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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I was honoured to deliver the opening keynote virtually at the Africa REACH Friends and Partners Group Breakfast Side Event during The International Workshop on Adolescence, SRHR, & HIV 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya this week, within my capacity as an Africa REACH Inaugural Leadership Council member, and under this years theme of “Building a Brighter Future: Staying Ahead of the Evolving HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Landscape.”

Addressing the critical theme of “The Triple Threat: HIV, Adolescent Pregnancies, and Gender-Based Violence in High Burden HIV Countries,” Africa REACH Leadership Council Members and allies hosted this critical breakfast side event in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Through my keynote, I highlighted the urgent need for collective action, advanced by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as the solutions are clear: comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly health services, community engagement, economic empowerment for young women, and stronger legal frameworks to protect against violence, can unlock the full potential of Africa’s youth and create a future where they are empowered, healthy, and safe.

I look forward to the continued collaboration and action generated from this important dialogue.

Africa Reaching the End of AIDS in Children and Young People in Africa by 2025 (Africa REACH) is an African-led, African-focused initiative founded in 2022 that envisions an Africa where children and young people are free from AIDS. Chaired by my dear friend and sister, H.E. MonicaGeingos, Africa REACH works towards an AIDS-Free Generation of African Youth, in support of AfricanUnion objectives.

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Midwives, healthcare colleagues, and distinguished guests, Happy International Day of the Midwife!

My name is Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria with the aim of improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through midwifery-led frontline programming and global advocacy, and as the Inaugural Global Goodwill Ambassador of the International Confederation of Midwives and the World Health Organization Foundation Inaugural Global Health Ambassador, it is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to the Virtual International Day of the Midwife, a 24-hour Online Conference centred on the 5th May for midwives and anyone interested in childbirth.

As we gather virtually from all corners of the globe, united by our shared commitment to improving maternal health outcomes, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of midwifery in shaping the future of childbirth and beyond. This year, as we commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, our theme resonates deeply with the essence of sustainable midwifery: “Caring for Tomorrow’s World.” Indeed, as the guardians of life’s most sacred moments, midwives hold the key to nurturing a future where every mother and child receives the care and support they deserve while safeguarding the health of our planet for generations to come.

Central to our discussions today is the imperative of Respectful Maternity Care—an ethos which is at the heart of sustainable midwifery. Respectful Maternity Care is a guiding principle that highlights the importance of treating every woman with dignity, compassion, and empathy throughout her childbirth journey. It is about honouring her autonomy, respecting her choices, and upholding her rights, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.

At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, our flagship Mamacare360 programme is aimed at Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, good health and wellbeing for all, and our WBFA midwives work to improve maternal health by promoting Respectful Maternity Care for all women during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the time after birth, as we see the link between pregnant women and their primary health givers as vital to their health after delivery and that of their newborn.

Mamacare360 delivers care in line with the World Health Organization recommendations for pregnant women to increase the number of contact with healthcare providers throughout their pregnancy, from four to at least eight. Mamacare360 is bridging an identified gap in achieving the best outcomes, by making the mother a premium partner in her own outcome, through education and awareness in birth preparedness. 

The Mamacare360 birth preparedness programme of antenatal and postnatal education uses tools such as Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (EmONC), client-held Personal Health Records (PHRs) and Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) to empower the mother by engendering health information and education, during that key eleven-month (antenatal and postnatal) nest and nurture period. Alongside this, through the development and distribution of the now ubiquitous clean delivery Mamakit, which has been adopted, replicated, and amplified so widely across the country, we ensure that every pregnant woman has sanitary and sterile delivery materials with her, to encourage safe hospital deliveries.

Furthermore, as we champion RMC, we must also recognise the integral role of mental health in maternity care. The journey to motherhood is a profound and transformative experience—one that can be accompanied by a myriad of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. Yet, all too often, the mental health needs of mothers are overlooked or marginalised.

Beyond the physical aspects of care, midwives are uniquely positioned to address the holistic needs of expectant mothers, including their mental health. Maternal mental health is an essential component of overall well-being during the perinatal period, impacting not only the mother but also the child and family dynamics. Midwives provide compassionate support, guidance, and resources to help mothers navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany pregnancy and childbirth. By promoting mental wellness and early intervention for issues such as postpartum depression and anxiety, midwives contribute significantly to the long-term health and happiness of both mothers and their families. Their expertise in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment empowers women to embark on their journey into motherhood with confidence and resilience.

