The initiative will focus on training groups from the American Corners in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other areas, including educators and secondary school students, in CPR, First Aid, and emergency response strategies. This program reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to empower youth and positively impact communities.
The initiative is a response to the troubling increase in CVDs and the high rate of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in Nigeria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently identified RTAs as a major cause of mortality among young individuals, particularly in Nigeria and other developing countries. In light of this, HEI and the US Consulate General are dedicated to fostering systemic changes in emergency response practices in Nigeria.
Mr. Paschal Achunine, the Executive Director of HEI and an Ashoka Fellow, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He reflected on the collaborative journey that began 14 months ago with a visit to the Embassy, which included representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps and LFR International from Michigan, USA. Achunine highlighted the initiative's potential for nationwide transformative impact.
“We are thrilled about this partnership and the positive effects it will have on our communities. With the backing of the US Consulate General, we aim to equip young people with life-saving skills, utilizing technology to broaden our outreach,” he remarked. He also emphasized the initiative's significance, noting that it prepares participants with vital skills that can change the culture of response from passive observation—such as taking pictures and videos for social media—to active involvement in emergencies.
This collaboration is vital for improving emergency response capabilities in Nigeria. He urged corporate entities to back the initiative, highlighting its potential to cultivate a culture of accountability and quick action in emergencies.
The program aims to train and equip more than 100 high school students, teachers, and young individuals from American Corners with critical CPR and First Aid skills. Furthermore, it seeks to enroll 250 virtual participants and 100 in-person participants onto HEI’s iResponders mobile app, which is designed to enhance response times and increase survival rates. Plans are also in place to create First Responders clubs in schools and emergency clubs at the American Corners in Lekki and Ikeja to ensure the initiative's long-term viability.
This initiative aligns with HEI’s proven history of delivering timely assistance to accident victims during the crucial “golden hours” and providing essential medical care to underserved patients. To date, HEI has positively impacted over 120,000 individuals and has been recognized as the Best Supporting NGO by the Lagos State Health Service Commission.
The collaboration between the US Consulate-General and HEI represents a substantial milestone in the pursuit of a healthier and safer Nigeria. This partnership aims to empower the next generation with essential competencies to preserve lives and augment emergency response capabilities nationwide.