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Foreword by H.E. Toyin Saraki 

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the World Health Organization’s theme Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters, I am honoured to spotlight the newly released Devex feature, “New Index Aims to Help Countries Close Breast Cancer Care Gaps,” following my conversation with Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba during the 80th United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

The feature introduces the Breast Cancer Care Quality Index, a data-driven framework that enables governments to turn commitment into measurable reform. Convened by AstraZeneca with clinicians, policymakers, and advocates, the Index provides a unified set of indicators spanning early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive management, and resilient system performance. It offers a shared language for accountability, aligning policy, financing, and delivery to expose inequities and guide investment.

True equity in women’s cancer care requires coherence between evidence, leadership, and implementation. The BCCQI represents that alignment, where political will meets operational capacity, and progress is demonstrated through measurable standards of care.

Through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we are advancing this approach in Nigeria by embedding breast health education, patient navigation, and system strengthening into maternal and community health programmes, aligned with the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative and the Breast Cancer Care Quality Index. Our mission remains clear, that every woman’s journey leads to timely care, effective treatment, and survival.
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At UNGA, global health leaders unveiled the Breast Cancer Care Quality Index or BCCQI — a new data-driven framework to help governments translate global goals into national action.

By Rumbi Chakamba // 07 October 2025 // Originally published on Devex.com

A new tool may give governments a practical way to move from lofty global targets to on-the-ground action in the fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer worldwide, with around 2.3 million new cases and more than 666,000 deaths recorded in 2022, yet only a few countries are on track to meet the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative goal of reducing mortality by 2.5% annually.

“Across every region, women face systemic inequities that delay their diagnosis, limit their access to innovation, and compromise the quality of our care. These disparities are not incidental. They’re structural, and they reverberate through our families, our communities, and our economies,” Toyin Saraki, founder and president of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, said at the Concordia summit held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

In response to these inequities, a new initiative — The Breast Cancer Care Quality Index or BCCQI — aims to help countries translate global goals into national action plans. The tool allows governments to assess their policies, pinpoint weak spots, and map out tailored road maps for improvement. It is designed to support efforts to meet WHO’s mortality-reduction targets.

A radiographer prepares a patient to undergo a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo by: Njeri Mwangi / Reuters

“When you have something that’s the biggest killer, you have to use that to bring not just awareness, [but] action and investment to the problem,” Saraki told Devex.

Developed by an international team of clinicians, policymakers, and advocates, with AstraZeneca serving as a convener, the BCCQI draws on evidence reviews and extensive expert consultations to define four key dimensions — early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive management, and resilient health systems. These are further broken down into 10 targets and 23 measurable indicators.

Saraki — who is also a member of the AstraZeneca Breast Cancer Care Council — said she was drawn to the index because it provides an opportunity to turn expert data into practical information that governments, policymakers, health practitioners, and even women themselves can easily understand and use. The goal is to help medical professionals and clinics establish clear patient-navigation pathways, ensure access to the latest treatments, and measure progress along the way.

Saraki hopes early adopters will use the index to benchmark national data, identify gaps such as late-stage diagnoses or weak referral systems, and develop plans to strengthen cancer programs. The index developers are also working toward a multilateral U.N. resolution that will bring visibility to the index.

But challenges remain. Many low- and middle-income countries still lack robust cancer registries and trained staff to collect and analyze data — critical prerequisites for using the index effectively. Sustained political will and dedicated funding will also be essential to translate the framework into improved survival rates

“When you have the political will, everything else will work. You will have the resources in place, you will have the commitment in the different levels of the bureaucracy and the different programs, but political will is key,” said former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla at the Concordia event.

“Without leadership and sustained commitment, even the best of frameworks cannot deliver the change that women deserve,” Saraki added.

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About the author

Rumbi Chakamba is a Senior Editor at Devex based in Botswana, who has worked with regional and international publications including News Deeply, The Zambezian, Outriders Network, and Global Sisters Report. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of South Africa.

