September 25th, 2023
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and GE HealthCare have taken a significant step towards improving maternal and fetal outcomes in Nigeria by signing a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to equip midwives and nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use ultrasound machines.
This initiative aims to empower healthcare providers with the tools to deliver better care to expectant mothers and their unborn babies. As part of this collaboration, GE HealthCare has donated eight Vscan ultrasound devices. These compact, portable devices are well-suited for use in resource-limited settings, where accessing traditional ultrasound machines may be challenging.
The agreement was ceremonially signed by Her Excellency Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and Mr Eyong Ebai of GE HealthCare at The Sofitel Hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In addition to the donation, WBFA and GE HealthCare are conducting comprehensive training for nurses and midwives which will impact over 96,000 mothers this year alone. These training programs in the states of Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara, include theoretical and practical sessions. Participants will receive hands-on training on the use of the Vscan device, covering basic principles of ultrasound technology, image acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and even basic obstetric ultrasound scans.
According to the World Health Organization, the Maternal Mortality Rate in Nigeria in 2017, was estimated at 917 per 100 000 live births; it increased by nearly 14% in 2020 to reach 1047 deaths2 with evidence suggesting that the increase in rates is due to three common signs of delay: in making the decision to seek maternal healthcare, in locating and arriving at a medical facility, and in receiving skilled pregnancy care when a woman gets to the health facility.
Her Excellency Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa said “This collaboration between WBFA and GE HealthCare is a significant milestone in our mission to promote the wellbeing of expectant mothers across Nigeria. With the power of ultrasound technology, we can now detect warning signs early, ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and babies. By providing Vscan devices, delivering comprehensive training, and raising awareness within communities, WBFA and GE HealthCare is working towards healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, and brighter futures for mothers and babies across Nigeria.”
Mr. Ebai from GE HealthCare said “We are proud to support the Wellbeing Foundation Africa in their mission to improve maternal and fetal outcomes in Nigeria. This will enable critical healthcare services in remote areas; GE HealthCare’s involvement supports our strategy in Africa to providing healthcare professionals with the latest technology, we are equipping them with the means to detect potential complications early, ultimately saving lives.”
Read the Maternal Mortality Regional Factsheet.
View this post on Instagram
September 19th, 2023
New York, United States – The year 2023, midpoint of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, marks a critical turning point in the global conversation around adolescent wellbeing and maternal healthcare. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa was proud to join the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting this September, bringing together influential global players to address the pressing needs of adolescents and to shine a light on a critical, often-overlooked phase of maternal health: the fourth trimester.
More than ten global organisations, including the Wellbeing Foundation Africa in partnership with Reckitt joined forces with Fondation Botnar to commit to action aimed at tackling the challenges faced by the world’s 1.8 billion adolescents, including water, sanitation and hygiene, focused on our programming, Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest.
Alongside this, at CGI, I was honoured to contribute to ‘The Fourth Trimester: How to Provide Postpartum Support and Reduce Post-Birth Mortality’, addressing the critical issue that demands our immediate attention: the fourth trimester, that often-overlooked period from birth to 12 weeks. This is a time when the delicate dance of mother-baby bonding unfolds, and mothers embark on the journey of physical recovery from childbirth.
This phase represents a time of profound vulnerability for mothers as they navigate physical and emotional changes, including sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, and the responsibility of nurturing a newborn. Unfortunately, inadequate support during the fourth trimester can lead to long-term health issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and increased risk of chronic illnesses.
Nigeria, like the United States, faces similar challenges in maternal healthcare. Maternal mortality rates remain a pressing concern, particularly for black, asian and minority ethnic rural and underserved communities in the USA. In this pivotal moment in history, it is imperative that we recognize the urgency of these matters and take global action to ensure that mothers and babies not only survive but thrive during the critical phases of healthcare.
As we unite in our efforts to protect the wellbeing of mothers, their newborns and adolescents worldwide, let us forge a path toward a brighter, healthier future.
View this post on Instagram
September 12th, 2023
London, United Kingdom: A global group of experts from the environmental, business, political, and philanthropic worlds have formed the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel. The Sustainable Markets Initiative is announcing the seven distinguished panellists who will evaluate and select the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award winners.
Launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the Terra Carta Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. In May, the Sustainable Markets Initiative announced its partnership with Verdantix, an independent research firm that acts as a thought-leader for world-enhancing innovation. The Expert Review Panel will work with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and assess their alignment with the ten Terra Carta articles.
