On November 12, 2024, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa conducted an advocacy visit to Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Honorable Commissioner of Health in Kwara State. This important meeting aimed to review the impact of ongoing health programs, introduce new initiatives, and explore avenues for strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Health to enhance public health outcomes for communities in Kwara State.
Representing WBFA were Mrs. Leramo Peace Eniola, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; Mr. Yusuf Alabere, Programs Officer; and Mr. Tolu Asala, Data Assistant. Each of these individuals has been instrumental in supporting WBFA’s mission to promote health and well-being across Nigeria through impactful community-based initiatives.
Discussing the Impact of Current Programs
During the meeting, Mrs. Leramo Peace Eniola presented an overview of WBFA’s active programs in Kwara State, offering insights into the initiatives’ objectives and achievements. A key highlight was the Hygiene Quest Program, which has played a transformative role in promoting best practices in hygiene across schools, communities, and healthcare facilities. By focusing on educating children and community members about the importance of hygiene, the program has helped improve overall health awareness and has positively influenced daily practices in these areas. The success of the Hygiene Quest Program stands as a testament to WBFA’s dedication to creating lasting, positive change within Kwara’s communities.
Looking Forward: Upcoming WBFA Initiatives
In addition to current programs, Mrs. Peace introduced upcoming initiatives, including a World Prematurity Day webinar and a stakeholders’ engagement event aimed at fostering dialogue and raising awareness about neonatal health. Dr. El-Imam expressed enthusiasm about these plans and indicated her interest in attending the stakeholders’ engagement event, demonstrating her commitment to supporting WBFA’s work and amplifying discussions around critical public health topics. The involvement of the Commissioner adds considerable value to these initiatives, as her support reinforces the importance of community-centered health programs.
Request for Enhanced Ministry Support
Mrs. Peace formally requested support from the Ministry of Health to further bolster the impact of WBFA’s programs across Kwara State. By working closely with the Ministry, WBFA hopes to expand the reach of its health programs and bring about sustainable improvements in health practices at the grassroots level. Enhanced ministry support would enable WBFA to access more resources, foster partnerships with local healthcare facilities, and optimize program implementation.
Guidance and Recommendations from Dr. El-Imam
Dr. Amina El-Imam expressed her gratitude to WBFA for its dedication to improving community health in Kwara State. She emphasized the valuable contributions of WBFA’s initiatives, offering guidance on how to maximize their impact. One of her key recommendations was for WBFA to deepen its collaboration with the Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), an essential partner in advancing the state’s primary health objectives. Strengthening this partnership, she noted, would allow WBFA to align more closely with state health priorities and extend its reach within Kwara’s healthcare landscape.
The Commissioner also encouraged WBFA to consider expanding the Hygiene Quest Program to additional healthcare facilities, ensuring a broader impact on healthcare environments. She highlighted the importance of systematic data management, advising that all health-related data collected from facilities be accurately stored, collated, and shared with the PHCDA. By implementing these practices, WBFA could enhance data-driven decision-making, streamline program tracking, and enable more effective coordination across initiatives.
A Commitment to Health and Well-being in Kwara State
The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of commitment to improving public health across Kwara State. Dr. El-Imam voiced her ongoing support for WBFA’s initiatives and emphasized the value of continued collaboration between the foundation, the Ministry of Health, and associated agencies. With a shared vision of accessible, quality healthcare for all, both WBFA and the Ministry are poised to drive impactful change that will benefit communities and transform the state’s public health landscape.
Through this advocacy visit, WBFA has taken a significant step in strengthening its relationship with the Ministry of Health, laying the groundwork for expanded program reach and increased collaboration. This partnership highlights the importance of uniting public and private health efforts to address community health challenges and work toward a healthier, more resilient Kwara State.