Alaafia Kwara
Initiative
Alaafia is a state of peace, wellbeing and harmony.
We at Alaafia Kwara Initiative are Committed to Caring,
Nurture & Nourish Community Development
to Transform & Thrive
About Alaafia Kwara
Alaafia Kwara – A Wellbeing Foundation Africa Initiative established to promote and positively impact the health and wellbeing of women and children, families and communities in Kwara State.
The Alaafia Kwara Initiative was established by Her Excellency Toyin Ojora Saraki in 2004, as First Lady of Kwara State 2003 – 2011, to engender and empower key strategies and solutions towards achieving progress in the key measurable indices set out by the 2015 Millennium Development Goals.
Our program interventions and initiatives continue to be guided by the targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Flagship Intervention
The Personal Health Record
The Personal Health Record transforms the life chances of every mother and child by making verifiable data on the health and
welfare of the pregnant mother and her baby up until age five. It is a vital tool to empower mothers, educate carers and enable
professionals to provide the best possible care for babies and children.
Based on WHO guidance and best practice from around the world, the PHR records ante and post natal details
of the mother and charts to growth and development of the child. It also provides vital guidance on preventing and treating
malaria, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses and promotes and records vaccinations.
The Personal Health Record captures the baseline medical history of the mother including details of prior
pregnancies and any previous stillbirths, neonatal or child deaths.
Stories from the frontline
Improving health and wellbeing within Kwara State
Strengthening Partnerships for Girls’ Empowerment: WBFA’s Advocacy Visit to Kwara AGILE Office
On Wednesday, 20th August 2025, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) Kwara Programs Unit paid an advocacy visit to the Kwara AGILE (Adolescent Girls Initiative for
Empowering Youth for Lasting Change: WBFA Hosts DHQ Ambassador Induction Workshop in Kwara
On July 1st, 2025, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) successfully hosted the Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) Ambassador Induction Workshop for schools in Offa and Oyun
Honoring The Grand Khadi of Kwara State; Honourable Justice Abdul-Lateef Kamaldeen Al-Adaby at the 10th Edition of the Maslaha Journal Public Presentation & 2nd Scholars’ Debate at the University of Ilorin
On July 7th, 2025, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), represented by its National Programs Lead, Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, on behalf of Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin
Wellbeing: A contented state of being happy, healthy and prosperous.
Instagram Feed
As we commemorated Global Handwashing Day 2026, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero,” the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our social impact partners, @ReckittNigeria and @DettolNigeria, marked the day with hygiene awareness events in Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of proper handwashing in preventing infections, promoting good hygiene practices, and building healthier communities.
Guided by the KNOW–DO–INSPIRE approach, students participated in interactive sessions led by our Nurse Educator, Mrs. Florence Aligbe on the importance of clean hands. The sessions highlighted critical moments for handwashing, common mistakes to avoid, and the correct technique for washing hands with soap and clean water.
This commitment is reflected in our WBFA - DettolNigeria Hygiene Quest programme, through which we continue to advance hygiene education across Nigerian schools using our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (#PSHE) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (#WASH) curricula. Delivering evidence-based education on infection prevention, the programme promotes the @WHO recommended handwashing technique, emphasising the importance of washing hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Across three phases to date, the programme has reached 724,706 students, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills to adopt safer hygiene behaviours.
The programme extends hygiene education to healthcare facilities and communities, reaching over 173,908 pregnant and lactating mothers with essential information on preventing healthcare-associated infections (#HAIs) reinforcing handwashing and hygiene as a first line of defence against infections in homes, schools, and healthcare facilities.
This Global Handwashing Day, we call for sustained investment in hygiene education, improved access to handwashing facilities, and stronger collective action to make handwashing with soap a consistent part of everyday life.
#GlobalHandwashingDay #BeAHandwashingHero
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa presents its 2025 Impact Report, documenting a year of translating evidence into action to advance maternal and newborn health, strengthen clinical capacity, promote hygiene and champion equitable access to quality healthcare across Nigeria.
At a time when health commitments must translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives, the report underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, effective interventions and collective accountability in delivering sustainable health outcomes.
Across our programmes, we reached 96,907 women with MamaCare360 antenatal and postnatal education, supported 1,002 newborns and 892 mothers through the NICU Plus Programme, and expanded access to digital maternal health support. The WBFA–Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme reached over 200,000 beneficiaries, promoting better hygiene practices across schools, healthcare facilities and communities. Through the LSTM–WBFA Global Health Workforce Programme, 266 clinicians were reached cumulatively, while Project Oscar – Light for Life strengthened neonatal jaundice screening, referral and treatment across healthcare facilities in Lagos State.
