SFH Nigeria Website 
News and Photo Stories -Week 46
-
by
SFH IN THE NEWS
OgunRadio, 11 November 2024
OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES COMMITMENT TO THE REVERSAL OF MORTALITY RATE OF UNDER FIVE YEAR OLD CHILDREN.
The Ogun state government is focusing on arresting the upward trend in the mortality rate of under-five year-old children and pregnant women by promoting the utilisation of insecticide treated nets in households.
The Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele made this known this Monday during her investiture as the Net Ambassador for the period of 2024 through 2027 by the Society for Family Health (SFH).
According to the Deputy Governor, malaria negatively impacts the health, lives and livelihood of the population, therefore the need to drastically reduce the incidence among the people, adding that increasing advocacy on the utilisation of insecticide treated nets (ITN) will go a long way in achieving the objective.
Engineer Salako-Oyedele who lauded the SFH and other partners for choosing Ogun as a major beneficiary of the ITN distribution, noted that the state fully supports the distribution campaign and its lofty goals, just as she assured the partners of the adequate participation of the people in the exercise.
Click here to read more
Punch, 11 November 2024
Ogun pledges support for malaria campaign with 3.1 million nets
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Monday, stated that the state would leave no stone unturned to ensure the successful campaign and distribution of approximately 3.1 million insecticide-treated nets in the state.
She stressed that the success of the net distribution and utilisation would play a vital role in reversing the growing mortality rate among children under five and combating the incidence of malaria in the state.
The deputy governor made this disclosure during her decoration as the ITN ambassador for the state for the period 2024 to 2027 by the Society for Family Health. The ceremony took place during the SFH’s advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.
Speaking after her decoration, Salako-Oyedele said, “The state government will do everything within its capacity to ensure the successful distribution and utilisation of the insecticide-treated nets.
Click here to read more
Periscope, 11 November 2024
SFH, Taraba govt enhance health education with training of 1,111 teachers
The Society for Family Health, in partnership with Taraba State Ministry of Education, with funding from UNESCO, on Monday said it will train 1,111 teachers on Education for Health and Well-being of students in the state.
Aisha Dadi, the SFH Programme Director, disclosed the development during the advocacy and sensitisation meeting on Education for Health and Well-being, organised by the Society for Family Health in Jalingo.
She explained that the idea was to enhance the well-being of students in Primary and secondary schools, considering the growing population of adolescents and youth in West Central Africa, as well as the WCA commitment to promote education, healthy, and resilient adolescents among young people across 25 countries of the region.
Click here to read more
SFH ACTIVITIES
ICHSSA 3 and KPCARE 2 Projects receives USAID Awards
We are excited to announce that two of our projects—ICHSSA 3 and KPCARE 2—have been honoured with prestigious awards from USAID, recognising our commitment to excellence and innovation in service delivery.
The Honor Award for Innovation in Child and Household Services was presented to our ICHSSA 3 project for Excellence in Child and Household Services Provision. Also, the Honor Award for Excellence in Service Delivery and Key Population Safeguarding was awarded to our KPCARE 2 project, recognising its Outstanding Commitment to Service Delivery and the Safety of Key Populations.
These awards, received by our project staff on behalf of the projects, were proudly presented to our Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho. These achievements reflect SFH continued dedication to impactful service, and we are honoured to be recognised for our efforts in making a difference.
SFH at Union Conference 2024
Exciting moments at the Union World Conference on Lung Health in Bali, Indonesia.
SFH is excited to announce that we are live and participating in the prestigious Union World Conference on Lung Health in Bali, Indonesia, taking place from November 12th to 16th, 2024. This global event, hosted in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia, will gather a diverse community of researchers, health professionals, government representatives, and advocates, all committed to addressing lung health issues, particularly tuberculosis (TB). Notably, this year marks the first time the Union Conference will be held in Indonesia, offering an exceptional platform for knowledge sharing and global collaboration to improve lung health and fight TB worldwide. SFH is contributing by presenting impactful abstracts focused on key insights from our fieldwork in Kano State, Nigeria. Topics include “Impact of TB-Related Stigma on People with TB, Their Contacts, and the Larger Society” by Jane Adizue and “Understanding Barriers to TB Service Uptake in Kano State: Applying Behaviour Change Theory Perspectives” by Abdullahi Yola. These presentations reflect SFH’s ongoing commitment to tackling TB stigma and enhancing service uptake through targeted interventions.
