The challenges we face in healthcare, education, climate resilience, food security, and empowerment are backed by stark data, underscoring the urgent need for action. At MUSE Foundation, we go beyond addressing immediate needs—we work to create systemic, lasting change that uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and drives economic stability, social justice, and sustainable development.
Our holistic, evidence-based interventions ensure that no woman, child, or vulnerable group is left behind. By leveraging data-driven solutions and community-driven approaches, MUSE is shaping a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future for all.

1. Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH)
MUSE advocates for comprehensive healthcare services to improve reproductive, maternal, and child health outcomes. Every day, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 94% of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings (WHO, 2023). Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for two-thirds of all maternal deaths globally.
Nigeria contributes 29% of global maternal deaths, with nearly 290,000 maternal deaths annually. A Nigerian woman faces a 1 in 19 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth, compared to 1 in 4,900 in high-income countries (UNICEF, 2023). Additionally, 5 million children under five died in 2021, with newborns accounting for 47% of these deaths. Many could have been prevented with better maternal and neonatal care (UNICEF, 2023).
One in five adolescent girls (15-19 years old) in sub-Saharan Africa has begun childbearing, increasing risks of complications and limiting their life opportunities (UNFPA, 2022). MUSE is committed to ensuring access to quality maternal healthcare, reducing mortality rates, and improving long-term health outcomes for women and children.

2. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet nearly half the world’s population (3.5 billion people) lacks access to essential health services (WHO, 2023). Out-of-pocket healthcare costs push nearly 100 million people into extreme poverty annually (World Bank, 2022).
In Nigeria, approximately 97 million people live below the poverty line, limiting their access to basic health services (NDHS, 2018). Skilled healthcare providers, contributing to high maternal mortality rates, attend only 43% of births. MUSE champions universal healthcare access through traditional and digital rural health initiatives, ensuring that even the most underserved communities receive critical medical care.

3. Food Security
Hunger remains a global crisis, with over 700 million people facing severe food insecurity (FAO, 2023). In Africa, one in five people goes hungry daily. As of 2024, over 31.8 million Nigerians are experiencing acute food shortages due to climate change, conflict, and economic instability (WFP, 2023).
Smallholder farmers—who are mostly women—produce 80% of Africa’s food, yet many lack access to resources to increase productivity (FAO, 2023). MUSE empowers communities by providing tools, training, and resources for sustainable farming, improving food distribution systems, and implementing targeted interventions to combat malnutrition and hunger.

4. Nutrition
Malnutrition is the leading cause of child mortality, contributing to 45% of deaths in children under five (WHO, 2023). Stunting, caused by chronic malnutrition, affects 149 million children worldwide, leading to lifelong cognitive and physical impairments (FAO, 2023).
In Nigeria, 37% of children under five suffer from stunting, and 7% from wasting (severe malnutrition) (NDHS, 2018). MUSE develops targeted nutritional programs, specialized feeding initiatives, and public health campaigns to ensure children receive the nutrition necessary for healthy development.

5. Education Empowerment
Globally, 129 million girls are out of school, with over 60% of illiterate adults being women (UNESCO, 2023). Education is a proven tool for breaking the cycle of poverty—each additional year of schooling can increase a girl’s future income by 10-20% (World Bank, 2023).
In Nigeria, over 10.5 million children are out of school, with girls disproportionately affected (UNESCO, 2023). MUSE ensures access to quality education, scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training, providing young women and men with the skills needed to achieve economic independence and leadership.

6. Climate Change
Climate change disproportionately impacts women, particularly those in rural and low-income areas. Women make up 43% of the agricultural workforce globally, yet they often lack access to resources needed to adapt to climate change (UNEP, 2023).
In Nigeria, desertification, flooding, and extreme heat threaten food security, water access, and economic stability (UNEP, 2022). Women and children represent 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters (UNEP, 2023). MUSE supports women and youth in climate adaptation and resilience, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions that protect both the environment and livelihoods.

7. WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)
Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right, yet 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water, and 4.2billion lack adequate sanitation (WHO/UNICEF, 2023). Poor sanitation contributes to more than 800,000 deaths annually from preventable diseases like diarrhea and cholera (WHO, 2023).
In Nigeria, 60 million people lack access to safe drinking water, and over 80 million lack adequate sanitation services. Only 29% of schools have access to basic water and sanitation services, disproportionately affecting girls (UNICEF, 2023). MUSE prioritizes safe water access, proper sanitation, and hygiene education to prevent disease, reduce mortality rates, and ensure the dignity and safety of women and girls.

8. Research & Data-Driven Solutions
Women’s health and empowerment challenges require evidence-based, inclusive, and impactful strategies. Despite their disproportionate burden, only 1% of global health research funding is dedicated to female-specific health issues (The Lancet, 2023).
Gender data gaps hinder effective policymaking, requiring more investment in research focused on women and girls (UN Women, 2023). MUSE invests in research and data collection to address the unique challenges facing women, children, and marginalized communities. By using research-backed insights, we enhance program effectiveness, inform policy advocacy, and create lasting impact.