These results demonstrate the value of coordinated action in connecting community needs, clinical expertise, public health priorities and evidence-informed advocacy. They also reinforce the need for sustained investment in frontline health workers, stronger health systems and equitable access to quality care for women, newborns, children and adolescents.
As we reflect on this progress, WBFA remains committed to advancing partnerships that deliver measurable results and advocacy that informs policy, strengthens health systems and improves lives.
Scan to Read the WBFA 2025 Impact Report to explore the results, partnerships and lessons shaping our continued work towards a healthier, more equitable future for all.
#Wellbeingforall #WBFA
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our social impact partners, @hayatkimya and @reckittnigeria , commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with 150 schoolgirls from 11 schools across Lagos State.
Held under the theme “Her Health, Dignity, and Future: Investing in Girls Through Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the event aligned with the global call to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights, recognising that every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education, make informed decisions about her future and reach her full potential, free from early marriage and harmful practices.
Through interactive sessions on the menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene management and menstrual product selection, participants gained practical knowledge to understand their bodies, challenge misconceptions and manage their periods with confidence. The sessions were facilitated by our Lead Midwife, Mrs Eunice Akhigbe, and Director of Research and Grants, Dr Mojisola Alere.
The event also featured a spelling bee competition, providing an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their foundational literacy and numeracy skills. These competencies are central to our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) programme, which supports school success and lifelong learning, integrating essential WASH and infection prevention knowledge into the school experience. Recognition of outstanding students further celebrated their achievements, leadership and potential.
We extend our appreciation to our Founder and President, HE @ToyinSaraki, for her resounding goodwill message, and to our partners, Hayat Kimya and Reckitt, alongside the Lagos State Government and Education District V, for their support and commitment to creating enabling environments where girls can access accurate health information, protect their dignity and thrive in school and beyond.
#WBFA #InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild
Nearly 1 in 7 people live with a mental health condition, yet many continue to face stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing appropriate support according to @who. The 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” calls for people’s experiences to inform the policies, services and decisions that shape their mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly important, as fewer than 1 in 10 countries have fully transitioned from institutional care to community-based mental health services.
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s MamaCare360 programme provides mental health education and support, creating opportunities for mothers to discuss their emotional wellbeing and receive appropriate guidance and referrals. The WBFA Postpartum Mental Health Checklist, embedded and validated within Nigeria’s National Mother and Child Health Handbook, supports the identification of mothers who may require additional care. Mothers of preterm babies also receive practical guidance and emotional support in the #NICU.
The WBFA – @dettolnigeria Hygiene Quest Programme promotes cleaner, safer and more dignified environments, recognising that inadequate sanitation can contribute to stigma, discomfort and emotional strain among children and adults.
Meaningful change requires effective policies, responsive systems and accessible services that recognise lived experiences and strengthen mental health support.
#WorldMentalHealthDay2026 #LivedExperiencesHeard
Breastfeeding can come with challenges, especially in the early days. Difficulties with positioning and attachment, breast engorgement, sore nipples or concerns about milk supply can make feeding stressful for mothers.
With the right information and support, many of these challenges can be addressed. Mothers can seek guidance on proper positioning and attachment, breastfeed frequently and respond to their baby’s feeding cues. Where concerns persist, speaking with a trained healthcare professional can help identify the right support early.
In the MamaCare360 #NICUPlus Programme, our midwives provide mothers with practical breastfeeding guidance and support, helping them build the knowledge and confidence needed to feed their babies safely and effectively, including babies born preterm.
Supporting breastfeeding means supporting mothers with the knowledge, guidance and care they need to give their babies a healthy start.
#ThriveThursday
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our Social Impact Partner, @hayatkimya, is bringing together 150 girls from 11 schools across Lagos State for a one-day Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Workshop to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child 2026.
With this year’s theme, “Her Health, Dignity, and Future: Investing in Girls Through Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the workshop will create a safe and interactive space for girls to learn, ask questions, challenge myths and stigma, and gain practical knowledge to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity.
The programme will also advance advocacy efforts towards ending child marriage in Nigeria. While national prevalence has reportedly declined from 44% to 30%, progress remains slow and uneven, particularly among girls from the poorest households, rural communities and those with little or no education. Nigeria remains home to more than 24 million women who were married as children, highlighting the urgent need for sustained investment in girls’ health, education, dignity and future opportunities.
