"Women must take part in creating policies and legislation that reflect the society they want to live in"
A brief introduction
As Founder-President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki is a global advocate for women’s and children’s health and empowerment, with two decades of advocacy covering reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health; ending gender-based discrimination and violence; and improving education, socio-economic empowerment, and community livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mrs Saraki is the Emeritus Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM); special adviser to the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO), was named by Devex as UHC Global Champion, is the Save the Children Newborn Health Champion for Nigeria; and is a Global Champion for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood
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Speeches Section
SPEECH FROM November 17th, 2024
Distinguished guests, healthcare professionals, advocates, and partners. It is an honour to address you today on World Prematurity Day, a day where we pause to reflect on the global impact of preterm births and renew our commitment to ensuring that every baby born too soon has access to quality care, no matter where they are born.
Today’s theme, “Over 13 Million Babies Born Too Soon Every Year: Access to Quality Care Everywhere,” is a profound call to action. Preterm birth is the world’s leading cause of death in children under five, with Nigeria facing one of the highest burdens of preterm births globally. Every year, over 300,000 babies are born prematurely in Nigeria alone. They face a range of health challenges, from respiratory issues and infections to severe complications like neonatal jaundice, which, if left untreated, can result in permanent neurological damage, including kernicterus, a preventable and debilitating condition.
Through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, our mission has always been to bridge the gaps in maternal and child healthcare, ensuring that both mothers and babies have the support they need at every critical stage. This mission is close to my heart, stemming from my personal experience as a mother who delivered three of my four children prematurely. I understand the challenges, the fears, and the hopes that come with preterm birth, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that families facing these challenges have access to the highest quality of care.
A cornerstone of our efforts is Project Oscar, a Neonatal Jaundice And Kernicterus Prevention Detection And Treatment Initiative In Lagos State Primary, Secondary And Tertiary Health Care Facilities, launched in collaboration with our dedicated social impact partner, Reckitt. Initially piloted in Vietnam, Project Oscar was created by youth disability advocate Oscar Anderson to tackle the urgent issue of neonatal jaundice. Following its success, Project Oscar has expanded into Nigeria, where it aims to bring life-saving interventions for jaundice to preterm and full-term newborns alike, especially in underserved communities.
In Nigeria, 60% of term newborns and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice within their first week. While mild in many cases, jaundice can quickly become severe and life-threatening, particularly for preterm babies. Recognising the urgency of this situation, Project Oscar is committed to increasing early detection and providing timely access to phototherapy and other treatments that prevent the progression of jaundice to dangerous levels.
Through Project Oscar, we work closely with healthcare providers and communities to raise awareness about neonatal jaundice, empowering parents to recognise early warning signs and access timely medical support. We have implemented a rigorous global standard of training protocol for frontline healthcare workers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to identify, monitor, and treat jaundice effectively. Our WBFA team has also focused on developing educational materials tailored to local languages and cultural contexts, making it easier for communities to understand and act on this critical information.
Our social impact partnership with Reckitt is vital in mobilising resources and providing health facilities with essential phototherapy equipment, jaundice metres, and treatment protocols, all of which are set to make a profound difference in the lives of Nigerian families.
Additionally, our partnership allows us to integrate sustainable practices into neonatal care, creating a scalable model that can be expanded across the country. By training healthcare professionals and embedding best practices in hospitals and clinics, Project Oscar aims to leave a lasting impact on neonatal health in Nigeria and around the world through the Light for Life campaign, helping to prevent the long-term disabilities associated with untreated jaundice.
Alongside our efforts to address jaundice, we continue to promote and support breastfeeding as an essential element of neonatal care through the Mamacare360 NICU Plus programming. Our WBFA midwives are actively engaged in providing lactation support to mothers, emphasising the importance of breast milk as a natural defence against infections and a vital source of nutrition, particularly for preterm infants. In addition to the practical benefits, breastfeeding fosters a critical bond between mother and child, nurturing emotional resilience in both and supporting long-term health outcomes.
By empowering mothers with breastfeeding support, we are contributing to a holistic model of neonatal care, one that goes beyond survival to encompass the thriving of newborns. In communities across Nigeria, our WBFA midwives have become trusted sources of information and support, offering guidance on initiating and sustaining breastfeeding, even in challenging circumstances.
