SFH Nigeria Website 
News and Photo Stories -Week 49
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by
SFH IN THE NEWS
Daily Trust, 26 November 2024
SFH@40: Celebrating effective partnership
The Society for Family Health (SFH) marks 40 years of transforming public health in Nigeria, the journey of this organisation stands as evidence of the power of visionary leadership, impactful partnerships, and unyielding resilience. In an exclusive interview, Managing Director Dr Omokhudu Idogho noted that since its inception in 1983, SFH has become a driving force in addressing Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges, touching millions of lives through innovative solutions and evidence-based interventions.
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Vanguard, 28 November 2024
FG, partners, others rain tributes as SFH marks 40 years of impactful services across Nigeria
The federal government, development partners and stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector took turns on Tuesday to pen down glowing tributes to the Society for Family Health, SFH over its impactful services across the country in the last 40 years.
Speaking variously at a commemorative event held in Abuja, where the organisation launched its book, titled:” Intentionality: Society for Family Health’s 40-Year Odyssey of Bold Vision, Institutional Resilience, and Enduring Impact”, they acknowledged the role SFH has played in reshaping the nation’s health sector.
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Guardian, 28 November 2024
FG to adopt comprehensive health systems development
The Federal Government plans to advance health care delivery through a comprehensive development of the health systems and improved quality of life for all Nigerians.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, stated this during the 40th anniversary of the Society for Family Health (SFH) and the launch of the book “Intentionality: Society for Family Health’s 40 Years Odyssey of Bold Vision, Institutional Resilience, and Enduring Impact” in Abuja, said the country is at a crossroads in its health system. He said the global health challenges such as pandemics, the rise of non-communicable diseases, and persistent healthcare inequities require the government to be proactive and strategic in actions that ensure the health of all Nigerians.
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SFH ACTIVITIES
SFH Attends the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference 2024
In our continuous dedication to advancing reproductive health, SFH was thrilled to participate in the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference (NFPC) in Abuja, from December 2nd to 6th, 2024.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and key local and international partners, this conference brought together family planning experts, policymakers, and advocates to discuss “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning within the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.”
With FP2030 goals in focus, the NFPC 2024 aimed to reinforce Nigeria’s efforts in improving family planning services and addressing the unique reproductive health needs of the population.
SFH presented groundbreaking research through multiple accepted abstracts, covering diverse topics such as digital solutions for public health training, community mobilisation strategies, and advancements in family planning commodity supply.
ePharma4FP Project Advisory Committee Charts a New Course for Family Planning Access
The second Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of the innovative ePharma4FP Project convened on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, underscoring the drive to transform family planning access in Nigeria through cutting-edge e-pharmacy solutions. Attended by government regulatory leaders, public sector stakeholders, and consortium partners, the meeting provided a platform for project updates, discussions on challenges, and strategic insights to propel the initiative forward.
Chaired by Pharm Ibrahim Ahmed FPSN, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and supported by Pharm. Dr Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), the session focused on deliberating implementation strategies, identifying sustainability pathways, and strengthening collaboration across sectors. Representatives from the Society for Family Health (SFH), including Dr Omokhudu Idogho, Managing Director; Dr Jennifer Anyanti , Deputy Managing Director, Technical Strategy & Growth; and Kene Eruchalu, Deputy Managing Director, Programme Delivery, contributed valuable insights to align the project with national healthcare priorities.
The ePharma4FP Project exemplifies a commitment to enhancing family planning and primary healthcare through digital solutions. As stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to addressing barriers and scaling impact, the meeting reinforced the importance of strategic collaboration and expert guidance in achieving the project’s transformative vision for improved healthcare access.
