Month: September 2025

Published by Action Against Hunger.

In Somalia, where conflict, displacement, and fragile health systems create immense challenges, maternal and newborn health often hangs in the balance. Mothers-to-be face some of the highest risks in the world; the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the maternal mortality rate in Somalia is 563 per 100,000 live births, compared to the world average of 197. Action Against Hunger is working with partners and the Government of Somalia to change that reality with the Damal Caafimaad project, ensuring women and children can access life-saving care.

What is the Damal Caafimaad Project, and What is Action Against Hunger’s Role? 

Funded by the World Bank and implemented with partners like Action Against Hunger, the Damal Caafimaad project has been transforming care delivery in some of the most remote and crisis-affected areas since 2021. By tackling systemic barriers, Damal Caafimaad improves both the availability and quality of health services, with a long-term goal of reducing preventable maternal and child deaths across Somalia.

Action Against Hunger works closely with a wide range of stakeholders in the project like the Government of Somalia and community leaders to ensure the solutions are locally owned and led. For this project, we are working in over 92 facilities in the Bay and Bakool regions of Somalia to support health systems strengthening with activities like:

• Expanding maternal, neonatal, and child health services, including emergency obstetric care, family planning, and newborn intensive care.
• Increasing immunization coverage, nutrition support, and disease surveillance.
• Providing care for survivors of gender-based violence.
• Rehabilitating facilities to ensure functionality and patient safety, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.
• Integrating social safeguards into healthcare, with strong emphasis on community engagement and the inclusion of minority groups and persons with disabilities.
• Complementing the World Bank’s supply of medicines, equipment, and improving data systems for stronger health management.
• Enhancing regional and district health management structures through improved coordination, joint supportive supervision, and capacity‑building training.

Action Against Hunger’s deep ties to local communities make it a vital partner to the Damal Caafimaad project. With nine mobile health teams reaching remote areas, Action Against Hunger reaches people who might otherwise go without care and, when needed refers them to Damal Caafimaad-supported facilities. A wide network of about 384 trained community health workers active across ten regions further strengthens this link by raising awareness, detecting malnutrition, and connecting patients with hospitals and clinics. This community-based approach helps bridge the gap between families and the formal health system, ensuring that lifesaving care reaches even the hardest-to-reach households.

A Mother’s Story: Maryan’s Fight for Life 

At 38 weeks pregnant, Maryan Moalin Abdullahi, a 39-year-old mother arrived at Bayhaaw General Hospital in Bay region in critical condition. She was struggling to breathe, and her blood pressure was dangerously high. Maryan had come from Saakow, Middle Juba, one of the poorest regions in Somalia and where access to healthcare can be limited. Her relatives pooled money so she could be brought by auto rickshaw (or tuk-tuk) over 150 miles to receive care.

The Bayhaaw General Hospital is supported through the Damal Caafimaad project, the Government of Somalia’s flagship program to expand access to essential health services for women, children, and displaced families in underserved regions.

Once Maryan arrived there, the medical team immediately placed her on oxygen and IV fluids and administered vital medications. Still, her condition continued to worsen, and they prepared her for an emergency Caesarean section.

“I was terrified when I arrived, unsure if I would survive,” Maryan recalled. “But the care I received gave me hope and strength to keep fighting.”

Maryan and her baby survived the delivery, but both were in critical condition. Maryan was diagnosed with a chronic heart condition that had worsened during pregnancy, and she had to be treated in the ICU. Her baby boy, Abdullahi Ali, was born prematurely and weighed only four pounds. He was cold, had difficulty breathing and his blood sugar was low. Abdullahi Ali needed intensive neonatal care including oxygen and glucose to survive.

With quality treatment and support from medical staff, both mother and child recovered. Abudllahi Ali’s weight rose to 5 pounds within a week, and Maryan’s condition improved. Now, they are comfortably at home. Abdullahi Ali is breastfeeding well and growing stronger by the day. Maryan’s husband, Ali, is grateful for the care they received: “Seeing my wife and son overcome such a difficult time is a blessing. The hospital’s care saved their lives.”

Maryan is still on medication for her heart condition and has regular follow-up visits. Her ongoing treatment is managed in Saakow with the help of Action Against Hunger community health workers.