Today, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to our social impact partners at Reckitt, our healthcare professionals, midwives, and the communities who continue to support our mission. Your dedication to this cause has been instrumental in making tangible progress toward a future where all babies, regardless of where they are born, have an equal chance to survive and thrive.
On this World Prematurity Day, as we honour the millions of babies born too soon, let us reaffirm our commitment to bridging the gap in neonatal care, particularly for those born in underserved areas. Together, we can ensure that every baby receives the care they need to start life healthy, supported, and safe.
Thank you.
SPEECH FROM October 16th, 2024
Building Trust for a Healthier World
As the World Health Summit 2024 convenes in Berlin, an international platform for global health, setting the agenda for a healthier future and wellbeing for all, I was pleased to virtually engage and provide a keynote goodwill at the World Health Summit 2024 Pre-Conference Partners Symposium on Self-Care, organised by the World Health Organization Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, in collaboration with the Global Self-Care Federation.
Amplifying the Joint Statement on Self-Care Interventions for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights to Advance Universal Health Coverage, endorsed by the UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, the Symposium aimed to develop a global action plan to operationalise actions to help guide academic researchers, industry, health policy and decision-makers, and funders, as they design and fund health systems and people-centered activities to influence self-care policies and practices.
The success of self-care interventions relies heavily on a well-trained health workforce that can support these initiatives with competency-based education. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa midwives, nurses, and other frontline health personnel play a pivotal role in promoting trust in self-care and ensuring that individuals have the knowledge and confidence to use these tools effectively.
This will serve to move the world closer to achieving the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals targets, including Universal Health Cover, in line with the WHO’s thirteenth and fourteenth General Programmes of Work (GPW-13 and GPW-14), as supported by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and together through strategic investment, policy innovation, and collaborative action, we can accelerate progress toward a world where health and wellbeing are within reach for all.
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SPEECH FROM October 14th, 2024
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, and Valued Participants,
My name is Toyin Saraki, and I am the Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a Nigerian NGO dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing outcomes for women and children. Our mission is rooted in prioritising frontline impact through global advocacy, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organisation’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, committed to creating a world where mental wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of health for all.
Thank you for your presence here today as we gather to confront one of the most pressing public health issues of our time: suicide prevention. I extend my gratitude to our convener, Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, and the entire organising committee for convening this important conference, dedicated to addressing the theme of “Decriminalising Suicide Attempt in Nigeria: Long Overdue.” I would also like to express my appreciation to Thilini Perera, CEO of LifeLine International, and the Nigeria LifeLine Member Organisations and supporters joining us today, including Asido Foundation, for their unwavering support. Your commitment to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention has been instrumental in advancing our collective efforts, and it is an honour to collaborate with you in this vital mission.
Today, we stand at a critical juncture in our collective efforts to promote mental health and prevent suicide across Nigeria. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) has been at the forefront of these initiatives, working tirelessly to integrate mental health services within broader health systems strengthening. Through high-level collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), WBFA has made significant strides in stakeholder advocacy and policy implementation.
We are currently confronting a profound issue that touches the lives of many Nigerians: the criminalisation of attempted suicide under Sections 327 and 231 of our legal framework. This outdated law serves as a harsh reminder to those struggling with mental health issues that their suffering is not only misunderstood but condemned. In a country where the stigma surrounding mental health is pervasive, the fear of legal repercussions inhibits individuals from seeking the help they desperately need.
The data from the World Health Organisation is alarming. Suicide claims more lives each year than HIV, malaria, or even violent deaths such as homicide, war, or terrorist attacks. It is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, and Nigeria ranks high in suicide rates, with approximately 15,000 annual deaths attributed to this tragic outcome. These numbers are likely underreported due to the fear of criminalisation and societal stigma. We must recognise that for every life lost, there are at least 30 attempts, indicating that around 300,000 Nigerians face suicidal distress each year, questioning whether to seek help amidst the threat of punishment.
It is imperative that we work towards decriminalising suicide attempts in Nigeria. We must shift our focus from punishment to compassion, recognising that suicide is a public health issue that requires a response rooted in understanding and care. By doing so, we can begin to break the cycle of silence and neglect that currently surrounds mental health issues in our society.