SFH at GDHF 2024
The 2024 Global Digital Health Forum (GDHF), a leading platform for health networking and collaboration among technology vendors, donors, researchers, government officials, and implementing organisations working in low- and middle-income countries, took place from 4th to 6th December 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. Society for Family Health (SFH) Nigeria participated in this event, represented by its Deputy Managing Directors, Dr Jennifer Anyanti, Technical Strategy & Growth and Pharm Kene Eruchalu, Programme Delivery along with Dr Uchenna Okafor, Chief of Party for the ePharma4FP Project.
At the forum, SFH Nigeria contributed to key discussions on harnessing digital innovations to address critical healthcare challenges and facilitated a panel session on Bridging the Gap: Expanding Contraceptive and Primary Health Care Access through e-pharmacies in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Through the ePharma4FP Project, SFH highlighted its groundbreaking work in enhancing access to family planning commodities and essential medicines in Nigeria. By leveraging digital platforms, SFH has strengthened pharmaceutical supply chains and significantly improved healthcare delivery in these regions.
The event served as a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, focusing on scaling digital health solutions to improve health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. SFH Nigeria is excited to engage in this global dialogue, reinforcing our commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and creating sustainable impact.
SFH DISTRIBUTES 2,596,087 INSECTICIDE-TREATED NETS IN OGUN STATE
Society for Family Health (SFH) held a debriefing session with the Ogun State Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, at the State Ministry of Health Conference Room. The session provided an overview of the recently concluded Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) Mass Distribution Campaign, highlighting the programme’s successes and impact in combating malaria in the state.
SFH distributed an impressive 2,596,087 ITNs, reaching 4,918,648 household members, achieving an 88.19% redemption rate and an ITN distribution rate of 89.11%. These milestones underscore the commitment to malaria prevention and the effectiveness of collaboration between stakeholders.
SFH Project Director of the Global Fund Malaria Programme Mr John Ocholi expressed profound gratitude to the Ogun State Government for its leadership and active collaboration, which were important to the campaign’s success. He reiterated SFH commitment to working with Ogun State and other stakeholders to achieve a malaria-free Nigeria. Dr Tomi Coker commended SFH and other partners, including CRS and NMEP for their collective efforts in ensuring the campaign’s success. She reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to safeguarding public health and eradicating malaria, stating, “Ogun State remains committed to providing quality healthcare for all and achieving a malaria-free state.”
The Global Fund Country Team, led by Kanini Waita, was also present at the debriefing and expressed satisfaction with the campaign processes and outcomes. The team acknowledged Ogun State as a model for effective health interventions and community engagement.
This collaborative effort reinforces the importance of partnerships in public health and demonstrates SFH strides toward sustainable malaria control and prevention.
World AIDS Day 2024: SFH Reinforces Commitment to Sustaining HIV Response towards HIV epidemic control in Kwara State
Society for Family Health (SFH) actively participated in the 2024 World AIDS Day Commemoration Press Conference held at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Kwara State. The event, spearheaded by the Kwara State AIDS Control Agency (KWASACA), spotlighted the theme, “Take the Right Path, Sustain HIV Response, Stop HIV Amongst Children,” and brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi; the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development; and representatives from NEPWHAN, ASHWAN, and NYNETHA. SFH’s delegation, led by Dr Charles ODIMA, Project Director for the GF-NTHRIP Project and Dr Owen Omede Kwara State Team Lead, demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to combating HIV/AIDS.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Kwara State HIV Response Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive framework designed to advance the state’s progress towards the UNAIDS 2030 goals. During his address, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed Kwara State’s dedication to eliminating HIV/AIDS by reducing stigma, dismantling healthcare barriers, and aligning policies with international standards. He also announced several awareness activities for the week, including a road walk, orientation meetings for community-based organisations (CBOs) led by SFH, and sensitisation efforts in religious institutions.
SFH’s involvement underscored its leadership role in HIV prevention and care, particularly for key and vulnerable populations. The organisation’s collaboration with KWASACA and other stakeholders was acknowledged as pivotal in advancing sustainable HIV response strategies. As the commemoration activities continue, SFH remains committed to strengthening partnerships and delivering impactful solutions to ensure a future free of HIV/AIDS in Kwara State.
