SFH Nigeria Website 
News and Photo Stories -Week 6
SFH Congratulates Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu for being Appointed Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa
Society for Family Health (SFH) extends warm congratulations to Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, OON, on his appointment as the Acting Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a statement signed by our Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, we recognise this appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing public health across the African continent.
As a distinguished public health expert and valued Board Trustee Member of SFH, Dr Ihekweazu has consistently demonstrated strategic foresight, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening health systems. We are confident that in his new role at WHO, he will further drive efforts towards health equity and sustainable development across the continent.
SFH reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration with WHO under his leadership, supporting our shared mission of improving health outcomes for communities across Africa.
Dr Ihekweazu’s appointment is a significant milestone in a career dedicated to public health excellence, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact of his leadership at WHO.
SFH IN THE NEWS
KSCHMA to integrate family planning into health contributory scheme
KanoFocus, 6 Feb 2025
Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) is planning to integrate family planning services into the scheme.
Kano focus reports that the agency in collaboration with the Society for Family Health organised a highly technical workshop in Kaduna Wednesday in that regard.
The workshop will also review the benefit package being offered by the Agency while also look at ways to include MNH innovations in the benefit package and finalise a clear actionable plan for immediate implementation and alignment with MAMII to reduce maternal mortality in Kano.
It also reports that Family Planning services and commodities have recently been identified as one of the ways that can grossly affect and reduce maternal mortality in Kano State and KSCHMA is fully aligned to work in tandem with efforts of the Kano State Government, the SMOH and other partners to see a remarkable reduction in Maternal Mortality.
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WHO picks acting regional director for Africa
DailyNews, 6 Feb 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu as the Acting Regional Director for Africa.
This appointment comes after the unexpected death of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, a career politician from Tanzania, who was slated to be the next regional director.
Dr Ndugulile died in November last year, only three months after he was elected. According to the press release that was released on Tuesday by WHO shows that Dr Ihekweazu replacing Dr Matshidiso Moeti who concludes her impactful tenure as Regional Director, marking the end of a decade of dedicated service to the continent’s health.
According to the statement a new Regional Director will be elected in May this year. Dr Ihekweazu, is a Nigerian epidemiologist, public health physician, and the WHO’s Assistant DirectorGeneral for Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems.
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Kenya adopts Nasarawa’s family planning model to reduce maternal deaths
Punch, 30 Jan 2025
Healthcare professionals from Kenya have visited Nasarawa State to study the administration of injectable and implant-based family planning methods as part of efforts to tackle maternal and child mortality. The visit, under the IntegratE Project implemented by the Society for Family Health, aims to improve service delivery among Community Pharmacists and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors.
The delegation, comprising doctors, pharmacists, and key health officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Health and Nasarawa State’s Ministry of Health, held discussions on best practices for administering contraceptive implants and expanding access to family planning services. Speaking on Thursday in Keffi LGA during a one-day learning visit organised by SFH, the leader of the Kenyan delegation, Dr Serem Edward, said the visit aimed to understand how community-based providers administer contraceptive implants.
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SFH ACTIVITIES
SFH Strengthens Regional Partnerships with Diplomatic Visit to the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria
The Group Managing Director (GMD) of Society for Family Health (SFH) Dr Omokhudu Idogho, led a high-level delegation on a diplomatic visit to the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria. The delegation was warmly received by His Excellency, Ambassador Isaac Parashina, and his team in Abuja, marking another significant step in fostering international collaboration for improved health outcomes.
Joining the SFH delegation were representatives from the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the InSupply Health team, who were concluding a weeklong learning exchange programme in Nigeria. The discussions focused on SFH Nigeria’s strategic health initiatives and opportunities for enhanced collaboration between SFH and Kenya in areas such as supply chain innovation, public health interventions, and knowledge exchange.
The meeting underscored SFH’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and sharing best practices to drive impactful healthcare solutions across Africa. As both organisations continue to work towards universal health coverage and sustainable healthcare systems, this engagement sets the stage for deeper collaboration.
SFH remains dedicated to leveraging partnerships to advance health interventions, ensuring that communities in Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond benefit from innovative, evidence-based solutions.