That is why I am humbled to be joining efforts directly through my new appointment as Global Honorary Patron of LifeLine International, a dedicated organisation ensuring universal access to suicide prevention and crisis support services. In partnership, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and I aim to combat stigma by raising awareness, educating communities about the warning signs, and encouraging help-seeking behaviour change. I am committed to leveraging my experience and the resources of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa to empower vulnerable and marginalised populations with the quality they deserve throughout the continuum of care, and reach the goal that by 2050, every individual, regardless of their location, has access to high-quality crisis support services.
As we engage in discussions about the National Suicide Prevention Framework, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that mental health and suicide prevention are recognised as critical public health priorities. The commitment to these frameworks not only signifies the government’s responsibility towards its citizens but also embodies the hopes of countless individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.
This conference today serves to provide us with a a comprehensive understanding of the legal, policy, and cultural contexts of suicide in Nigeria, a clear roadmap for the decriminalisation of suicide, supported by evidence-based recommendations, enhanced collaboration between government, civil society, and religious institutions in suicide prevention efforts and increased public awareness and de-stigmatisation of suicide and mental health conditions.
In closing, let us express loudly and proudly our commitment to mental health and suicide prevention, recognising them as critical public health priorities. By working collaboratively and consistently, we can break down the barriers to mental health care and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, creating a compassionate society where no one faces these challenges in isolation.
Thank you.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to @DrTedros, Director-General of the @WHO, for his meaningful goodwill message in support of the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation and social impact partners @ThisisReckitt, Project Oscar – Light For Life: The Neonatal Jaundice Screening, Treatment, and Kernicterus Prevention Program.
Dr Tedros’ thoughtful words resonate deeply with the mission of Project Oscar – Light For Life, which addresses neonatal jaundice, a preventable yet devastating condition which globally affects 60% of term infants and nearly 100% of preterm newborns. His commendation and encouragement serve as a powerful call to action for all stakeholders, as the Light For Life Campaign, embedded within Project Oscar, advocates for the global adoption of neonatal jaundice health standards to ensure that no newborn is left behind.
As Dr Tedros highlighted, collaboration across governments, healthcare systems, and advocacy networks is vital to scaling effective and sustainable solutions, as #WBFA, a member of the World Health Organization Civil Society Commission, and an accredited non-State actor with the WHO Regional Committee for Africa @WHO_Africa, works to improve health worker capacity, community awareness, and timely and effective treatment, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
I am very thankful to Dr Tedros for his support and leadership, and together, we are lighting the path to healthier futures for newborns and their families everywhere.
#LightForLife #ProjectOscar
#InternationalDayOfPersonsWihDisabilities
#WellbeingForAll
On the @UnitedNations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation and social impact partners @ThisIsReckit proudly marked the expansion and national launch of Project Oscar – Light For Life: The Neonatal Jaundice Screening, Treatment, and Kernicterus Prevention Program, bringing together stakeholders from across the healthcare, policy, and advocacy spectrum, reinforcing unified efforts in advancing maternal, newborn, and child health in Nigeria.
In technical partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine @LSHTM, @NEST360Org, @SCIDaR_, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, it was an honour to be joined by and to hear from, Mr AkbarAliShah, CEO of Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Honourable Commissioner Professor Akin Abayomi @LagosHealth representing Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu jidesanwoolu, @FMOHNigeria H.E. Prof Muhammed Ali Pate CON represented by Prof Wasiu Adeyemi, CMD of LUTH, Professor Chinyere Ezeaka, Head of Neonatology-Perinatology @UnilagNigeria, Patty O’Hayer, Global Head of External Communications & Affairs, and @Oscar.Anderson.7967 MBE & the Anderson Family, whose advocacy and lived experiences have inspired this program.
Project Oscar aims to revolutionise neonatal and jaundice care in Nigeria by educating over 10,000 mothers on the early signs and treatment options, screening over 9,000 infants for NNJ to ensure timely intervention, training 300 healthcare workers on specialised NNJ diagnosis and management protocols, and equipping primary, secondary and tertiary facilities with phototherapy units, transcutaneous bilirubinometers, BiliDx bilirubinometers, and post-discharge Bilistrips to support ongoing care.
The Light For Life Campaign, embedded within this program, calls for the global integration of neonatal jaundice care into health policies and guidelines. Aligned with the #IDPD2024 theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” Oscar’s voice continues to inspire an international movement to ensure that every newborn, no matter where they are born, receives the care they deserve.