Each year, Pan-African Women’s Day (PAWD) reminds us of the enduring legacy, resilience, and leadership of African women. However, as we celebrate, we must also confront a lingering truth: far too many pregnant and breastfeeding women in Africa are still left behind in HIV prevention efforts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not merely recipients of care, they are architects of community wellbeing, leaders within households and societies, and central to the intergenerational health equity we must pursue.

The theme for PAWD 2025, “Advancing Social and Economic Justice for African Women through Reparations”, reminds us of the critical need to address systemic social and economic inequalities hindering women’s empowerment and advancement. PAWD 2025 coincides with the World Breastfeeding Week 2025, themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” Therefore, we are also called to translate that legacy into concrete action for the next generation, starting from pregnancy and the earliest days of life. This year, we call for an intentional shift to integrate HIV prevention, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) into the broader maternal and child health ecosystem. Doing so is not only scientifically sound; it is a moral and human rights imperative, and a step toward redressing historic injustices through maternal health equity.

A Gendered Lens on HIV Prevention

The African Union Commission (AUC) has long championed the rights of African women and girls. AU frameworks, including the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB, and Malaria by 2030, guarantees equitable and affordable access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Nonetheless, gender inequality continues to drive HIV vulnerability, especially among adolescent girls, young women, and mothers. On a continent where women bear the brunt of both unpaid care work and HIV infections, we must place pregnant and breastfeeding women at the heart of HIV prevention strategies.

Pan-African Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a policy moment. We should use this occasion to strengthen the link between reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender equity. In our communities, we have witnessed firsthand ways midwives and frontline workers can transform maternal care when equipped with the tools, training, and trust to do so. We need to reimagine HIV prevention not as a siloed programme, but as a foundational component of respectful, comprehensive, gender-responsive maternal health.

Breastfeeding as a Health Justice Issue

The 2025 World Breastfeeding Week theme urges us to prioritise breastfeeding through sustainable systems- systems that must also prioritise the health and HIV status of the mother and child. Offering long-acting PrEP like CAB-LA, ensuring routine HIV testing during antenatal care, and integrating EID into immunisation schedules are essential to building that system. This is how we ensure that breastfeeding is not only a biological bond, but also a protective, empowering act, free of fear, stigma, or silence. Sustainable breastfeeding support must include comprehensive maternal diagnostics and wraparound care. Let us also ensure that every woman is met with dignity, discretion, and informed choice  whether through access to long-acting PrEP, timely testing, or compassionate postpartum support.

A United African Response

We must elevate community engagement, involve Traditional and Religious leaders, and support healthcare workers who are often themselves women and the first and sometimes only line of care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Pan-African leadership on all levels, from governments to grassroots, must ensure that every mother has access to life-saving HIV prevention tools. Transforming outcomes for mothers and babies requires systems change, built on multisectoral partnerships. From ministries to midwives, from labs to legislatures, we must align our investments with our aspirations, for a future where no woman is left behind.

The AUC Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate and Africa REACH Leadership Council stand together to say: African women should live, lead, and breastfeed without the shadow of HIV. As we celebrate Pan-African Women’s Day and Breastfeeding Week, let us continue to advocate for and implement policies that lead to health emancipation. May we renew our collective resolve to ensure that African women can live, lead, and nourish the next generation, in health, in dignity, and in freedom from HIV.

Happy Pan-African Women’s Day!

On World Mental Health Day, LifeLine International proudly announces the appointment of H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as its Honorary Global Patron. This appointment highlights H.E. Mrs Saraki’s consistent and unwavering commitment to health and wellbeing, particularly in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention.

H.E. Mrs Saraki’s appointment comes at a critical time as mental health challenges and suicide rates, particularly for young people and across countries in Africa, are rising. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29. Globally, suicide claims about 720,000 lives each year, with 73% of suicides occurring in low-and middle-income countries where access to mental health services and support remains limited. These stark statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health services and crisis support, particularly in regions where resources are scarce.