Road walk sensitisation was also held by the GF N-THRIP Kwara Team
WAD At SFH HQ
Here is how we commemorated World AIDS Day 2024 at Society for Family Health Nigeria Abuja, reflecting our commitment to “Taking the Rights Path.”
Paediatrics Breakthrough Project Trains 40 Indigent Caregivers on VSLA Scheme in Rivers State
The Paediatric Breakthrough Partnership (BP) project, under Society for Family Health (SFH) in partnership with the Rivers State AIDS Control Agency (RivSACA), has trained 40 indigent caregivers on the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) scheme. The three-day training, which was facilitated by a VSLA Master Trainer, Mr William Mafwalal, held in 2 clusters (Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Cluster and Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Cluster). The training centred on acquainting the beneficiaries with saving group formation, why people join saving groups, general principles for saving groups, preparatory meetings, group leadership and election, social fund saving and credit policies, record book-keeping and loan meetings and repayment.
Prior to the training, a baseline assessment was conducted on the identified beneficiaries from the communities and part of the inclusion criteria were caregivers of children and adolescents who were virally unsuppressed, currently linked and accessing treatment in one of the BP facilities, must be resident within the LGA of intervention etc. The training was community-driven as the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council provided a space for the training to be held within the local government to ensure that participants do not travel long distances to benefit from the training. For the second cluster, the Local Government approved Eleme General Hospital as the venue for the training. This shows the commitment and readiness of the government to end paediatric and adolescent HIV by 2030.
As part of efforts to close the treatment gaps, the BP project is using a multi-pronged approach towards achieving its goal of ending the HIV epidemic among paediatrics and adolescents through economic empowerment to their caregivers to ensure that they are retained on treatment and are able to lead a healthy life. The rising cost of living and the economic instability have become a challenge to some caregivers of indigent Children and Adolescents Living with HIV (CALHIV) from adhering to treatment. This empowerment will serve as a support system and help to ensure that no child is lost in the treatment journey. After the training, the 40 caregivers will be supported with a conditional cash transfer (CCT) to support their current businesses and or sources of livelihood. SFH Community staff will also closely monitor the business and its impact.
The 40 beneficiaries in Rivers state bring it to a total of 187 beneficiaries that the Lafiyan Yara and Breakthrough Partnership projects are supporting across the two states of implementation (Taraba and Rivers states).
SFH Collaborates with Kano State Government Over 2025-2030 Family Planning Strategic Plan
The Kano State Government in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other State Agencies has developed the 2025-2030 Kano State Family Planning Strategic Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at significantly boosting the adoption of modern contraceptive methods in the state. This robust plan targets enrolling 845,114 new users of modern contraceptives by 2030, addressing Kano’s low uptake of these essential health services.
The event which took place today 2nd December 2024 at Bristol Palace Hotels, Kano State had in attendance the Kano State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Director Family Planning Kano State SMOH and other State Agencies. Managing Directors and Country leads of various non-Governmental Organisations including Marie Stopes, Nigerian Health Watch, Engender Health, DKT International, The Challenge Initiative, dRPC, UNFPA, Pathfinder International, CCSI among others. Traditional leaders also graced the occasion, underscoring the cultural and community-level support for the plan’s implementation.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health called for enhanced collaboration among partners to avoid duplication of efforts and to ensure meticulous monitoring and evaluation of the strategic plan’s progress. He urged stakeholders to align their initiatives for seamless integration, paving the way for effective implementation and achieving the intended outcomes.
A partner roundtable discussion followed, focusing on actionable strategies to actualise the plan’s objectives. During this session, the Society for Family Health (SFH) detailed the technical assistance it plans to provide, demonstrating its commitment to helping Kano State achieve its ambitious targets.