#ProjectOscar
#LightForLife
#WellbeingForAll
The Project Oscar - Light for Life @WellbeingAfrica & @ThisisReckitt Delegation visited two pivotal institutions driving healthcare innovation and support in Lagos State: our academic training partner the Lagos University Teaching Hospital #LUTH @UnilagNigeria, and the Cerebral Palsy Center #CpCenter, to bring further awareness to the need for integrated, inclusive healthcare systems and showcase the delivery of Project Oscar as a #glocal and grassroots program.
As a key site and centre of excellence for Project Oscar, LUTH exemplifies academic excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. Professor Chinyere Ezeaka, Head of the Neonatology-Perinatology Unit, and on the Leadership of @NEST360Org, re-emphasised the hospital’s commitment to training healthcare workers, educating communities, and deploying advanced equipment, reflecting a dedication to preventing disabilities caused by untreated neonatal jaundice, ensuring every child has the best start in life.
At the Cerebral Palsy Center, founded by Nonye Nweke, the delegation witnessed the daily care and opportunities requirements of children living with cerebral palsy, a disiability which can stem from untreated #NNJ. The Center’s model, born out of Nonye’s personal journey as a parent, embodied resilience and community-driven action, by providing therapies, caregiver support, and awareness campaigns, all of which align with the principles of Project Oscar.
@Oscar.Anderson.7967 presence and lived experiences reinforced the message that inclusion, policy integration, and systemic support are vital for achieving sustainable healthcare solutions, recognising the importance of fostering policies that prioritise early detection and the call for global neonatal health standards through initiatives such as our Light For Life Global Campaign.
#ProjectOscar
#LightforLife
#WellbeingForAll
Yesterday, I had the honour of leading the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation and @ThisisReckitt Project Oscar Delegation on a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iru Land. This audience with @HRMOniru marked the introduction of Project Oscar – Light For Life, a transformative programme focused on Neonatal Jaundice Screening, Treatment, and Kernicterus Prevention, aimed at improving neonatal health outcomes across public and private healthcare facilities in Lagos State.
We were honoured to engage in a dialogue rooted in the enduring traditions of the Iru Kingdom, where the principles of Alaafia, health, peace, and wellbeing, are central to the lives of our people. Under the esteemed guidance of His Royal Majesty, we explored how the timeless values of culture and royal stewardship intersect with healthcare initiatives to improve the quality of life for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
I extend my deepest gratitude to His Royal Majesty for his gracious hospitality and his continued support for local programming and partnerships which enhance community wellbeing through evidence-based approaches for impactful results.
@Oscar.Anderson.7967
#ProjectOscar
#LightForLife
#Alaafia
#WellbeingForAll
As I embrace the final month of the year and begin the new work week, it is with gratitude and purpose that I welcome the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation Social Impact Partners, Oscar Anderson MBE, Global Disability Advocate, his parents Charles and Sarah Anderson, and the Global @ThisIsReckitt Delegation, including Patty O’Hayer, Global Head of Communications & Government Affairs, and Masibonge Mkhize, Global Social Impact & Partnerships Manager, to Nigeria.
Their visit marks the advancement of Project Oscar – Light For Life: The Neonatal Jaundice Screening, Treatment, and Kernicterus Prevention Program, a testament to resilience, advocacy, tools, training and transformative action. Inspired by Oscar’s leadership and lived experience, this initiative demonstrates how personal challenges can engender global solutions that save lives and prevent disabilities.
From our first meeting in London, where I was deeply moved by Oscar’s commitment to this cause, to our shared stage at the @OneYoungWorld Summit, where his voice galvanised global action, to this week in Nigeria as we launch Project Oscar nationally—this has been a journey of inspiring ability in disability.
I also extend my appreciation to @British_Airways for their exceptional support and assistance in facilitating the safe arrival of our delegation, enabling this vital work to progress.
#HappyNewWeek
#WellbeingForAll
#NNJ #ProjectOscar
#LightForLife
#WellbeingForAll
It is with great joy that I congratulate my dear friend, sister, and trailblazer, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her historic reappointment as the Director-General of the @WorldTradeOrganization for a second four-year term.
With the trust and support of the #WTO General Council and its 166 Members, Dr Ngozi’s leadership on the global stage for equitable trade systems continues to set a transformative agenda for inclusive economic growth that uplifts nations and people alike.