Investiture of Ogun State Deputy Governor as Net Ambassador for 2024 ITN Mass Distribution Campaign
Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, has been reinvested as the Net Ambassador for the 2024 Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Mass Distribution Campaign. The investiture ceremony took place at the Deputy Governor’s office conference hall on Monday, November 11, 2024. The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who led the State Ministry of Health team. Dr. Festus Soyinka, Director of Public Health, staff from the State Malaria Elimination Program (SMEP) and State Primary Health Care Development Board (SPHCDB), as well as Pharmacist Christopher Dangana, Society for Family Health (SFH) Project Director, and a representative from BASF, Country Technical Consultant for EOLIN Nigeria, were also present.
Pharm. Christopher Dangana in his remark stated that, the campaign is of critical importance for malaria elimination, one that ensures life-saving treated mosquito nets reach the homes and hands of those most at risk of malaria. He commended her dedication to end malaria which is not only inspiring but also transformative for the communities of Ogun State. According to Pharm Christopher “Through your unwavering advocacy and commitment, we have seen firsthand the positive impact on people’s lives, health, and wellbeing. As the face of this campaign, you bring credibility, compassion, and a voice that resonates deeply with our communities. You’ve shown that a Net Ambassador is more than a title; it is a call to action, a promise to protect lives, and a pledge to create a healthier Ogun State for all”.
During her address, the Deputy Governor expressed her deep appreciation for SFH efforts and progress in previous ITN campaigns, highlighting the positive impact of these initiatives on reducing malaria transmission across Ogun State. Upon receiving requests from SFH team lead, Engr. Salako-Oyedele pledged her continued support for SFH and the Ministry of Health to drive proper net usage in communities and increase awareness of malaria prevention measures.
As the campaign’s Net Ambassador, Engr. Salako-Oyedele will play a key role in advocacy, public engagement, and community mobilisation to ensure that every distributed ITN reaches its intended beneficiaries. Her responsibilities will include promoting the proper and consistent use of ITNs, mobilising community leaders and influencers to support the campaign, and collaborating with health agencies to reduce malaria rates across Ogun State.
A ceremonial sash, plaque, and certificate were presented to the Deputy Governor, reaffirming her role as Net Ambassador from 2024 to 2027. This honour underscores her commitment and previous achievements in advancing Ogun State’s malaria prevention efforts.
At SFH, we remain committed to providing not only insecticide-treated nets but also continuous education and community support, ensuring that every family understands the role they play in the fight to end Malaria.
SFH at the PSN 97th Annual National Conference
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) recently held its 97th Annual National Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, with the theme – Transforming Pharmaceutical Innovations to Facilitate Equitable Healthcare in an Emerging Economy. Our Deputy Managing Director, Programme Delivery – Pharm. Kene Eruchalu led the SFH team at the conference. Other SFH team members present were the Deputy Chief of Party, IntegratE – Pharm. Michael Alagbile, Programme Manager, PACS project – Pharm. Sebastine Ikejide, Communications & Knowledge Management Advisor – Pharm. Jane Egbuchiem, Kano State Technical Advisor – Pharm. Sa’ad Koki, Health Policy Officer, African Region – Pharm. Yusuf Hassan and Lagos State Team Lead, EPharma4FP – Pharm. Chiamaka Egbosi. Pharmacists from the public and private sectors including – academia, hospital, community, manufacturing, regulatory, military, research, informatics and non-governmental organisations also converged at the Ibom Hall, Uyo.
Notable dignitaries at the occasion were – Representatives of the Governor of Akwa Ibom state – Pastor Umo Eno and the Coordinating Minister of Health – Prof. Muhammad A. Pate, His Royal Majesty – Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, Pharm. Ibrahim B. Ahmed – Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), past PSN Presidents, past PCN Registrars, PSN Board of Fellows, State Directors of Pharmaceutical Services, delegates from the PCN, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF) and pharmacists from the diaspora.
Interactive discussions, presentations and technical working group meetings centred on novel initiatives and emerging issues in healthcare were held during the conference. These insightful sessions highlighted giant strides made by pharmacists in the public and private sectors and showcased how pharmacists can be better equipped, and well-positioned to provide quality health services and make an invaluable impact in the communities they reside. Elections were conducted for different PSN executive positions and Pharm. Ayuba T. Ibrahim was elected as the new PSN President. The Centre of Commerce – Kano State will host the 98th Annual National PSN Conference in 2025.
GF N-THRIP Project Holds Training to Strengthen Harm Reduction Efforts in Kwara State
Society for Family Health (SFH), through the Global Fund Nigeria – Tuberculosis/HIV Reach Impact Project (N-THRIP), organised a 3-day Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) training at Wingate Exotic Hotel, Kwara State. This training was pivotal for advancing harm reduction efforts in the state, focusing on empowering service providers with essential skills to enhance HIV prevention among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID).
The training convened key stakeholders, including representatives from the Kwara State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KWASACA), Kwara State AIDS/STI Control Program (SASCP), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) as the principal recipient, Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), PWID community facilitators, outreach workers, and SFH staff.