The Wellbeing Foundation Africa is proud to be a longstanding technical policy, advocacy, and planning partner to the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and most recently, has developed and integrated Nigeria’s Perinatal Mental Health Checklist within the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Maternal and Child Health MCH Handbook,  highlighting the shared commitment to improving access to primary, secondary and tertiary mental health and wellbeing services for all people in Nigeria, through the structured unification of national policy efforts towards achieving universal health coverage for mental health and encouragement of full implementation of the provisions of the National Mental Health Act of 2021.

Today as we action RMC and our work towards improving maternal mental health, let us also recommit ourselves to ensuring that every mother receives the quality care she deserves and strive to create environments that foster resilience, offer support, and break down the stigma surrounding maternal mental health.

As we navigate the complexities of childbirth in an ever-changing world, let us draw inspiration from the resilience and dedication of midwives everywhere. Together, we have the power to shape a future where every birth is a joyous occasion, every mother is empowered, and every child thrives.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication to the noble profession of midwifery. Your tireless efforts, compassion, and advocacy are the bedrock of maternal health, and it is through your collective action that we will continue to make positive strides. 

Thank you, and may this Virtual International Day of the Midwife be a source of inspiration and collaboration, as we forge ahead on our shared workstream towards sustainable midwifery and maternal wellbeing!

Goodwill Message

Your Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche G. Nnaji, 

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is with profound honour that I join you today for the official launch of Grand Challenges Nigeria. This landmark event marks a pivotal moment for our nation as we take bold steps to transform challenges into opportunities through the power of innovation, collaboration, and determination. 

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria for spearheading this visionary initiative, which is poised to significantly enhance Nigeria’s health, food systems, and sustainable development outcomes. The commitment of the Ministry and Renewed Hope Agenda to fostering impactful solutions demonstrates that Nigeria is ready to lead by example in the global community of Grand Challenges initiatives. 

Grand Challenges Nigeria joins a global family of initiatives addressing critical issues worldwide, aligned with our shared vision for a healthier, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria, committed to impact, delivering measurable outcomes; inclusivity, reflecting diverse community needs; and integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in all actions.

The statistics remind us of the urgency of our mission. Ranked 109 out of 125 countries on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, with 43% of our population still unable to access basic healthcare, and with millions at risk from climate-induced migration, the stakes could not be higher. Yet, as Nigerians, we are no strangers to resilience and resourcefulness. Grand Challenges Nigeria embodies our capacity to innovate locally while tackling global issues. By focusing on areas like maternal and newborn health, digital health solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and food systems, this initiative represents the hope we all share for creating long-term, scalable impact. 

Innovation thrives when it is nurtured in the soil of local context. I am especially inspired by Grand Challenges Nigeria’s prioritisation of homegrown research and development, where local researchers, practitioners, and innovators are empowered to design solutions that resonate with the unique needs of our communities. 

At The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have witnessed firsthand how locally contextualised approaches can yield transformative results. WBFA has long aligned with the global mission of Grand Challenges and welcomes the launch of Grand Challenges Nigeria, as through our commitment to advancing maternal and child health, the WBFA has reached over 300,000 pregnant women, newborns, and children with frontline health, hygiene, and nutrition programs, combining in-person and digital social health and economic education initiatives. By prioritising Civil Registration and Vital Statistics and enhanced health data through comprehensive health records, we ensure that impact is accurately measured and used to guide transformative solutions.

Our maternal and child health programmes have also long utilised digital tools and telemedicine to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities. These are the sorts of efforts that align with Grand Challenges Nigeria’s mission, and we stand ready to collaborate and amplify this work for the benefit of even more Nigerians. 

One of the greatest strengths of Grand Challenges Nigeria is its commitment to strategic partnerships. By bringing together government agencies, academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society, this initiative ensures that solutions are inclusive, sustainable, and widely supported, harnessing collective expertise and resources to overcome even the most complex development challenges. 

As we celebrate this launch, let us also recognise that the real work begins now. Grand Challenges Nigeria is not just about funding ideas, it is about delivering measurable impact through frontline programming, and ensuring that every innovation supported through this platform transforms lives, uplifts communities, and sets a benchmark for others to follow. 

On behalf of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, I pledge our unwavering support to Grand Challenges Nigeria, to tackle the challenges of today and lay the foundation for a healthier Nigeria tomorrow. May this launch mark the beginning of a transformative journey, where innovation, integrity, and impact come together to drive sustainable progress for all Nigerians.  

Thank you. 

 

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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.

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.