As the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation advocates for the advancement of well-being and socio-economic outcomes across communities, I appreciate Dr Ngozi’s firm commitment to promoting trade as a driver of economic growth and resilience, building a more inclusive, equitable, and rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits all.
#WellbeingForAll
My Health, My Right, this World AIDS Day, Take the Rights Path for Africa’s Children!
On World AIDS Day 2024, as an @AfricaREACH1 Leadership Council Member, I am endorsing the call-to-action of achieving health equity while safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable, as the situation across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, demands immediate attention, with over 140,000 Nigerian children living with HIV while paediatric treatment coverage stagnates at a mere 35%, far below the global target of 95%, and unfortunately, 300 children losing their lives to AIDS-related causes every week, compounded by barriers such as high antenatal care costs and pervasive stigma that prevent pregnant women from accessing essential healthcare, perpetuating new infections and preventable deaths.
The @WHO @WHOAfrica recognises that HIV remains a significant global health challenge, having claimed over 42.3 million lives and with transmission continuing worldwide. At the end of 2023, 39.9 million people were living with HIV, a manageable chronic condition when people have access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. With early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy, individuals living with #HIV can lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
The @WellbeingAfrica Foundation is committed to the power of community-led impact, championing policy reforms to dismantle barriers and enable sustainable investments, strengthen #PMTCT initiatives through accessible antenatal and postnatal care to ensure every newborn has the chance to live HIV-free, and empower Adolescent-Friendly Health Services with comprehensive sex education, to equip young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.
Aligning within the 16 Days of Activism Against #GBV, the global health community is reminded that the fight for health equity and the fight against violence are inseparable, with systemic inequalities necessary to address. The world can end AIDS—with human rights at the centre and communities leading the way, achieving the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
#WorldAIDSDay
#EndAIDS
#AIDSFreeGeneration
#16Days
#WellbeingForAll
Yesterday, as a member of the ICPD30 International Steering Committee, I joined @UNFPANigeria and the National Population Commission leaders at the ceremony and summit to mark the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development - commemorating the transformative vision the ICPD Programme of Action set forth three decades ago, as an inclusive framework which continues to prioritise the rights, dignity, and agency of individuals, with a particular spotlight on advancing opportunities and equity for women and girls.
Under the theme, “The March Continues: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All,” I had the honour of delivering a keynote speech in Abuja on behalf of the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation`s leadership of Nigeria Stakeholder Commitments Outreach for the Nairobi Summit, and as UNFPA Nigeria Family Planning Champion, I also delivered frontline impact outcomes from our dedicated frontline #WBFA midwives, nurses and healthcare workers, whose commitment advances meaningful progress towards healthy lives for all.
At WBFA, we actively strive to make sexual and reproductive health services accessible, ensure preventable maternal and infant deaths are eradicated, and put an end to gender-based violence and harmful practices. Through our on the ground programming such as the #Mamacare360 Antenatal and Postnatal Classes and our Adolescent Skills and Drills #PSHE #WASH, we engender communities and reinforce universal health coverage.
To uphold and fulfil the promises of ICPD30, we must remain steadfast in transparent progress reporting of zero unmet needs for family planning information and services, zero preventable maternal and infant deaths, zero sexual and gender based violence, including early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation, working towards strengthening health system resilience, and advocating for the vulnerable populations still waiting for change, to develop a world where health, safety, and opportunity are not privileges, but rights for all.
#ICPD30
#16Days
#WellbeingForAll
#FrontlineFriday
It is with sadness that I join the global health community in mourning the sudden passing of Dr Faustine Ndugulile, the incoming Regional Director of the World Health Organization’s African Region @WHO_Africa. As Special Adviser to the Independent Advisory Group of #WHOAFRO and as Founder-President of the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation, a non-state actor in the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, I appreciate and respect Dr Ndugulile’s significant contributions to public health, his advocacy for evidence-based policies, and his commitment to a healthier Africa.
His leadership, vision, and courage were evident throughout his distinguished career, from pioneering work with Tanzania`s National Blood Transfusion Services to his principled stance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Ndugulile’s election as Regional Director was a testament to the trust and hope the continent had placed in him to lead transformative health advancements.
I extend my deepest condolences to Dr Ndugulile’s family, colleagues, and the people of Tanzania. May we honour his legacy by redoubling our efforts to create a healthier and more equitable Africa, just as he envisioned.
