SFH Nigeria Website 
News and Photo Stories -Week 47
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by
SFH IN THE NEWS
Punch, 19 November 2024
FG urges action as malaria cases spike in Ogun
The Minister of Health, Ali Pate, has raised concerns over the rising malaria prevalence in Ogun State, which increased from 22 per cent in 2018 to 25 per cent in 2021.
He urged enhanced collaboration to drive the nation towards a zero-malaria target.
Pate, represented by a Director from the ministry, David Oyeleke, made this statement on Monday in Abeokuta during the launch of the distribution of 3.1 million Insecticide-Treated Nets provided by the Society for Family Health in partnership with the Ogun State and Federal Governments, alongside other development partners.
He highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 27 percent of the global malaria burden and 31 percent of global malaria deaths.
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SFH ACTIVITIES
SFH Proudly Presents to you – INTENTIONALITY
As we reflect on four decades of transformative public health work across Nigeria and West Africa, Intentionality echoes SFH relentless commitment to improving lives. Co-authored by Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Dr Jennifer Anyanti FAPH, and Yusuf Hassan Wada, it captures the remarkable journey of SFH, its achievements, key moments, innovative strategies, and the lessons that have shaped our impact over the years.
At the heart of Intentionality is the belief that every individual deserves a healthy and productive life. This guiding principle, championed by SFH founding parents, has driven countless initiatives, from Family Planning and Maternal & Child health to HIV/AIDS prevention and Health Financing, among others. The book also shares SFH challenges and failures, offering a transparent account of the organisation’s journey and the resilience required to overcome obstacles.
Intentionality also discusses SFH leadership in advancing localisation, building impactful partnerships, and fostering innovation. It reflects on the bold risks taken by the organisation, risks that have led to groundbreaking ideas, strengthened public health systems, and improved healthcare access for millions across Africa.
Intentionality is not just history, it is a celebration of our legacy and a push to envision the future of public health with the same intentionality that has driven its success.
INTENTIONALITY: Society for Family Health’s 40-Year Odyssey of Bold Vision, Institutional Resilience, and Enduring Impact
SFH Flags Off Ogun State 2024 ITN Mass Distribution Campaign
SFH, in collaboration with the Ogun State Government, flags off the distribution of over 2.9 million Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs). The official launch of the 2024 ITNs Mass Distribution Campaign was led by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele. The flag-off ceremony, held at the Council of Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on the 18th of November 2024, was attended by dignitaries, stakeholders, and notable health partners in attendance included representatives from the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF.
In her welcome address, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, emphasised Ogun State’s commitment to eradicating malaria. She highlighted the significance of replacement campaigns to ensure that old and worn nets are replaced to maintain protection against malaria. Dr Coker also drew attention to the integration of the End-of-Life Insecticide Net (EOLIN) initiative, which allows for the redemption of old nets to reduce environmental pollution while targeting ITN distribution to populations most at risk of malaria.
The Deputy Governor, in her remarks, expressed concern over the high burden of malaria in the state and low net utilisation, noting that the disease accounts for 60% of outpatient hospital visits and contributes significantly to school absenteeism. She highlighted the government’s commitment to fighting malaria through the provision of antimalarial medicines and routine ITNs at health facilities. “ITNs remain one of the most cost-effective and efficient methods of preventing malaria. This is why the Ogun State Government continues to prioritise their distribution,” Engr. Salako-Oyedele stated. She appealed to religious and community leaders to mobilise their communities to collect and use the nets. While officially flagging off the campaign, she urged the people of Ogun State to play their part by ensuring they sleep inside the nets every night.
Representing Society for Family Health (SFH) Managing Director, the Project Director for Global Fund Malaria, Mr. John Ocholi, commended the Ogun State Government for its exemplary leadership and active participation in the campaign. He assured the state and partners of SFH unwavering commitment to malaria elimination in Nigeria. The highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the symbolic handing over of the insecticide-treated nets to the Ogun State Government, signifying the commencement of the mass distribution campaign. This was followed by the presentation of nets to selected households, emphasising the campaign’s commitment to reaching every corner of the state. To reinforce the importance of proper usage, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, a mother and her child, demonstrated the correct method of sleeping inside the ITN. This practical demonstration served to educate attendees and the public on the efficacy of nets in preventing malaria when used consistently and correctly.
