USAID’s largest health programme celebrates transition

 USAID’s largest health programme celebrates transition 

Health

By Abujah Racheal

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Breakthrough Action Nigeria, with investments exceeding $100 million (about N1.5 billion), remains USAID’s most significant social and behaviour change programme in Nigeria.

The Project Director, Dr Shittu-Abdu Aguye,  gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Breakthrough Action Nigeria is a USAID -funded Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) project.

It is designed to increase the practice of priority health behaviours in the areas of malaria and tuberculosis control, maternal, newborn, and child health; and family planning/reproductive health.

The project works closely with federal and state ministries of health and other USAID implementing partners.

Aguye said that the substantial investment of the project had fuelled initiatives driving tangible improvements in health outcomes nationwide.

The transition event, held in Abuja on Wednesday, brought together representatives of governments,  donors, media organisations, and programme champions to celebrate the project’s accomplishments.

 The project  showcased its multifaceted approach incorporating mass media campaigns, community engagements and innovative social media strategies.

Aguye emphasised the collaborative efforts that led to the project’s success.

“With USAID’s support, we have had the privilege to enhance the health and well-being of people across Nigeria.

“Together, we have saved and improved the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, children and babies across Nigeria,” he said 

According to him, the project marked a pivotal transition on Wednesday as it will be transferring its efforts and outcomes to Nigerian Government agencies and community organisations.

He said  that the projecf would leave behind a legacy of impact, setting the stage for continued progress in Nigeria’s journey toward improving the health and well-being of its citizens. 

Social and behaviour change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave.

Identifying these enables  development of innovative strategies which will enable the citizens  to adopt healthier behaviours and access vital health services.

Since it started in Nigeria, the project used a multi-faceted approach, including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns – to inspire long-lasting change.

Among countless other findings, Breakthrough Action found that women who participated in community activities were more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviours compared to women who did not participate.

The behaviours include  at least four ante-natal visits,  exclusive breastfeeding, dieting and receiving preventive malaria medication at least three times during pregnancy. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

AIR/KOO /IGO 

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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Ijeoma Popoola