SFH Reinforces Commitment to Maternal Health at MAMII Workshop in Kano
Society for Family Health (SFH) joined key stakeholders at the MAMII Implementation Design Workshop held at the Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano. The workshop, convened by the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, focused on developing state-specific interventions to tackle maternal and neonatal mortality. With Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate among the highest globally, the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) aims to address critical gaps, particularly in the 172 local government areas (LGAs) that contribute over 55% of maternal deaths nationwide. SFH was represented by Assistant Chief Quality Officer Dr Anthony Adindu Nwala, Director of Health Systems Strengthening Dayyabu Yusuf, RMNCAH Technical Director Muhammad Murtala Ibrahim, and Communications Specialist Farouk Musa Yusuf, who actively participated in discussions and strategy development.
Discussions at the workshop highlighted the “five delays” contributing to maternal deaths, which include seeking, reaching, and accessing healthcare, as well as issues of responsibility and coordination. Participants examined evidence-based approaches, with insights from a World Bank representative who shared lessons from Bangladesh’s successful maternal mortality reduction. The workshop also featured field visits to health facilities and communities, revealing persistent challenges such as inadequate skilled birth attendants, absenteeism, stock-outs of essential medicines, and cultural barriers preventing women from accessing healthcare. Immediate community commitments included prioritising facility-based deliveries, engaging men in maternal health decisions, and strengthening community-level mobilisation.
SFH’s contributions to the workshop were significant, with several of its successful interventions, such as the Matasan Matan Arewa programme, Village Savings and Loan Associations, and private-sector engagement for family planning services, being considered for expansion. The finalised MAMII implementation plan for Kano covered six core areas: community, facility, communication, access, data, and coordination. SFH reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the plan’s execution through its ongoing projects and technical assistance. As the initiative expands to other states, SFH’s expertise in maternal and neonatal health will be critical in shaping innovative, context-specific solutions to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across Nigeria.
SFH Participates in Nigeria Malaria Grants 2025 Strategic Priorities Meeting
Society for Family Health Nigeria recently took an active role in the Nigeria Malaria Grants 2025 Strategic Priorities meeting held at Reiz Continental Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja. The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders in the fight against malaria, focused on shaping strategic priorities to enhance the impact of the 2025 malaria grant.
Leading the SFH delegation was the Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, who emphasised the organisation’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strategic partnerships in the fight against malaria. SFH malaria programme team engaged in critical discussions aimed at refining strategies to improve intervention outcomes and ensure maximum impact in communities across Nigeria.
The strategic priorities meeting provided a platform for key malaria partners to align their goals and develop actionable plans for the 2025 malaria grant cycle. Participants at the meeting included The Global Fund Country Team, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) led by the National Coordinator, Dr Nnenna Chizaram, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) represented by Dr Sonachi Ezeiru, the World Health Organization (WHO), Malaria Consortium, Management Sciences for Health, and other malaria-focused organisations.
Discussions at the meeting revolved around optimising malaria prevention, treatment, and control measures, strengthening health systems, improving access to life-saving interventions, and leveraging technology and innovation to enhance malaria surveillance and data management. By setting clear strategic priorities, the meeting aimed to address gaps, streamline efforts, and maximise the impact of malaria interventions.
Strategic priority meetings such as this are crucial in the fight against malaria, as they ensure alignment among key stakeholders, promote efficient resource utilisation, and enhance collaboration among local and international partners. The insights and agreements from these discussions are pivotal in driving policy decisions, improving implementation strategies, and ultimately reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria. As the Nigeria Malaria Grants 2025 programme takes shape, SFH and its partners will continue to work towards ensuring that communities most affected by malaria receive the support and interventions needed to protect and save lives.
SFH remains committed to pioneering innovative approaches, fostering strong partnerships, and working collaboratively with the government and development partners to end malaria in Nigeria. Through continued engagement in strategic discussions and the deployment of evidence-based interventions, SFH is poised to contribute significantly to a malaria-free Nigeria.