The 2024 ITN Mass Distribution Campaign marks another significant step in SFH fight against malaria, reinforcing SFH leadership in promoting health and well-being in Nigeria
SFH Attends the Official Launch of GCNG by the Vice President of Nigeria
Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNG) hosted a wide array of stakeholders at a one-day event that heralded the official launch of GCNG and RFP announcement. GCNG is a national initiative under the Global Grand Challenges family designed to drive innovation and solve critical health and development challenges in Nigeria.
The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, officially launched GCNG at the Aso Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja highlighting the government’s commitment to driving transformative solutions in the country.
This remarkable event was attended by Mrs Nkiru Nwadioke – SFH Chief Programme Quality Officer who used the opportunity of her participation to showcase SFH Grand Challenges Canada – Adolescent and Young Persons (AYP) project which made a significant impact in the lives of young persons and health care providers in the supported states. The project also introduced an innovative digital medical hub to build the capacity of Healthcare Providers, all geared towards improved and inclusive service delivery for AYPs.
SFH like other development partners look forward to joining hands with the GoN through this initiative to reach the target audience and deliver the anticipated impact country-wide.
SFH at HSR 2024: Showcasing Adaptive Approaches to Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Systems
Society for Family Health (SFH) participated at the 2024 Health Systems Global Symposium, contributing to critical discussions on building a just and sustainable health system. The event, which took place with the theme “Building Just and Sustainable Health Systems: Centering People and Protecting the Planet,” highlighted innovative approaches to addressing global health challenges.
Mrs Roselyn Odeh, SFH-A360 Project Director, led a session on “Implementing Adaptively: Strengthening Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Systems for Access, Justice, and Inclusion.” Her presentation discussed the complexities of fostering equity in health systems while adapting to ever-changing demands.
During the session, she emphasised the importance of responsive strategies that prioritise the needs of vulnerable populations. Drawing from SFH extensive work in maternal, child, and adolescent health, she highlighted examples of adaptive health interventions that improve access, reduce systemic barriers, and promote inclusive policies.
Her contribution underscored SFH commitment to advancing people-centred solutions within health systems, aligning with the symposium’s focus on achieving health for all while safeguarding planetary health.
World Toilet Day – Sanitation for Peace
Let us talk about something we often take for granted, TOILETS.
While they are a daily convenience for many, for billions of people around the world, access to safe sanitation is still a dream. A toilet might seem ordinary, but it is a cornerstone of health, dignity, and even peace. This World Toilet Day spotlights the 3.6 billion people who still lack access to safe sanitation.
- Lack of proper toilets impacts health, dignity, and safety.
- Diseases like cholera and diarrhoea spread faster.
- Every day, unsafe sanitation contributes to diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and more.
- It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially women and girls.
- Conflicts over scarce water resources escalate.
Why does sanitation matter for peace?
Safe toilets mean healthier people, stronger communities, and less tension over resources. They create spaces where everyone can thrive, free from fear, illness, or inequality. This year’s theme, Sanitation for Peace, reminds us that EVERYONE deserves a clean, safe toilet. And it is not just about comfort it is about saving lives and protecting the environment.
Here’s how we can all help:
- Raise awareness: Share facts about sanitation.
- Advocate for change: Support global efforts to improve sanitation access.
- Act locally: Volunteer or donate to hygiene and sanitation projects.
- Support organisations driving global sanitation projects.
Toilets are more than a convenience, they are a human right. Let’s flush away inequality and build a cleaner, healthier future for all. Let us unite for a world where everyone has access to clean and safe toilets. Because when sanitation is universal, we create not just health, but harmony.
Happy International Men’s Day 2024
Cheers to Our Positive Male Role Models at SFH!
On 19th November, we joined the world in celebrating International Men’s Day 2024 under the theme “Positive Male Role Models.” This theme resonates deeply with us at SFH as we recognise the outstanding contributions of the men who inspire us with their strength, kindness, and resilience.
We celebrate the men who champion open conversations about mental health, break down barriers, and create supportive environments where everyone can thrive. Their never-ending commitment to excellence, compassion, and teamwork fuels our mission to ensure healthier lives for all.
Here’s to our remarkable male colleagues and partners – We see you and thank you for being pillars of positivity and progress.
Happy International Men’s Day!
2024 International Fraud Awareness Week – Being a Fraud Fighter
Fraud poses a significant risk to organisations, potentially resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and a loss of trust among stakeholders.
As part of the global effort to combat fraud and promote integrity, this week has been set aside to reflect on the importance of promoting an anti-fraud culture and protecting the integrity of our work.
Download this PDF to learn what fraud is, why it’s important to stop, red flags to look for and ways to prevent fraud.
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