Beyond menstrual health education, the workshop will support girls to make informed decisions, explore their aspirations and career pathways, and understand the impact of child marriage on their health, education, rights and long-term opportunities.
The programme will also celebrate and recognise outstanding girls for their academic excellence, leadership, creativity, sporting achievements, community service and positive contributions within their schools.
📅 Date: Thursday, 8 October 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Venue: Amuwo Junior & Senior Grammar Schools, Lagos
Together, we are investing in girls today so they can shape healthier, more empowered and brighter futures tomorrow.
#InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild #DayOfTheGirl #GirlsHealth #MenstrualHealth
A healthy school environment begins with healthy habits. Teaching students how to practise proper sanitation and hygiene equips them with behaviours that can protect their health, reduce the spread of infections, and contribute to cleaner schools and communities.
Good hygiene goes beyond knowing what to do; students need to understand why these practices matter and how to make them part of their daily routines. From washing hands properly with soap and clean water to using toilets appropriately, keeping surroundings clean, disposing of waste responsibly, and maintaining personal hygiene, these simple actions can make a meaningful difference in preventing illness.
The WBFA–Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme supports practical WASH education in schools, with our Nurse Educators teaching students how to adopt and sustain healthy sanitation and hygiene practices. These lessons encourage students to take responsibility for their health and recognise their role in creating cleaner, safer learning environments.
When students learn healthy hygiene practices early, they are better positioned to carry these behaviours beyond the classroom and into their homes and communities.
Healthy habits taught today can shape healthier communities tomorrow.
#TeachingTuesday
Every child’s opportunity to learn is shaped, in part, by the teacher standing before them. Yet the teaching profession faces growing pressures that make supporting, protecting and retaining teachers more important than ever.
According to UNESCO’s Global Report on Teachers, the world is projected to face a shortage of 44 million primary and secondary teachers by 2030, including a need for an additional 15 million teachers in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve global education targets. Teacher shortages can increase workloads, place additional pressure on education systems and affect the quality of learning.
World Teachers’ Day 2026 marks 60 years of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Under the theme, “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures,” this year’s observance calls attention to the need to recognise, protect and strengthen the teaching profession as it responds to a rapidly changing world.
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa recognises teachers as important partners in shaping the future of students. Beyond the classroom, teachers play an integral role in fostering healthy character, positive behaviours and habits that can influence students throughout their lives. Through the WBFA-Dettol Hygiene Quest Programme, our Nurse Educators teach students practical WASH knowledge, including proper handwashing, personal hygiene, safe water practices, sanitation and responsible waste disposal. These lessons help students understand the importance of healthy hygiene practices and develop habits that can extend from the school environment into their homes and communities.
Standing with teachers means valuing their contribution, listening to their voices and creating the conditions that allow them to teach with dignity, confidence and purpose.
Today, we celebrate every teacher who continues to educate, inspire and shape the future - one learner at a time.
#WorldTeachersDay2026 #StandingWithTeachers
Pregnancy brings important physical changes, and staying active through safe, appropriate exercise can help women maintain strength, mobility and overall wellbeing throughout pregnancy.
In our MamaCare360 classes, WBFA midwives engage mothers with practical, hands-on guidance on pregnancy-safe exercises that can support muscle strength, flexibility, posture and physical comfort, while helping mothers prepare their bodies for the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
From gentle stretching and mobility exercises to activities that strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles, mothers are guided on movements that are appropriate for their stage of pregnancy and encouraged to understand when to stop and seek professional advice.
These sessions give mothers the opportunity to learn, practise and ask questions, building the confidence to incorporate safe physical activity into their pregnancy journey.
WBFA continues to equip mothers with practical guidance for healthier pregnancies and safer beginnings.
#FrontlineFriday #MamaCare360
Twitter Feed
As we commemorated Global Handwashing Day 2026, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero,” the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our social impact partners, @ThisIsReckitt and @DettolNigeria, marked the day with hygiene awareness events in Lagos State and other parts of
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa presents its 2025 Impact Report, documenting a year of translating evidence into action to advance maternal and newborn health, strengthen clinical capacity, promote hygiene and champion equitable access to quality healthcare across Nigeria.
At a
The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, in collaboration with our social impact partners, @hayatkimya and @reckittnigeria , commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child with 150 schoolgirls from 11 schools across Lagos State.
Held under the theme “Her Health, Dignity, and