“We closely monitor her progress,” said Dr. Abdullahi Hassan Hussein, a physician at Bayhaaw General Hospital who was involved in Maryan’s treatment. “We stay in contact with the family, and our community health workers keep the hospital informed from within the community.” His work, along with that of other health staff, is made possible through the Damal Caafimaad project, which supports training and salaries, ensuring that health professionals can continue serving families in some of Somalia’s most underserved areas.

Maryan’s story is just one example of how investing in maternal health saves lives. Since January 2025, Bayhaaw General Hospital has performed four safe Caesarean deliveries and supported over 670 births. The hospital is one of 56 facilities in Bay region strengthened through Damal Caafimaad with equipment, supplies, staff training, and salaries. Together, these investments are giving mothers the chance to survive childbirth, babies the chance to thrive, and families the chance to hope for a healthier future.

The Future of Healthcare in Somalia 

Somalia has made important strides in expanding access to healthcare despite decades of conflict and crisis. Investments like the Damal Caafimaad project have strengthened public health facilities, trained health workers, and provided vital equipment and medicines to communities that were once out of reach. Through these efforts, Somalia has seen dramatic increases in the quality, availability, and uptake of care. To name a few:

• The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has nearly halved since 2000, reports the WHO.
• Child immunization rates have risen from 24% in 2012 to 70% in 2024, according to UNICEF.
• A 2023 study found that healthcare seeking for children under five with diarrhea has jumped 49% between 2006 and 2020 in rural areas.

These achievements are building a foundation of trust in the health system and demonstrating that, with the right support, Somalia can make lasting progress in reducing preventable deaths.

However, Somalia’s gains are now at risk. This year, international budget cuts to humanitarian aid threaten to reduce the very resources that have made these improvements possible. Six health facilities and 15 mobile health teams supported by Action Against Hunger were closed due to USAID funding cuts. Without these options for care, more people are relying on Damal Caafimaad clinics, and their capacity is strained. For mothers and children in particular, these cuts could mean longer journeys to reach care, increased risk during childbirth, and more preventable loss of life. Without sustained investment, the trajectory of Somalia’s health system could shift backwards, putting vulnerable families in even greater danger.

While the Damal Caafimaad project has already made significant progress in improving the quality and access of care in Somalia, there is still much work to be done — about 70% of the project’s supported facilities need further rehabilitation. Action Against Hunger is eager to continue partnering with the project and strengthening Somalia’s health system. With sustained support, Somalia can move closer to a future where every mother like Maryan can give birth in a safe environment, and every child like Abdullah Ali has the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Director elections can be a powerful tool for investors to weigh in on ineffective boards.

Most conversations around proxy voting focus on shareholder proposals and executive compensation. Meanwhile, the most significant votes tend to fly under the radar: director elections. Boards of directors play a vital role in representing shareholder interests by overseeing a company’s strategic direction, monitoring management and ensuring accountability for the creation of long-term value.

Director-election votes can be a powerful tool for weighing in on material governance issues. Increasingly, investors are doing just that. In the 2024 proxy season, directors who chaired their board’s nominating and governance committees received 5% more dissenting votes on average, reflecting investors’ willingness to hold specific directors accountable for board composition and broad governance concerns.

Beyond conventional governance issues like director independence or shareholder rights, we have leveraged director elections to convey our perspective on issues ranging from product safety and quality to executive compensation to strategic transactions.

A Higher-Quality Board May Bolster Performance

Our votes are always aimed at improving investment outcomes by promoting good governance. While there are countless reasons that a company may underperform its peers, we have found a clear link between our assessment of a board’s effectiveness (as measured by our director votes) and a company’s future stock performance.

Since 2017, US companies with boards warranting our full support have gone on to deliver stronger median and average stock returns the ensuing year (Display). The results show a strong, consistent correlation across nearly all sectors and company sizes. Simply put, when a board doesn’t meet our expectations, it’s generally a leading indicator of underperformance.

What Makes a Board Effective?

The board of directors is critical in overseeing management’s performance, composition and compensation. An effective board is necessary to managing the risks to a company’s operations and financial performance. Directors of public companies are ultimately responsible for ensuring that management acts in the best financial interests of all shareholders. Effective governance is often most visible during corporate turnarounds, where alignment between management and shareholders is essential.