Participants benefited from the expertise of experienced facilitators, including Pharmacist Nonso Maduka, Executive Director – Benesther Development Foundation; Dr Joseph Ashivor, Technical Director of the Global Fund N-THRIP Project – SFH; and Professor Alfred Makanjuola, Head of the Psychiatry Department – University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). The training focused on expanding harm reduction initiatives and fostering collaborations to create safer, healthier communities in Kwara State.
Together, we are committed to improving health outcomes and building resilient communities.
SFH Attends First Ever Nigeria Health Sector Wide Joint Annual Review
Society for Family Health (SFH) recently attended the Federal Ministry of Health’s launch of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) at the first ever Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR), held from November 6-8, 2024, in Abuja. The JAR gathered leaders and key stakeholders across Nigeria’s health sector, including former and current Ministers of Health, State Commissioners, development partners, and traditional institutions. SFH was represented by Group Managing Director Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Director of Health Systems Strengthening Dayyabu Mahmud Yusuf, and Country Partnership Coordinator Jennifer Adebambo.
The NHSRII aims to enhance health outcomes across Nigeria by adopting a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) that aligns stakeholders under “One Health Sector Plan, One Budget, One Report, and One Conversation.” This initiative seeks to reduce fragmentation and drive resource mobilisation, programme implementation, and consistent monitoring across all levels of government and partners.
The JAR provided an essential platform for stakeholders to review key reports, including the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023), and evaluate preliminary findings in maternal and child health. Key achievements included the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) and the release of the Nigeria Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report. Additionally, a significant announcement was made on offering free cesarean sections for women in need across Nigeria.
SFH actively participated in shaping the future structure of JAR meetings, contributing recommendations on format, participant engagement, methodology, priority indicators, and state scorecards to enhance subsequent reviews. Through this engagement, SFH reaffirms its commitment to supporting the NHSRII’s vision for equitable health outcomes and sustainable health system reforms in Nigeria.
PROJECT ALERT
Supporting Women’s Increased Access to FP through Pharmacies (SWIFT)
Another project in the bag!
SFH recently signed a contract for the implementation of the “Supporting Women’s Increased Access to FP through Pharmacies” (SWIFT) project in Lagos, Kaduna and Kano states. The SWIFT project funded by BMGF will build on the key achievements of the IntegratE project to scale contextual proven interventions for expanding Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) and also improve women’s livelihood through ownership of small businesses (MSMEs). The three-year grant which commenced this November 2024 and will end in September 2027 will among other things:
Build women’s agency in entrepreneurship and management of small-scale businesses.
Catalyze financial sustainability by supporting aggregation (the establishment of female PPMV cooperatives) to access micro-credits from financial institutions for sustainable financing.
Support the digitization of PPMV’s inventory to reduce stock out and link to the Telemedicine facility to improve quality of care.
Increase women’s ownership of Patent medicine shops (PMS) by facilitating the registration and accreditation of at least 400 new female health-trained PPMVs by PCN, prioritizing the underserved communities.
Increase access and uptake of LARC and primary healthcare services among underserved populations in Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos.
Increase the number of providers trained and providing LARC services within six months after training across the three states.
The SWIFT project aligns with SFH 2024-2030 Strategic Plan (SD 1, 3, and 4), with its entrepreneurship component serving as a key focus within our new strategy and the Presidential Value Chain Initiative in health.
An official project kick-off will be announced soon.
Congratulations to SFH!!!
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY
Grand Challenges Nigeria Official National Launch (and RFP Announcement)
Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) is a pioneering initiative committed to driving innovation that addresses critical development challenges across Nigeria. Our mission is to foster a dynamic ecosystem where innovators, local researchers, and practitioners collaborate to solve complex but relevant local challenges.
By providing funding and capacity building, and leveraging strategic partnerships, we aim to accelerate the advancement and implementation of solutions that improve health outcomes, transform food systems, and promote sustainable development in Nigeria. We will fund cutting-edge, science-driven, multi-disciplinary solutions that are socially contextualised, gender-sensitive, and sustainable. The Grand Challenges model is an experiment in the use of challenges to focus innovation resources on making the most impact at scale.
At this event, His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will unveil the first Request for Proposals (RFPs) call for funding. Below is the registration link for the virtual attendance:
Date and time: Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:30 – 13:30 WAT
This event is organised as a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Development and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will be the Chief Host.
Weekly Quotes/Nuggets
Catch up with some important updates
Stay Updated
- Love to read previous Comms News Reports? Click here
- Hey, amazing content for you to engage with on all our social media platforms. We would love to see your comments, likes and reactions.😍
Feel free to also share our posts.