DG NACA Inaugurates the Kwara State PMTCT and Pediatric ART Acceleration Plan Committee and Lauds Society for Family Health (SFH) for Impactful Achievements in Kwara towards attaining sustainable HIV Epidemic Control
The National AIDS Control Agency (NACA) Director General, Dr Temitope Ilori, has inaugurated the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Pediatric Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Acceleration Plan Committee (PPAAC) in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. This critical event, held at the State Deputy Governor’s conference hall, signifies a major stride in Kwara State’s commitment to eliminating vertical transmission of HIV and enhancing maternal health.
The inauguration was preceded by an entry meeting, hosted by the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KWASACA) Dr Seleem Alabi. During the welcome visit, the NACA DG, Dr Ilori reiterated the need for integration of services to bolster efficiency in use of resources in the face of dwindling donor support. The SFH Project Director Dr Charles ODIMA and his team as well as representatives’ other key stakeholders were present during the welcome event.
As part of key activities during the inauguration, the SFH Project Director, Global Fund HIV, Grant Cycle 7, Dr Charles ODIMA presented a goodwill message on behalf of the Managing Director of SFH, Dr. Omokhudu Idogho and pledged continued commitment to the Kwara State government to providing technical support to strengthen service delivery for pregnant women and children living with or at risk of HIV. Dr ODIMA further emphasised the need for multi-sectoral collaboration and integration, acknowledging the support of the Global Fund through Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)- the principal recipient on the grant to make resources available to accelerate the goal of eliminating vertical transmission of HIV.
The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr Kayode Alabi gave his executive address and urged the committee to work with full support of Kwara State Government and ensure no child is born HIV positive. Joined in the inauguration were prominent stakeholders such as the Chairman of the State House Assembly Committee on Health and Environment, Honourable Rasaq Owolabi; the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr Amina El-Imam; Commissioners of Education, Youth and Sports; the Executive Secretary of KWASACA, Dr Seleem Alabi; and Executive Secretaries of the Hospital Management Bureau and Kwara Health Insurance Agency. Representatives from key community organisations, including NEPWHAN, CISHAN, and NYNETHA, were also present.
The PPAAC was inaugurated by the DG NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori with the Commissioner of Health Dr Amina El-Imam as Chairperson and the Executive Secretary of KWASACA as Co-Chairperson. SFH Kwara State Team Lead, Dr Owen Omede, was among the nominated committee members, which also includes representatives from strategic communities and organisations. The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate towards the global target of eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission and improving paediatric care in Kwara State.
Following the launch, SFH represented by Dr ODIMA, along with other stakeholders led by the DG NACA Dr Temitope Ilori and the Executive Secretary of KWASACA, Dr Seleem Alabi, paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrasaq. The First lady was briefed on the intensified HIV response efforts in the state and the benefits of the strong collaboration between the government, implementing partners like SFH (the lead IP in the state), and civil society groups. The First Lady urged all involved to strive towards attaining epidemic control, specifically tasking the PPAAC with strengthening the system to increase testing coverage for pregnant women, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and ensure positive outcomes for children living with HIV (CLHIV).
SFH Solidifies Partnerships: Bauchi State Commissioner Pledges Support for IntegratE Project
The Bauchi State IntegratE team recently paid an advocacy visit to the Bauchi state commissioner for health – Dr Sani M. Dambam. The meeting which took place in the office of the commissioner was attended by all directors in the ministry.
During the discussion, the project team, alongside the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Umar G. Gumau outlined the various interventions planned for the state, provided updates on the progress of activities, and highlighted challenges encountered.
Hon. Commissioner, Dr Dambam appreciated the efforts of the organisation in strengthening Bauchi State healthcare system, particularly in family planning and primary healthcare services. He assured the team of his support and encouraged them to continue their impactful work across the various communities in the state.
By engaging key stakeholders, SFH will strengthen its efforts to enhance access to quality family planning and primary healthcare services. The commitment expressed by the Hon. Commissioner reinforces the project’s sustainability and impact, ensuring that interventions continue to improve health outcomes across Bauchi State.
SFH Kicks Off AGILE Project in Nasarawa to Empower Adolescent Girls
Society for Family Health (SFH) has commenced the implementation of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Nasarawa State, focusing on the life skills component (2.2a). The project, which spans two years, aims to create safe spaces for secondary school girls aged 10–20, equipping them with essential life skills, health education, gender-based violence awareness, and knowledge on climate change.