No matter the company or sector, effective boards are defined by their composition, structure and actions. High-quality board composition entails majority-independent oversight, and a variety of skills and backgrounds, without attendance issues or excessive outside commitments. Structural mechanisms such as formal board committees, majority-vote standards and annual director elections ensure accountability. Lastly, boards demonstrate effectiveness through their actions: aligning pay with performance, ensuring disciplined allocation of capital and engaging with shareholders.

Naturally, not all boards meet these criteria. If we determine that a board’s structure or actions aren’t aligned with our clients’ best financial interests, we may hold relevant directors accountable, which is consistent with our fiduciary duty.

How does this work in practice? At a major US bank, we recognized historical governance shortcomings such as fraud, risk-management failures, workplace misconduct and broad misalignment with shareholders. We then engaged* in a multiyear dialogue with its board and senior leaders, consistently voting against relevant directors. Ultimately, the bank implemented improved oversight mechanisms as a part of a larger cultural overhaul, in addition to improving management incentives.

Keep Your Eye on the Board

We believe that investors should stay focused on a simple question: Is the board delivering for shareholders? Our research shows a clear connection: disappointing boards tend to deliver disappointing results, while boards earning our full support historically outperformed in the following year.

Boards perform best when they know investors are watching. Director-election votes may not make headlines, but they’re where investors’ voices matter most.
 

^{*AB engages issuers where it believes the engagement is in the best financial interest of its clients.}

^{Landon Shea, Investment Stewardship Associate, and Cole Moore, Investment Stewardship Analyst, contributed significantly to the research for this blog.}

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations, do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to change over time.

Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Four years ago, Taylor Brown received a bone marrow transplant at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as treatment for severe aplastic anemia. To honor the anniversary of her transplant, 16-year-old Taylor was deeply inspired to give back in a meaningful way, using her Make-a-Wish to donate a mobile music therapy cart to ensure even more patients get to experience the healing benefits of music therapy.

After her diagnosis, Taylor underwent four rounds of chemotherapy before finding a 100% match for a bone marrow transplant — her sister. So, in 2021, she received the transplant and spent several months in the bone marrow transplant unit.

“Being in the bone marrow transplant wing meant being totally quarantined, which was very isolating,” said Taylor. “The music therapy program was a source of strength and comfort for me during that time — that’s the power of music.”

Today, anyone walking the halls of this unit will likely hear the sounds of music being made by patients. Working with Make-A-Wish Georgia, Taylor recently presented a state-of-the-art instrument cart for the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. The specially designed cart, called “Taylor’s Music Mover,” is equipped with high-quality instruments and recording technology, giving patients a unique opportunity to create music and record music videos.

The music therapy program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center allows patients to experience the hope, joy and healing that music can bring. Music therapists use instruments to help children cope with anxiety, express emotions and connect with others.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is a national leader among childhood cancer, hematology and blood and marrow transplant programs. Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation have given more than $191 million to help fund programs, like this one, that focus on research and care for childhood cancer and blood disorders.

Learn more about the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at www.choa.org/medical-services/cancer-and-blood-disorders.

Z2500816
EXP 9/26
 

“It’s so important to know your numbers. As someone living with diabetes and other health conditions, I hadn’t had a kidney screening before, so I was really glad to get one for free today.”

Quote from DaVita community health event

Research shows that Americans only go to the doctor when they feel sick.
In fact, nearly two in three people have a reactive approach to their health, rather than a proactive one — making appointments only when something feels “extremely wrong.”^[1] And in 2021, nearly 20% of adults hadn’t seen a doctor in the previous 5 years.^[2]

Barriers such as lack of insurance, limited time or inadequate transportation, combined with the often-intimidating environment of traditional clinics, worsen health disparities and restrict access to care.

Community health events present a powerful response to systemic barriers in healthcare. By bringing essential screenings and health education directly into trusted community spaces, these initiatives enhance individuals’ comfort and confidence in managing their health^[3]— ultimately supporting better health outcomes.^[4]

“It’s important to have these kinds of things because people don’t always have access or make time to go to the doctor. But if you got this, at least it gives you something to take back to your primary care. I’m so glad DaVita is here doing this for us.”

Quote from DaVita community health event

Building on past successes, DaVita is launching this year’s Community Health Experience, a strategic, three-city initiative targeting Orlando, Houston, and Los Angeles.

These areas were identified as having significant barriers to healthcare access. In response, DaVita will host free health education sessions and no-cost screenings for diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease. These screenings are crucial for early detection, enabling timely interventions that can slow disease progression and reduce the burden of advanced chronic conditions, directly impacting clinical outcomes in chronic disease management.