As Honorary Global Patron, H.E. Mrs Saraki will leverage her global influence and leadership as a global health advocate to further LifeLine International’s mission of reducing deaths by suicide and expanding access to life-saving telephone and online crisis support services. Her commitment to improving health outcomes, especially for vulnerable and marginalised populations, aligns seamlessly with LifeLine International’s vision of ensuring that by 2050, every person, regardless of their location, has access to high-quality crisis support.

CEO of LifeLine International, Thilini Perera, remarked: “We are honoured to welcome H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki as our Honorary Global Patron. Her exceptional leadership and tireless advocacy for health equity will greatly enhance our efforts to prevent suicide and expand access to crisis support. We are confident that her involvement will bring transformative change to mental health and suicide prevention globally.”

H.E. Mrs Saraki’s work will be instrumental in addressing the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing in Africa, where suicide rates are the highest globally. Her voice will serve as a powerful advocate for young people, women, and communities most in need of support, helping to break down the barriers that prevent access to mental health care.

In accepting the role, H.E. Mrs Toyin Saraki stated:  “I am truly humbled to take on the role of Honorary Global Patron for LifeLine International. Mental health is an essential component of wellbeing, and we must ensure that every individual has access to the support they need, especially in times of crisis. I look forward to working with LifeLine International to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.”

With H.E. Mrs Saraki’s guidance, LifeLine International, which has 200 LifeLine Centres operated by 31 Members in 27 countries, is poised to make significant strides in addressing the global suicide crisis. By combining her stewardship with LifeLine’s life-saving work, the organisation will expand its efforts to provide accessible, community-driven mental health support and crisis intervention on the frontlines.

LifeLine International remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every life is valued and saved, and H.E. Toyin Saraki’s patronage will undoubtedly amplify this crucial work.

[Montréal, Canada] – On Saturday, 21st September 2024, at the One Young World Summit, a pioneering new chapter of Project Oscar was launched, marking a major scale-up in the fight against neonatal jaundice. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in partnership with Oscar Anderson MBE and Reckitt, announced the expansion of Project Oscar to Nigeria. This initiative is aimed at saving lives by providing life-changing phototherapy units for the treatment of newborn jaundice—a leading cause of preventable brain damage in infants.

This high-level mainstage event featured distinguished speakers including Oscar Anderson MBE, a 23-year-old disability advocate and founder of Project Oscar; Patty O’Hayer, Global Head of External Affairs and Social Impact at Reckitt; and Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. The launch was a powerful demonstration of how simple, affordable light therapy can change the lives of newborns at risk of jaundice and bring preventative quality healthcare care to communities across Nigeria.

In his moving speech, Oscar Anderson shared the personal story of how a lack of access to light therapy after birth resulted in cerebral palsy. This life experience fueled his determination to prevent such outcomes for others, leading him to create Project Oscar. Since its inception in Vietnam in 2019, Project Oscar has provided over 100 phototherapy units, trained healthcare professionals, and treated more than 150,000 newborns.

As Nigeria ranks one of the the country most affected by neonatal jaundice, the expansion of Project Oscar to Lagos State will have a transformational impact. The project aims to equip healthcare facilities with the essential technology to diagnose and treat jaundice, ensuring that newborns receive the care they need in time. It also seeks to implement policy changes to make jaundice screening a routine part of newborn care across the country.

Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa emphasised the life-saving potential of Project Oscar: “We are delighted to announce today that we are launching Project Oscar in Nigeria, beginning with Lagos State. This initiative has the power to save lives, ensure healthier outcomes for newborns, and change the future of neonatal care in our country. We want to ensure that every baby is tested for jaundice before leaving the hospital, creating a new normal for early detection and treatment. By working together, we can ensure that no child is left untreated due to a lack of resources through a community of practice for immediate detection.”

Project Oscar’s launch in Nigeria is a significant step in the global fight against neonatal jaundice. By leveraging the power of light therapy, this initiative will save lives, prevent disabilities, and create a brighter future for thousands of newborns. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, alongside its partners, Oscar Anderson & the Anderson Family, Reckitt, NEST360, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is calling on everyone to shine their light by signing the Light For Life Letter and advocating for stronger global standards in newborn care.

