US varsity, Stephanie Linus partner to address maternal health issues in Africa

The George Washington University’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility has partnered with Nollywood actress Stephanie Linus‘ Extended Hands Foundation to launch the maternal health and nutrition initiative Africa (MaHNIA). 

In a statement on Thursday, the university said the initiative is designed to address pressing maternal health and nutrition challenges in marginalised African communities, with a focus on empowering women and improving health outcomes.

The statement added that the partnership was officially launched after two screenings of Linus’s award-winning film ‘Dry’ — a powerful portrayal of a 13-year-old Nigerian child bride’s struggle with obstetric fistula. 

“The film set the stage for an engaging panel discussion on maternal health, women’s rights, and the critical role of nutrition in enhancing healthcare systems in Africa,” the statement reads.

“GW’s Global Food Institute and Global Women’s Institute co-hosted the event which included a powerful panel discussion.

“The event provided a platform for candid discussions about the importance of integrating nutrition into maternal health solutions. Universities possess a vast reservoir of knowledge that is often inaccessible. 

“This collaboration, which will leverage expertise from across the GW community, aims to unlock that knowledge by developing a toolkit in partnership with colleagues in Nigeria, focusing on both research and community engagement. By adopting a community-based approach, we will ensure that the toolkit addresses the actual needs and supports meaningful change.”

Linus said through the initiative, women in underserved communities would survive childbirth and thrive afterward.

“Safe motherhood and proper nutrition are not privileges; they are fundamental rights. This initiative combines healthcare and nutrition to create lasting solutions,” she said.

“My film Dry tells the story of just one girl, but her story represents millions of women who suffer in silence. Through this initiative, we are giving a voice to those women and providing real solutions.

“The Maternal Health and Nutrition Initiative Africa is a pivotal step toward addressing the maternal health crisis across Africa. By combining healthcare services with nutrition support and community-driven solutions, the initiative seeks to create lasting change for women and children in underserved communities.”

Tara Scully, director of curriculum development at GW’s Global Food Institute, said nutrition plays a crucial role in maternal care.

“When we talk about healthcare, we must also talk about nutrition. A mother’s nutritional status affects both her health and that of her child. By integrating nutrition education into healthcare, we can improve outcomes for generations to come,” Tara said.