#HealthForAll
#WellbeingForAll
Arriving in Abuja for the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development @UNFPANigeria #ICPD30, reflecting on and reviewing three decades of progress, and preparing to deliver my keynote speech reaffirming the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation’s commitment to zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. Using human-centred sustainable development and evidence-based solutions, we aim to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights #SRHR.
#WellbeingForAll
Yesterday, the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation’s Kwara Team participated in the 55th Annual General and Scientific Meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, where my goodwill message was delivered, highlighting our continued commitment to advancing mental health as a pillar of national development. I commend Professor Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association, for his leadership in convening this important gathering, which comes at a timely juncture as we collectively address the challenges outlined in the theme, “Prioritising Mental Health Needs of Nigerians in a Depressed Economy: An Urgent Call for Integrated, Comprehensive, and Sustainable Interventions.`"
At #WBFA, we recognise the pressing need for innovative, equitable, and multidimensional strategies and policy reform to tackle and destigmatise the mental health crisis in Nigeria, having consistently championed the integration of mental health services into general hospital and community psychiatry frameworks to ensure care is accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive while also leveraging the potential of digital health solutions to overcome barriers related to infrastructure and digital literacy, to extend reach and impact of mental health interventions across diverse populations.
As we move forward, it is imperative to continue building partnerships which foster a strong frontline approach, and take consistent action to ensure access to mental health care is no longer a privilege but a guaranteed right. I thank everyone involved in this meeting for their dedication to advancing solutions that empower individuals, families, and communities to thrive in all aspects of their wellbeing.
#WellbeingForAll
#ThriveThursday
Yesterday, I joined Dr @TessyOjo, CBE, and her family in honouring the memory of her dearly departed father, Chief Andrew Ndidi Nwadike, at the Christian Wake Keeping Service which commenced the homegoing obsequies of their beloved father and grandfather.
Every heartfelt tribute expressed Chief Nwadike`s love of family and community and his enduring philanthropic commitment to empowering humanity.
In expressing my heartfelt condolences to Tessy, whose father was exceedingly proud of her achievements as CEO, @DianaAward, @AntiBullyingPro and Founder @TessysBrunches, I pray that the entire Nwadike Family are indeed comforted by the Liturgy Of The Word`s Biblical Prophecy of Daniel 12:3 - Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
May Chief Andrew Ndidi Nwadike rest in peace, Amen.
Years ago, in the early days of my and the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation’s journey in supporting neonatal care, I made one of my first donations to the #NICU at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital: pulse oximeters. These lifesaving resources were crucial in ensuring the care and survival of vulnerable preterm babies. Among those tiny, fragile lives were triplets, born against the odds at 24 weeks, nurtured with expert care, and embraced by a community of support.
Today, I am overjoyed with gratitude to celebrate a remarkable moment in the cycle of care, Fridous Bakare, one of those triplets, has graduated with a First Class Degree with a remarkable 5.0/5.0 CGPA in Computer Science from Afe Babalola University, alongside her older sister, also achieving First Class honours.
This accomplishment is a testament to the lifelong impact of early health interventions and is why #WBFA implements and advocates for equitable, quality healthcare and wellbeing for all.
To Professor Mokuolu, who pioneered Kangaroo Mother Care in #UITH and championed investments and advancements within the NICU, and to each healthcare worker who believed in the potential of these babies and so many similar to them, your resilience and continuous efforts exemplify how quality care can transform lives for generations to come.
Thank you to Hon. Moshood Bakare for keeping me updated on the progress of your triplets and for always highlighting their success. It is a privilege to share the joy of their journey, and WBFA will continue to dedicate their work to maternal, newborn and child health MNCH, because every child deserves a fighting chance.
#NICUCare
#KangarooCare
#PreemieSuccess
#AcademicExcellence
#WellbeingForAll
#TeenageTuesday
On the International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls, the solemn realities unveiled in the newly released @UNODC_HQ @UNWomen report, Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides, reveal that last year alone, approximately 51,100 women and girls—140 every day, and a woman every 10 minutes—were killed by intimate partners or family members, with Africa tragically recording the highest number of femicide victims globally.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism holds special significance as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, a blueprint for achieving gender equality and advancing the rights of women and girls, and while progress is undeniable, #VAWG still remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world.
