now know that being overworked  and stressed, and the quality of my social interaction directly correlate to the state of our mental health”, he said.

All staff at eHealth Africa participated in the campaign, either virtually or physically.

For the 2022 World Mental Health Day, eHealth Africa created a forum where Farid and the rest of the eHealth workforce would learn, following the theme: “Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority”. The learning session was anchored by a mental health expert and public speaker, Chidi Chukwudi-Madu. The session opened with a clarification that there is no physical health without mental health. It explored the relationship between pressure, stress and mental health. The learning forum presented facts, causes and red flags associated with the topic of the day and how they relate to the workplace.

Mental health issues are prevalent amongst young people especially in low income countries. According to WHO, one in four adults experience mental health issues annually and nearly 1 billion people live with a mental health disorder. More so, one out of ten young people experiences a mental health problem; three out of four of these have their onset by the age of twenty, and about 50% of mental health disorders start by the age of fourteen. 11% of 18 – 34-year-olds report having attempted suicide and 16% report self-harm at some stage in their lives. 

It is estimated that by the year 2032, depression will put more burden on countries than any other disease. There is, therefore, a need for more interventions around mental health management, especially in the workplace, which potentially has multiple stressors.

Anchoring the learning event on mental health, Ms Chukwudi-Madu emphasized three key points on prioritizing mental health at work:

Farid Suleiman’s perspective on mental health topics has changed.

1. At the workplace, three out of ten employees develop mild mental health issues annually, for varied reasons. Individuals must therefore, ensure work-life balance, talk with friends, keep active creatively and learn new productivity skills.

2. Red flags to watch out for include social withdrawal, decline in work performance, deteriorating physical appearance, frequent headaches, poor judgments and indecision. Other red flags include unexplained changes in eating and sleeping patterns, self-harming behaviors, emotional numbness, frequent tearfulness and poor memory.

3. Managers should hold regular check-ins with employees, enable people to connect, review workloads, encourage discussions and promote learning at the workplace.

Mohammed Bello, a Project Manager at eHealth described the session as, “An eye-opener and a wake-up call to be deliberate about mental health, especially in the workplace where employees spend most of their time”.

Adama Shallangwa, an Intern with eHealth Africa, added, “This session has opened me up to the responsibility of mutual support towards remaining mentally healthy and productive at work and at home, understanding that it is okay not to be okay.”

Asked what he would do differently after the campaign, Farid expressed, “Now that I know better, I will be deliberate about my state of mind, think positively, rest adequately, avoid stress and most importantly, treat people well and add value to the wellbeing of others.”

eHealth Africa, one of Nigeria’s #BestPlacesToWork, continues to use innovative ways to enable its workforce access relevant information that add value to their personal and professional productivity.