The strength of these events lies in meeting people where they are — in familiar spaces. Even a single interaction can equip individuals with essential knowledge and resources, encouraging greater engagement in their health journey and supporting long-term improvements.

“When I saw the news story about free health screenings, I knew I had to bring my whole family. We lost our insurance and haven’t been able to see a doctor in over a year.”

Quote from DaVita community health event

Learn More

The Community Health Experience kicks off on August 14 in Orlando. More information can be found at CommunityHealth.DaVita.com.
 

^{[1] https://talker.news/2023/10/16/2-in-3-only-see-a-doctor-when-something-feels-extremely-wrong/ 
[2] https://www.onlinedoctor.com/nearly-1-in-5-americans-havent-seen-a-doctor-in-over-five-years/ 
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10425604/ 
[4] https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2012.1061}

DALLAS, September 5, 2025 /3BL/ – Mary Kay Inc., a global beauty powerhouse with 60+ years of innovation, is furthering its mission of enriching the lives of women worldwide with the launch of Miss Conceptions. This bold new social media series leans into “real talk” to address longstanding myths about the brand with humor, authenticity, and cultural relevance. Through short-form, shareable content, Miss Conceptions introduces a fresh digital persona that empowers the next generation of beauty lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs while sharing facts about the company.

Crafted to resonate with Gen Z and Millennial consumers, Miss Conceptions brings “no filters, just facts” to TikTok, Instagram and beyond – debunking misconceptions like “Isn’t Mary Kay just for grandmas?” and “Is Mary Kay still around?” The series also reclaims the brand’s iconic status. From the pink Cadillac to its role in shaping countless women’s first beauty experiences, Mary Kay’s legacy extends far beyond products. Today, the company leverages its heritage to fuel forward-looking growth by modernizing its voice, embracing innovation, driving global social impact, and empowering women to define success on their own terms.

“Mary Kay has always been about more than makeup – it’s about changing women’s lives,” said Candie Rodriguez, Vice President, Marketing & Sales Support, Mary Kay. “For over six decades, we’ve been honored with global recognition for our innovation, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, but the most powerful legacy is the millions of women whose lives have been touched by Mary Kay. Through Miss Conceptions, we’re reintroducing ourselves to today’s consumer – while reminding the next generation that Mary Kay is a place where beauty and opportunity meet.”

At a time when consumers are not only beauty savvy but brand savvy – and constantly inundated with purchasing options and conflicting information – Miss Conceptions breaks through the clutter with a fresh voice that speaks directly and confidently. Mary Kay drew inspiration for the “Miss Conceptions” persona from today’s rising beauty consumers – playful trendsetters who thrive on creativity as well as ambitious, boundary-pushers. The character embodies this mix of energy: bold in her approach to beauty, authentic in her outlook, and confident in her pursuit of progress. By culminating these traits, Miss Conceptions reframes Mary Kay as a modern, social-driven path that resonates with the next generation of beauty lovers and entrepreneurs.

The launch of this series builds upon Mary Kay’s commitment to the next generation of brand loyalists and business owners, which includes:

• Mary Kay^® Skin Care: a customizable line for younger consumers who are not ready for age-defying products yet.
• AI Foundation Finder: a first in direct selling industry, this intuitive technology is designed to help consumers effortlessly find their foundation match, while empowering Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants to guide their customers in finding the right match from their phones.
• Brand Refresh: sleek new packaging that balances heritage with bold, modern design and commitments to product stewardship.

In 2024, nearly 30% of new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants were under the age of 35², and today, 38% of the brand’s social following is made up of Next Gen audiences³. Miss Conceptions is designed to accelerate this momentum—further expanding reach, reshaping perceptions, and supporting the next wave of Mary Kay brand lovers.

The Miss Conceptions social media series begins this September on Mary Kay’s social platforms (@marykayus) and will run through December. Content will also extend beyond organic channels through paid placements across connected TV (Hulu/Disney+, Peacock, Max, Paramount, Discovery+) and digital out-of-home advertising, ensuring the message reaches Next Gen audiences wherever they are consuming content.

About Mary Kay
One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykay.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

¹ Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data.

² Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2024 U.S. data.

³ Source: Mary Kay Inc., 2025 U.S. data.

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