KP-CARE 2 Project expands to additional states of Jigawa and Yobe
Society for Family Health implementing the Key Population Community HIV Services for Action and Response (KP- CARE 2) Project expanded to Jigawa and Yobe states in addition to the eight states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara. The two states were hitherto managed by Heartland Alliance of KP-CARE 1. The KP-CARE 2 team held a joint entrance meeting with KP-CARE 1 in the two states from November 17 – 23, 2024 as part of the transition process.
The objectives were to:
- Formally notify the key government, implementing partners and key population community members of the transition of the KP programme from KP-CARE 1 to KP-CARE 2 by January 2024.
- Gain understanding of the HIV epidemic and response in the state.
- Learn about the scope, strategies, and challenges of the KP-CARE 1 key population program.
- Have an interactive session with the KP community in the state
- Have a shared understanding of the KP-CARE 2 project with state key stakeholders
KP-CARE 2 team met the state and non-state actors in the two states which included the Deputy Governor of Jigawa state, Engr. Umar Gumel, Deputy Chief of staff, Commissioner of Health, Permanent Secretary, Programme Manager of Jigawa and Yobe SACA, implementing partners, NEPHWAN Coordinators, Commissioners of Police, NDLEA Commanders, Police Action Committee, and community members.
The Jigawa state Deputy Governor pledged the support of the state to SFH and looks forward to a successful partnership.
SFH Sports Supporters Club Receives Donation from J’barah International Company Limited.
We are excited to announce that SFH Supporters Club has received a donation of branded t-shirts from J’barah International Company Limited, located at 3, Majekodunmi Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos. The donation was graciously acknowledged by our Director, People’s Operations, Dr. Rosaline Etukudo-Mordi, who expressed deep appreciation for this remarkable gesture of support.
These branded t-shirts symbolise the spirit of collaboration and community as we gear up to cheer for TeamSFH in the FIDAF Games.
We invite staff to cheer up our players and celebrate our victories. As #OneSFH, we are not just building teams but strengthening partnerships for a healthier and happier Nigeria.
The FIDAF Tournament 2024 is here!
Get Ready for an Exciting Saturday at the FIDAF Games!
The FIDAF Sporting Festival is here! This annual event is a celebration of teamwork, talent, and camaraderie, bringing together development partners in friendly competition across various sports. It’s all about promoting work-life balance while having loads of fun!
This year, Society for Family Health (SFH) is proud to take part in the games, and we want you to be part of the action. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, your presence will make all the difference.
Event Details:
📍 Venue: Aguiyi Ironsi Cantonment, Asokoro
🕘 Transportation: Free vehicles will be available from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM – don’t miss out!
What You Need to Know:
ID Card Required: The venue is a secured area, and office identification is mandatory for entry.
Bring your energy and enthusiasm to support #TeamSFH – invite family and friends to join in the fun!
Let’s come together to show our spirit, make memories, and cheer our team to victory. Mark your calendars and don’t be late – we’ll see you at the games!
SFH to Attend the National TB Conference 2024
SFH will be Live at the National TB Conference 2024, set for December 10th to 12th at the Abuja Trade & Convention Centre. This promises to be a landmark event in Nigeria’s fight against tuberculosis. Organised by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria and the National TB and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), this conference brings together stakeholders across the country and beyond to advance TB control strategies and foster collaborative efforts. This year’s theme, “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria,” underscores the crucial role of integrated services and partnerships in overcoming TB challenges in Nigeria.
SFH is represented by the GF THRIP, CFCS, TBLON3 projects and honoured to present and engage at this conference, sharing insights and evidence-based practices that support TB control efforts. Our representatives will participate in a range of sessions, including plenary presentations, panel discussions, abstract presentation, community sessions and exhibitions. As the conference seeks to enhance synergy across sectors, SFH is prepared to bring forward solutions rooted in research, innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
This event is pivotal for SFH’s commitment to ending TB in Nigeria. Stay tuned as we highlight our contributions to public-private partnerships that strengthen TB control and ultimately help create a Nigeria free from TB.
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