The 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award Expert Review Panel are:
Toyin Saraki has severally served as a judge on the annual MIT Solve competition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as a judge of the Cannes Lions Film Festival. Toyin also recently adjudicated as a Grand Global Jury Member of the Fight for Access Accelerator Nigeria, led by Reckitt and Yunus Social Business (YSB).
Based on agreed sustainability criteria, select companies are invited on an annual basis to apply for the Terra Carta Seal. Once invited, companies will need to demonstrate the success of a high impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the ten Terra Carta Articles. Verdantix, leveraging its 15 years of experience in climate and sustainability research and analysis, will support the Terra Carta Seal evaluation process by assessing the eligibility and impact of each nominated project against existing recognised global sustainability criteria.
Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to join the esteemed 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel. This prestigious initiative, launched by His Majesty King Charles III at COP26, holds the promise of a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet. It is heartening to see global leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to recognize and reward companies that are committed to positive change for both our environment and society.”
“The Terra Carta Seal Award represents a powerful commitment to addressing climate change and nurturing our natural world. I look forward to working alongside my distinguished fellow panellists and collaborating with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and ensure alignment with Terra Carta’s ten articles. Together, we will help identify and celebrate companies that are making a real difference in the fight against climate change.”
“This initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and shared responsibility. I am eager to contribute to this important mission and continue the work of promoting sustainability and wellbeing in Africa and around the world.”
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, Sustainable Markets Initiative CEO, said: “It is an honour to have such a global and diverse group of sustainability experts to be part of the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards. Building on our partnership with Verdantix, the Expert Review Panel will further ensure an objective and rigorous evaluation process, rooted in sustainability excellence, for all nominees.”
David Metcalfe, Verdantix CEO, said: “Empowering seven judges representing diverse organisations and countries to make the final decision on Terra Carta Seal recipients, embeds independence, expertise and objectivity at the heart of our awards process.”
Applications for the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award close Friday, 29 September.
September 25th, 2023
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and GE HealthCare have taken a significant step towards improving maternal and fetal outcomes in Nigeria by signing a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) to equip midwives and nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use ultrasound machines.
This initiative aims to empower healthcare providers with the tools to deliver better care to expectant mothers and their unborn babies. As part of this collaboration, GE HealthCare has donated eight Vscan ultrasound devices. These compact, portable devices are well-suited for use in resource-limited settings, where accessing traditional ultrasound machines may be challenging.
The agreement was ceremonially signed by Her Excellency Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and Mr Eyong Ebai of GE HealthCare at The Sofitel Hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In addition to the donation, WBFA and GE HealthCare are conducting comprehensive training for nurses and midwives which will impact over 96,000 mothers this year alone. These training programs in the states of Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara, include theoretical and practical sessions. Participants will receive hands-on training on the use of the Vscan device, covering basic principles of ultrasound technology, image acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and even basic obstetric ultrasound scans.
According to the World Health Organization, the Maternal Mortality Rate in Nigeria in 2017, was estimated at 917 per 100 000 live births; it increased by nearly 14% in 2020 to reach 1047 deaths2 with evidence suggesting that the increase in rates is due to three common signs of delay: in making the decision to seek maternal healthcare, in locating and arriving at a medical facility, and in receiving skilled pregnancy care when a woman gets to the health facility.
Her Excellency Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa said “This collaboration between WBFA and GE HealthCare is a significant milestone in our mission to promote the wellbeing of expectant mothers across Nigeria. With the power of ultrasound technology, we can now detect warning signs early, ensuring the health and safety of both mothers and babies. By providing Vscan devices, delivering comprehensive training, and raising awareness within communities, WBFA and GE HealthCare is working towards healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, and brighter futures for mothers and babies across Nigeria.”
Mr. Ebai from GE HealthCare said “We are proud to support the Wellbeing Foundation Africa in their mission to improve maternal and fetal outcomes in Nigeria. This will enable critical healthcare services in remote areas; GE HealthCare’s involvement supports our strategy in Africa to providing healthcare professionals with the latest technology, we are equipping them with the means to detect potential complications early, ultimately saving lives.”
Read the Maternal Mortality Regional Factsheet.
View this post on Instagram
September 19th, 2023
New York, United States – The year 2023, midpoint of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, marks a critical turning point in the global conversation around adolescent wellbeing and maternal healthcare. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa was proud to join the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting this September, bringing together influential global players to address the pressing needs of adolescents and to shine a light on a critical, often-overlooked phase of maternal health: the fourth trimester.