The @WellbeingAfrica Foundation`s efforts to combat domestic violence and prevent sexual violence, have worked alongside partners such as UNWomen, the Global Foundation to Eliminate Domestic Violence @EliminateDomesticViolence and the @PeaceOneDay_Official Coalition since 2012, the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict PSVI UK-France Consultations, and support Nigeria`s National Population Commission`s progress towards the @UNFPA-led ICPD 3 Zeros Agenda since 2019.
Through a trusted network of highly trained #WBFA midwives, we continue to engage mothers, girls, families, and communities, providing counselling, education, and support, to foster safe and brave spaces which promote dialogue, healing, and empowerment. In alignment with #16Days and the #UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign, we equip women and girls with critical knowledge of their rights, challenge harmful norms, and strengthen communities to break the cycle of violence.
I reaffirm my and WBFA’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls by prioritising access to healthcare and advocating for policies that hold perpetrators accountable, as VAWG hinders equality, and progress toward the @UnitedNations #SDGs.
🎥: The Wellbeing Foundation Africa Innovative #EndViolence Webinar
#NoExcuse
#16DaysofActivism
#WellbeingForAll
#MaternalMonday
Yesterday I was delighted to wish Ebitare Alaibe and his beautiful bride Anne Burton a very happy married life of love and unity, as I arrived from Abuja to honour their wedding reception at The Monarch Centre at Lekki Peninsula, Ikate Kingdom of Lagos.
As I joined my brotherly royal fathers, His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III @hrmsaelegushi, the 21st Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II @hrmoniru, the 15th Oniru of Iru Land, His Royal Majesty King Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo OFR, Okpo XXI, The Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom and my darling sister his lovely Queen Pelebo, dignitaries and friends of the Alaibe family in felicitating with our host and dear friend Timi Alaibe @ndutimialaibe, renowned businessman, politician, and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission in celebrating the wedding of his son, and to prayerfully honour the loving memory of our dearly departed and much missed Alaere, who always stood by his side as a wonderful wife, great mother, and faithfully dedicated helpmeet throughout her beautiful and blessed life.
#GratefulForHisGrace
I was honoured to felicitate a very dear sister, Hajiya Zainab Dantata, as she hosted a Dinner Reception to celebrate the marriage of her son, Abubakar Waziri Mohammed and Yasmine Adamu Daura, yesterday evening in Abuja.
Remembering the legacies of our dearly beloved departed Waziri Mohammed as the youngest son of the family wedded, we honoured his memory with prayers for his soul.
Barak Allah Iakuma, may Almighty God bless the marriage and let it be a means for the newlyweds, and their families to become closer to the Almighty in love and devotion.
Amen.
Happy Belated Birthday, @Davido!
David, I am so proud of the impact you have made both through your music and your philanthropic spirit. May the coming year bring you even greater achievements, joy, and blessings.
Keep shining, keep soaring, and may you always find fulfillment in all you do.
This #FrontlineFriday, I am delighted to note the progress being made by our Lead Partner, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine’s Emergency Obstetric and Quality of Care Unit as they deliver the Advanced Obstetrics and Surgical Skills (AOSS) training programme in partnership with the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation, for resident doctors specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology.
The intensive training builds on earlier sessions held in May and June 2024, during which 82 National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria faculty benefited from the training at the Centres of Excellence in Lagos and Abuja, and has now extended to resident doctors from training institutions affiliated with the #NPMCN, training 31 more resident doctors in Abuja and an additional 32 resident doctors in Kano, respectively.
In collaboration with the NPMCN, the AOSS curriculum has been adopted to align with national standards. The College`s Senate is anticipated to approve the updated obstetric training curriculum in the coming weeks, a development that will integrate AOSS content as a key component for obstetric training across Nigeria.
With a shared commitment to Universal Health Coverage #UHC and the @UnitedNations Sustainable Development Goal 3, our partnership, managed by Global Health Partnerships (formally known as the Tropical Health and Education Trust @THETLinks) and @DucitBlueSolutions, addresses the urgent need to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality while strengthening healthcare delivery systems in Nigeria.
This project is funded through the Global Health Workforce Programme, which is funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care @DHSCGovUK for the benefit of the UK and partner country health sectors.