The project officially launched on 5th February 2025 with advocacy visits to key stakeholders in Nasarawa State. Led by Mrs. Roselyn Odeh, representing the SFH Managing Director, the advocacy team engaged government officials, community leaders, and religious groups to secure their support for the successful implementation of the project.
Following the advocacy visits, a two-day inception and co-creation meeting commenced in Lafia, Nasarawa State, bringing together representatives from government ministries, agencies, religious organisations, and community groups. The meeting serves as a platform to discuss challenges faced by adolescent girls in the state and develop strategic, locally tailored solutions. A key outcome of the discussions will be the drafting of a state-specific manual to guide the implementation of the AGILE project. This manual will provide a roadmap for addressing the pressing issues affecting adolescent girls in Nasarawa, ensuring that interventions are practical, sustainable, and impactful.
As the project unfolds, SFH remains committed to empowering adolescent girls, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for their growth, education, and overall well-being.
NASCP Coordinator Commends SFH Kwara OSS for Service Delivery and Data-Driven Approach
Dr Adebobola Bashorun, the National AIDS/STDs Control Programme (NASCP) Coordinator, recently conducted a highly productive technical support visit to the Society for Family Health (SFH) One Stop Shop (OSS) in Kwara State. The visit aimed to assess service delivery, review programme performance, and strengthen collaboration between NASCP and SFH in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr Charles ODIMA, the GF N-THRIP Project Director welcomed the NASCP coordinator and expressed the goodwill of the SFH managing Director Dr Omokhudu Idogho, pledging his commitment and that of the SFH Kwara team in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kwara State. He was joined by Dr Owen Omede, State Team Lead, and Dr. Kafayat Suleiman, OSS Clinician. With support from Global Fund and Kwara State Government, SFH is the lead HIV implementing partner providing comprehensive ART Care and Treatment services for over 14,300 PLHIV in the State.
During his visit, Dr Bashorun engaged directly with frontline healthcare providers during a walking tour of critical units within the OSS, including the laboratory, adherence counselling centre, and pharmacy. He observed firsthand the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and successes of the programme.
A key highlight of the visit was a detailed review of the OSS “Talking Wall,” a sophisticated data visualisation dashboard. This innovative tool provides real-time tracking of key performance indicators, enabling data-driven decision-making and programme adjustments to optimise impact. Dr Bashorun expressed particular interest in this initiative, recognising its potential to inform and improve service delivery.
Dr Bashorun praised the SFH team for their dedication and hard work. He emphasised NASCP’s commitment to supporting state-level implementation of HIV programmes and assured the team that he would share his findings with the NASCP Kwara team to ensure ongoing support and follow-up. He reiterated the shared goal of achieving epidemic control in the region.
This meeting is of significant importance to the Global Fund N-THRIP and HIV Projects within SFH. It provides a crucial opportunity to showcase the progress and impact of these projects, highlighting best practices and identifying areas for improvement. The NASCP Coordinator’s positive feedback and commitment to ongoing support reinforce the value of these initiatives and strengthen the partnership between SFH and NASCP, which is vital for achieving sustainable and impactful results in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Kwara State.
New Article Alert
Scaling up access to antiretroviral treatment for HIV: lessons from a key populations program in Nigeria.
Over the years, Nigeria has recorded significant progress in controlling the HIV epidemic in the country. HIV prevalence has reduced from 4.1% in 2010 to 1.4 in 2019. The number of people acquiring new HIV infections decreased from 120,000 in 2010 to 74,000 in 2021, and HIV-related deaths decreased from 82,000 in 2010 to 51,000 in 2021.
However, the country still faces challenges such as high HIV transmission among key populations (KP) who account for 11% of new HIV infections. Over the years, the government and development partners involved in HIV response efforts in Nigeria have been establishing and scaling up access to services to help address the needs of KPs. Initially, services for KPs as with the general population in Nigeria were largely preventive. Treatment of PLHIV in Nigeria commenced in 2002 and has increased from about 15,000 to more than 1.78 million PLHIVs in 2023.
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Weekly Quotes/Nuggets
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