More than ten global organisations, including the Wellbeing Foundation Africa in partnership with Reckitt joined forces with Fondation Botnar to commit to action aimed at tackling the challenges faced by the world’s 1.8 billion adolescents, including water, sanitation and hygiene, focused on our programming, Dettol Nigeria Hygiene Quest.
Alongside this, at CGI, I was honoured to contribute to ‘The Fourth Trimester: How to Provide Postpartum Support and Reduce Post-Birth Mortality’, addressing the critical issue that demands our immediate attention: the fourth trimester, that often-overlooked period from birth to 12 weeks. This is a time when the delicate dance of mother-baby bonding unfolds, and mothers embark on the journey of physical recovery from childbirth.
This phase represents a time of profound vulnerability for mothers as they navigate physical and emotional changes, including sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, and the responsibility of nurturing a newborn. Unfortunately, inadequate support during the fourth trimester can lead to long-term health issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and increased risk of chronic illnesses.
Nigeria, like the United States, faces similar challenges in maternal healthcare. Maternal mortality rates remain a pressing concern, particularly for black, asian and minority ethnic rural and underserved communities in the USA. In this pivotal moment in history, it is imperative that we recognize the urgency of these matters and take global action to ensure that mothers and babies not only survive but thrive during the critical phases of healthcare.
As we unite in our efforts to protect the wellbeing of mothers, their newborns and adolescents worldwide, let us forge a path toward a brighter, healthier future.
View this post on Instagram
September 12th, 2023
London, United Kingdom: A global group of experts from the environmental, business, political, and philanthropic worlds have formed the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel. The Sustainable Markets Initiative is announcing the seven distinguished panellists who will evaluate and select the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award winners.
Launched in 2021 at COP26 by His Majesty King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, the Terra Carta Seal recognises global companies that are actively leading the charge to create a climate and Nature-positive future. In May, the Sustainable Markets Initiative announced its partnership with Verdantix, an independent research firm that acts as a thought-leader for world-enhancing innovation. The Expert Review Panel will work with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and assess their alignment with the ten Terra Carta articles.
The 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award Expert Review Panel are:
Toyin Saraki has severally served as a judge on the annual MIT Solve competition of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as a judge of the Cannes Lions Film Festival. Toyin also recently adjudicated as a Grand Global Jury Member of the Fight for Access Accelerator Nigeria, led by Reckitt and Yunus Social Business (YSB).
Based on agreed sustainability criteria, select companies are invited on an annual basis to apply for the Terra Carta Seal. Once invited, companies will need to demonstrate the success of a high impact, large scale company-wide project, initiative or strategy which aligns with one or more of the ten Terra Carta Articles. Verdantix, leveraging its 15 years of experience in climate and sustainability research and analysis, will support the Terra Carta Seal evaluation process by assessing the eligibility and impact of each nominated project against existing recognised global sustainability criteria.
Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder-President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to join the esteemed 2023 Terra Carta Seal Expert Review Panel. This prestigious initiative, launched by His Majesty King Charles III at COP26, holds the promise of a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet. It is heartening to see global leaders from diverse backgrounds come together to recognize and reward companies that are committed to positive change for both our environment and society.”
“The Terra Carta Seal Award represents a powerful commitment to addressing climate change and nurturing our natural world. I look forward to working alongside my distinguished fellow panellists and collaborating with Verdantix to evaluate nominations and ensure alignment with Terra Carta’s ten articles. Together, we will help identify and celebrate companies that are making a real difference in the fight against climate change.”
“This initiative is a testament to the power of collective action and shared responsibility. I am eager to contribute to this important mission and continue the work of promoting sustainability and wellbeing in Africa and around the world.”
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, Sustainable Markets Initiative CEO, said: “It is an honour to have such a global and diverse group of sustainability experts to be part of the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Awards. Building on our partnership with Verdantix, the Expert Review Panel will further ensure an objective and rigorous evaluation process, rooted in sustainability excellence, for all nominees.”
David Metcalfe, Verdantix CEO, said: “Empowering seven judges representing diverse organisations and countries to make the final decision on Terra Carta Seal recipients, embeds independence, expertise and objectivity at the heart of our awards process.”
Applications for the 2023 Terra Carta Seal Award close Friday, 29 September.
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.
