Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization established in 1995 to promote public health, development and emergency services, particularly among underserved and rural communities. The organization initially supported Nigeria’s efforts to control onchocerciasis and has expanded its work into several public health and inclusive development areas.
HANDS works with communities, government institutions and development partners through advocacy, community mobilization, technical assistance, training, service delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
Mission
To support and promote improved public health, development and emergency services in collaboration with communities, governments and development agencies.
Vision
Quality life with equal opportunities in an inclusive society.
Core Areas of Intervention
Public Health & Disease Control
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
- Onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths
- Disease prevention and mass drug administration
- Community health education and mobilization
- Monitoring, supervision and evaluation
Eye Health
- Primary eye-care services
- Cataract and other eye surgeries
- Trachoma control
- Low-vision services
- Community eye-health awareness and training
Disability Inclusion
- Disability-inclusive development
- Inclusive health services
- Support for people affected by NTD-related disabilities
- Advocacy and community awareness
- Inclusive emergency response
Reproductive Health & Gender
- Reproductive health
- Gender mainstreaming
- Women and girls’ empowerment
- Community sensitization and advocacy
WASH & Community Development
- Inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Community mobilization
- Health education
- Capacity building and community-led interventions
Child Health & Clubfoot
- Clubfoot identification and treatment
- Ponseti-based clubfoot management
- Training of healthcare personnel
- Referral and follow-up support for affected children
Emergency & Humanitarian Support
- Inclusive emergency response
- Support to vulnerable and underserved communities
- Community resilience and humanitarian interventions
Geographic Reach
HANDS operates across multiple parts of Nigeria, with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State. Its programmes have covered states including Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Plateau, Katsina, Sokoto and others, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Its clubfoot programme, for example, has operated through clinics across several Nigerian states.
Target Beneficiaries
- Rural and underserved communities
- Children
- Women and girls
- Persons with disabilities
- People affected by neglected tropical diseases
- People with eye-health conditions
- Vulnerable and marginalized populations
- Community health workers and volunteers
Partnerships and Collaboration
HANDS collaborates with Nigerian government institutions, state governments, communities and international development organizations. Its partners and supporters have included Sightsavers, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, CBM International, MiracleFeet, the Federal Ministry of Health, Plan International and Save the Children, among others.
Careers and Opportunities
Potential career areas within HANDS and similar programmes include:
- Public Health
- Programme Management
- Community Mobilization
- Health Education and Communication
- Disability Inclusion
- Eye Health
- NTD Programme Management
- Monitoring & Evaluation
- Research and Data Management
- Project Coordination
- Gender and Social Inclusion
- WASH
- Finance and Administration
- Procurement and Logistics
- Human Resources
- Advocacy and Partnerships
Focus Areas – HANDS
Public Health • Neglected Tropical Diseases • Eye Health • Disability Inclusion • Clubfoot Treatment • Reproductive Health • Gender Equality • Inclusive WASH • Emergency Response • Community Mobilization • Health Education • Capacity Building • Research & M&E • Child Health • Inclusive Development