#ForeverKings – On Tuesday 11th of June, I was delighted to be flanked by Dr Saraki II and Dr Saraki III, respectively my dear husband HE Abubakar Bukola Saraki MBBS CON and my darling daughter Dr Teniola Saraki MBBS, and to be accompanied by a Former Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Razak Atunwa, and highly renowned Global Health Leader and Innovator, Bhavin Vaid, as I was honoured with the prestigious King’s Changemaker Award as part of the 2024 King’s College London Distinguished Alumni Awards.

I am humbled to receive the King’s Changemaker Award, as this recognition highlights the power of using knowledge with purpose and celebrates my efforts in global development, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child health through the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, while also acknowledging my work in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and championing health equity through active global and national policy and advocacy.

Reflecting on my educational journey at King’s College London, attaining an LLM in International Economic Law, I truly appreciate the profound impact of my time at the institution on my career trajectory, as my experience at #KCL instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my education to make a meaningful impact on society with an international perspective. King’s mission to drive positive and sustainable change in society, through its commitment to empowering interdisciplinary thinking, has been a guiding force.

At the distinguished award ceremony which took place at The Great Hall, King’s Building, Strand Campus, hosted by King’s Vice-Chancellor & President, Professor Shitij Kapur with Former Award Winner David Stanley BEM (Music Mmus), 2001 acting as compere for the evening, I congratulated all the distinguished awardees, including Dr Victoria ‘Vickki’ Harmer, alongside whom I serve on the Global Breast Cancer Care Council.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to King’s College London for the honour bestowed upon me, thank you, King’s College London, for this incredible distinction. Let us continue to harness the power of education and use our wisdom for the greater good!

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is proud to announce its membership in the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), a global coalition of organisations dedicated to safeguarding public health from the impacts of climate change. By joining forces with GCHA, WBFA reinforces its commitment to advancing climate action and promoting health equity across Africa and beyond. This strategic collaboration underscores WBFA’s steadfast commitment to advancing resilience and planning, understanding the inextricable link between climate change and public health.

Climate change is intensifying the spread of vector-borne diseases and posing risks of malnutrition, waterborne illnesses, and heat stress, contributing to an estimated additional 250,000 deaths annually by 2030-2050, globally. Nigeria and Africa face significant challenges at the intersection of climate change and health, with projections indicating faster temperature rises than the global average and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events. Nigeria is already experiencing the exacerbation of existing health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations such as mothers, children, and adolescents. Yet, Africa accounts for only 3.9% of the world’s emissions of carbon dioxide – the smallest share among all world’s regions.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, expressed her delight about the membership, stating, “As we witness the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and its profound impact on public health, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa is honoured to join forces with the Global Climate and Health Alliance. Through this partnership and network, we are poised to amplify our efforts in advocating for policies and programming which prioritise the health and wellbeing of communities most affected by climate-related challenges. Together, we will strive towards building a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.”

Dr. Francis Ogbise, Director of Programmes, Impact & Sustainability at The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing complex global issues with an impact-centric approach. He stated, “Joining the Global Climate and Health Alliance aligns perfectly with WBFA’s mission to drive sustainable development and improve health outcomes. By leveraging our collective expertise and networks, we can advocate for evidence-based policies, implement innovative grassroots programmatic solutions, and empower communities to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on public health. Our membership underscores our commitment to fostering synergistic approaches towards achieving positive impact at scale and setting benchmarks for transformative change.”

Adanna Maduka, Director of Policy, Partnerships & Grants at The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, emphasised the transformative potential of the Alliance, highlighting WBFA’s strategic advocacy with WASH For Wellbeing, as exemplified in the WBFA Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest programme and its efforts in developing the facilitation initiative designed to accelerate progress toward water access and security for all people in developing countries with Accelerate Water, formerly Global Water 2020, remarking, “At WBFA, we recognise the critical intersection between climate change and public health. Our membership in the Global Climate and Health Alliance presents an exciting opportunity to catalyse meaningful change by influencing policy decisions, mobilizing resources, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. Together, we will work tirelessly to address the root causes of health disparities exacerbated by climate change and advocate for equitable, sustainable solutions that leave no one behind. Our targets include expanding our partnership network, advancing policy initiatives, and scaling up innovative programmes to achieve measurable impact in climate resilience and public health outcomes.”

