FROM May 1st, 2025
Lagos, Nigeria, and Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA – 24 April 2025
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and Caring Cross are pleased to announce the execution of a formal Memorandum of Understanding to advance equitable access to cutting-edge medical therapies, including CAR-T cell treatments and stem cell gene therapies, within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The agreement is established for an initial term of one year, with the possibility of extension, and will be in effect from 24 April 2025 to 23 April 2026.
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, established by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, is a distinguished non-governmental organisation committed to strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes across Nigeria and the African continent through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and frontline implementation. Caring Cross, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, is a mission-driven non-profit organisation dedicated to expanding global access to life-saving cell and gene therapies through decentralised manufacturing models, technological innovation, and equitable frameworks.
This strategic collaboration, anchored in principles of scientific justice, ethical stewardship, and inclusive innovation, seeks to support the responsible localisation and sustainable integration of advanced biotherapeutics within Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem. Under the terms of the MoU, WBFA will lead high-level policy engagement, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder mobilisation to facilitate regulatory alignment, legislative support, and public trust. Caring Cross will provide its technical expertise in the ethical development, manufacture, and delivery of CAR-T and gene therapies, employing open-access models that prioritise affordability and health system integration.
“Our collaboration with Caring Cross embodies a shared vision that the future of healthcare innovation must be universally accessible and ethically grounded,” remarked Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. “We are committed to ensuring that pioneering therapies reach all populations equitably, advancing both scientific progress and social justice.”
Dr. Boro Dropulić, Director of Caring Cross, noted: “We are honoured to collaborate with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa to catalyse a model of health innovation that is driven by community needs, scientific rigour, and systemic equity. We aspire to make Nigeria a model for inclusive, sustainable access to the benefits of advanced therapeutic technologies.”
By harnessing advocacy, regulatory innovation, and decentralised biotherapeutic manufacturing, WBFA and Caring Cross aim to position Nigeria as a demonstrative leader in expanding access to 21st-century medical innovations within emerging health systems. Furthermore, the collaboration will serve as a model for bridging the global innovation gap by fostering knowledge exchange, global financing opportunities, and collaborative regulation to advance transformative care.
Representatives from Caring Cross will be present at the Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday, May 5th, taking place at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, California. We welcome expressions of interest from prospective partners and investors who wish to support our initiatives in Nigeria. To arrange a meeting, please contact us via the details provided below.
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2004 by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki. Its mission is to improve health and wellbeing across sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on areas such as maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, gender equality, and sustainable development. WBFA’s initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for measurable impact through frontline programs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Through its broad-reaching programs, WBFA strives to create healthier, more resilient communities across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Media Contact:
Zelia Bukhari
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa
zelia.bukhari@wbfafrica.org
+44 7564 838691
Caring Cross is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the development of advanced medicines and ensuring global access to cures. To achieve its mission, Caring Cross develops technologies and therapeutic candidates that improve the accessibility, affordability, and applicability of advanced medicines like CAR-T therapy and stem cell gene therapy.
Vectors used for Caring Cross ATMPs are manufactured by Vector BioMed, a for-profit vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), specializing in rapid lentiviral vector manufacturing solutions, to provide the industry with affordable, high-quality GMP lentiviral vectors.
https://caringcross.org
https://vectorbiomed.com
Media Contacts:
Daniel Laender, Director of Communications, Caring Cross
daniel.laender@caringcross.org
+1 (240) 447-3692
Kathy Fowler, On The Marc Media
kathleen@onthemarcmedia.com
+1 (410) 963-2345
FROM October 10th, 2024
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.
FROM September 23rd, 2024
[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.
FROM June 13th, 2024
#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!
FROM March 19th, 2024
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.
FROM March 14th, 2024
March 14, 2024 – New York City: The Wellbeing Foundation Africa proudly announces that its Founder & President, Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, has joined the esteemed AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council. H.E. Mrs. Saraki’s appointment signifies a significant step towards advancing global efforts to combat breast cancer and improve healthcare outcomes for women in Nigeria and worldwide.
The AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council, a group of advisory experts across clinical research, advocacy and policy, aim to establish a comprehensive global policy and programmatic framework which fosters the best standards of care for breast cancer patients. H.E. Mrs. Saraki’s expertise and dedication to women’s health, particularly in Africa, will play a pivotal role in shaping strategies to achieve the ultimate ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, in alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% and prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040, through addressing critical issues such as early detection, access to quality and complete treatment, and patient support services.
Breast cancer remains a pressing issue in Nigeria and globally, with millions of lives affected each year. According to the WHO, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of child-bearing age and the leading cancer for women in Nigeria, with one of the highest prevalences and lowest rates of survival globally. Recognising these challenges, the council will focus on key areas including increasing survival rates, reducing chances of recurrence, and enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, while advocating for comprehensive clinical practice, patient-centred advocacy, policy and national guidelines.
Her Excellency Toyin Saraki expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with AstraZeneca and fellow council members, stating, “I am deeply honoured to join the AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council and play a pivotal role in advancing breast cancer care not only in Nigeria and across Africa but importantly, and ambitiously, on a global scale. My commitment lies in bridging the existing inequities in breast cancer outcomes through systematic improvements in access to resource-appropriate and quality services. This includes prioritising health promotion and early detection strategies, ensuring timely diagnosis, and advocating for comprehensive breast cancer management protocols. Together, we will work tirelessly to make tangible progress in the fight against breast cancer and improve the lives of countless individuals and families affected by this disease.”
H.E. Mrs. Toyin Saraki’s appointment underscores her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and championing women’s rights globally. As a renowned advocate for maternal and child health, she brings a wealth of experience in healthcare policy, advocacy development and grassroots community engagement to the council. Her leadership will undoubtedly drive impactful initiatives that resonate with diverse communities across the globe.
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa extends its congratulations to Her Excellency Toyin Saraki on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to the transformative impact of her leadership within the AstraZeneca Global Breast Cancer Care Council.
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.
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