@LSTMNews
@LSTM_Nigeria
#GHWP #WellbeingForAll
#FrontlineFriday
I am delighted to wish my dear friend and sister Adiba Anyaoku Ighodaro a very happy birthday today!
Since our mutual educational careers at @RoedeanSchool, Brighton, Sussex, and at Kings College London @LifeatKings, I have always admired Adiba`s commitment to excellence in all her endeavours, as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in private equity, law, and corporate governance. She was a founding member and Partner at Actis, an international private equity firm, where she held various roles, including Head of West Africa and led key investments. Adiba also served as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd and ICG Enterprise Trust Plc. She is a Trustee on the board of the English National Opera. Adiba holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from King`s College London and is a member of both the Nigerian Bar Association and the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, UK.
Happy Birthday Adiba, and every blessing always!
This #ThriveThursday, I am highlighting the importance of breastfeeding in improving health outcomes for women and children, and as an investment in human capital, with the Global Breastfeeding Scorecard 2024 emphasising that early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can prevent up to 13% of under-five deaths globally.
According to the @UNICEF and @WHO 2023 Joint Monitoring Report, in Nigeria only 29% of infants are exclusively breastfed, and over 850,000 children under five die annually; while this calls attention to the challenges we face, it also showcases the immense opportunity to save lives and improve wellbeing by prioritising and scaling interventions that empower mothers to breastfeed effectively with proper breastfeeding practices, especially in marginalised communities, who often face resource limitations in providing the minimum acceptable diet and dietary diversity required for their infants` growth and survival.
Powered by the @WellbeingAfrica Foundation, the #Mamacare360 NICU Plus Programme equips mothers and families, particularly those with newborns in neonatal intensive care units #NICUs, with the tools, awareness and support to focus on breastfeeding, even in challenging circumstances. By addressing the unique needs of premature and vulnerable infants, the programme uplifts mothers to provide lifesaving breastmilk, giving their babies the best start in life.
Our #Mamacare360 programme builds on #WBFA’s longstanding commitment to maternal and child nutrition. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based interventions, we have provided lactation counselling, maternal support, and upskilling of midwives and healthcare workers across Nigeria.
Breast truly is best, and the shortest, most sustainable supply chain, a renewable resource which fosters survival, growth, and development. Scaling breastfeeding interventions, will not only save lives but also secure economic growth and healthier communities, moving us closer to achieving the WHO Global Nutrition Target of 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2025 and contributing meaningfully to the @UnitedNations 2030 #SDGs.
#WellbeingForAll
#ThriveThursday
It was wonderful to meet enthusiastic young students from ECWA Nursery and Primary School of Oro, Kwara State, on their school trip visit to the General Tunde Idiagbon Airport this week, as I made a brief stopover at ancient city of Ilorin, Kwara State, where I had once served as…
I was delighted on Wednesday to grace ‘A Reception to celebrate The Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III' at the kind invitation of The British High Commissioner, Mr Richard Montgomery CMG, and his distinguished spouse, Ms Naheed Bilgrami, at The High Commissioner's…
A heavy loss indeed. I pray that Almighty God comforts his loved ones, family and friends, and grants him peaceful repose.
Amen.
The Tropical Health and Education Trust @THETLinks Annual Conference which commenced today with an opening keynote from @WHO Director-General @DrTedros, bring together the Health Partnerships community and features high-level decision makers, internationally recognised experts…
Malaria fights hard. We fight harder.
As I begin the new work week, I congratulate Dr Astrid Bonfield, CEO of @MalariaNoMoreUK, and the entire team on the launch of the @ZeroMalaria Experience today, a powerful new film and immersive installation showcasing how innovation and…
I extend my warmest congratulations to the Rt. Hon. @KemiBadenoch MP on her election as the new Leader of the Conservative Party. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Meeting with Kemi earlier this…
Happy New Month! Every time I recall meeting Nigerian-born Omotayo Pascalyn Omotosho on September 19th, 2023 at the @ConcordiaSummit in New York, and the many other young Africans that I am always delighted to encounter, I am reminded of the unstoppable spirit of African Youth!…
The e-health check tool is available for free at https://covid19.wbfafrica.org/ and users can access real-time updates on how to stay connected, safe, and healthy during the pandemic on Instagram and Twitter @Wellbeing_PPMD, and @WellbeingPPMD on Facebook.
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