In alignment with its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Clean Water and Sanitation, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest programme has integrated climate education into its curriculum, which reaches children in schools, mothers in health facilities and families in communities across Nigeria. Alongside this, the WBFA Adolescent Skills and Drills, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, also pioneers a comprehensive approach to hygiene education which encompasses climate awareness and resilience-building strategies. By incorporating climate education into the PSHE and WASH curricula, our climate and health programming aims to equip individuals, particularly youth and mothers, with the knowledge and skills to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health. These initiatives highlight a commitment to empowering communities with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in a changing climate while promoting sustainable behaviours for the betterment of present and future generations.

Kehinde Akinsola, Programmes Lead for Kwara State at The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, spoke on the organisation’s dedication to integrating climate education into its programmatic coverage, particularly recognising its impact on the health of pregnant women and lactating mothers. Akinsola emphasised the importance of building the capacity of frontline health workers as educators to transform outcomes for schools, healthcare facilities and individuals in vulnerable communities, such as those in Kwara State, with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and its direct implications on maternal and child health. Through frontline programming and homegrown initiatives, WBFA is committed to raising awareness about climate issues and implementing sustainable solutions that foster resilience and empower communities. Akinsola stated, “Climate education is not just a component of our work; it is a cornerstone of our commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”

The Global Climate and Health Alliance welcomed WBFA as a member, acknowledging the foundation’s longstanding commitment to advancing health equity and sustainable development in Africa. Together, WBFA and GCHA will collaborate on initiatives aimed at strengthening climate resilience, promoting climate-smart policies, and empowering communities to build a healthier, more sustainable future.

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, partnerships like this are essential for driving positive change and ensuring the health and wellbeing of present and future generations.

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About the Global Climate and Health Alliance:
The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), established in Durban in 2011, is dedicated to combating climate change and safeguarding public health. Comprising health and development organizations worldwide, the Alliance shares a vision of an equitable, sustainable future where the health impacts of climate change are minimized, and its co-benefits are maximised. The Alliance was launched following the inaugural Climate and Health Summit, which took place in 2011 during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Alliance members collaborate to integrate health considerations into global, regional, and local climate policies, with a focus on reducing health inequalities through both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, the Alliance encourages the health sector to take a leading role in climate action and raises awareness of the health risks associated with climate change. Through leadership, advocacy, policy, research, and engagement efforts, the Alliance strives to drive meaningful change and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for all.

About the Wellbeing Foundation Africa Climate and Health Strategy:
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is at the forefront of pioneering frontline programming to address the intricate nexus between climate change and public health. With a steadfast commitment to promoting health equity and environmental sustainability, WBFA has developed a robust Climate and Health Policy & Strategy. This strategy encompasses dedicated programming initiated by WBFA since 2018, including the Adolescent Skills and Drills, Public Health and Hygiene Education (PSHE) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, a comprehensive approach to hygiene education which highlights climate awareness and resilience-building strategies, and interventions aimed at fostering better health outcomes in communities across Nigeria WBFA’s active participation in global and international climate forums, including the Conference of the Parties (COPs) since 2021, underscores its commitment to advocating for climate-sensitive policies and fostering global cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change on public health. Moreover, WBFA’s alignment with initiatives such as the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal, on which Her Excellency Toyin Saraki served as a distinguished panellist on the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award Expert Review, demonstrates dedication to promoting sustainable practices and advancing environmental stewardship.

For Global media inquiries, please contact: Zelia Bukhari, Global Health Advocacy and Policy Manager at Her Excellency Toyin Saraki’s Global Office and Philanthropy – zelia.bukhari@wbfafrica.org.