CFHI

Empowering Mothers with Practical Nutrition Skills in Zamfara State

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In a strategic effort to address maternal and child malnutrition, a series of capacity-building sessions and hands-on nutrition workshops were conducted across Zamfara State from Wednesday, 11th to Friday, 13th March 2026. The initiative reached 40 pregnant and nursing mothers from Gadar Baga, Albarkawa, Sabon Birni, and Sabon Gari communities within Gusau and Bungudu LGAs.

The intervention focused on equipping caregivers with practical, sustainable skills to reduce dependence on Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) by promoting the preparation of nutritious homemade alternatives using affordable, locally available ingredients.

The workshops featured live food demonstrations facilitated by facility nutrition officers. Participants were introduced to the preparation of Tom Brown, a nutrient-rich blend of millet, soybeans, and groundnuts, alongside the incorporation of protein sources such as eggs, meat, fish, and crayfish, which are essential for growth and brain development.

Emphasis was also placed on the importance of balanced diets through the inclusion of vitamin-rich vegetables, energy-giving foods like sweet potatoes, and healthy fats such as palm and groundnut oil to enhance nutrient absorption. By combining these food groups, mothers learned how to create balanced ‘plate’ meals that supply essential nutrients including iron, folate, and calcium, critical for preventing anemia and supporting both maternal health and child development.

The sessions reinforced the importance of dietary diversity during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Adequate maternal nutrition not only reduces the risk of birth complications and low birth weight but also improves breast milk quality, ensuring infants receive the nutrients and antibodies needed during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

A key takeaway from the workshops was the realization that optimal nutrition does not depend on expensive or imported products. Rather, it can be achieved through the effective use of locally available foods when combined hygienically and appropriately.

The sessions recorded remarkable outcomes, including increased awareness among mothers on the link between diet and disease prevention. Participants left the workshop with the strengthened capacity to provide nutritious complementary feeding, ensuring their children hit critical growth milestones. By fostering an environment of active participation and interaction, the program successfully bridged the gap between nutritional theory and kitchen reality, leaving the participants better equipped to manage their households’ health independently.

As these mothers return to their communities, they do so not only as caregivers but also as informed advocates for better nutrition.

This initiative has laid a strong foundation for improving household nutrition practices in Gusau and Bungudu LGAs, with the potential to significantly reduce malnutrition rates across the target communities.

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Capacity Building Training for Healthcare Workers and TBAs in Zamfara State

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 In a strategic effort to improve maternal health outcomes in Zamfara State, a 2-day capacity building training was conducted for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), Facility In-charges, and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). The sessions were held at Shagari Primary Health Care (PHC) in Gusau LGA on the 3rd and 4th of March 2026, and at WCWC Bungudu in Bungudu LGA on the 5th and 6th of March. The program reached a total of 90 participants.

The training yielded significant achievements, most notably a marked increase in the participants’ understanding of pregnancy danger signs and a strengthened commitment to promoting facility-based deliveries. By clarifying the referral pathways, the sessions bridged the gap between community-led care and clinical intervention. The TBAs admitted handling most deliveries at home; but following the sessions, they pledged to act as a bridge to health facilities, especially for complicated cases. Similarly, CHEWs utilized the platform to brainstorm local solutions for rural referral challenges, fostering a collaborative spirit that is essential for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in the state.

By building on the increased synergy between TBAs and facility in-charges, the program has laid a foundation for a more responsive health ecosystem in Gusau and Bungudu LGAs, where the goal remains the safety and health of every mother and newborn.

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International Women’s Day 2026 Celebration in Adamawa State

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In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) hosted a landmark community engagement at the residence of the Ward Development Chairman (WDC) in Rumde, Yola North LGA. The event was attended by high-level stakeholders, including the CFHI Project Coordinator, the Facility Manager of Rumde PHCC, and the Yola North Women Leader.

The activity was centered on the localized theme, “Lafiyar Iyali, Girman Namiji” (A healthy family is a man’s pride). This theme was strategically chosen to engage men as active partners in the domestic sphere. It reinforces the idea that a man’s true strength and dignity are reflected in the well-being of his wife and children. This local perspective is deeply connected to the 2026 United Nations IWD theme: “Rights, Justice, and Action.” While the UN focuses on the systemic justice and legal rights of women, the Rumde celebration translated these global goals into domestic action. By ensuring a woman’s right to health and safety is upheld within the home, the community is delivering “Justice” at the most fundamental level. A healthy home is the ultimate celebration of IWD, where a man’s role shifts from a mere provider to a protector of health and a champion of his family’s fundamental rights.

The gathering in Yola North was not merely a celebration but a blueprint for future interventions across the region. This meeting intended to spark a behavioural shift, emphasizing that community development is impossible without the active participation of men in women’s health issues. The goal of this dialogue is to foster a society where men take pride in escorting their wives to clinics and ensuring their daughters are educated and healthy.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the homes where equality and health reside, recognizing that when a woman thrives, the entire family and indeed the entire community prospers.

 

 

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High-Level Policy Engagement: Courtesy Visit to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology

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CFHI was honoured to join Grand Challenges Nigeria and fellow innovators on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

As a grantee under GCNg’s inaugural request for proposals themed “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health,” CFHI is implementing the BIRTH Project in Zamfara and Adamawa States. The project addresses Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates by strengthening emergency obstetric services, expanding access to skilled birth attendants, deploying life-saving technologies, and building sustainable local capacity.

The BIRTH Project aligns with Nigeria’s broader national efforts, including the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), to accelerate reductions in maternal and newborn deaths through innovative, locally driven solutions.

We were pleased to engage alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Directors, and representatives from the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, reflecting the multisectoral collaboration required to sustainably reduce MNCH mortality.

At CFHI, we remain committed to ensuring innovation reaches the last mile, where mothers and newborns need it most.

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CFHI Leads GBV Awareness Outreach at King Fahad Hospital to Mark 16 Days of Activism

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As part of activities commemorating the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) in collaboration with MonClub International conducted a targeted GBV awareness and sensitization outreach at King Fahad Hospital in Gusau, Zamfara State. The session which held during the facility’s Antenatal Clinic (ANC) day, formed part of CFHI’s intensified advocacy to reduce violence against women and girls and strengthen community-level prevention systems within maternal health settings.

More than 120 pregnant women and caregivers in attendance received comprehensive enlightenment on the various forms of GBV including domestic violence, emotional abuse, harmful traditional practices, and sexual abuse. Facilitators also emphasized key prevention approaches, early disclosure, available medical and psychosocial support systems, and safe channels for reporting cases. Questions raised by attendees were addressed to promote improved knowledge, confidence, and help-seeking behavior.

Stakeholders present at the outreach included CFHI and MonClub International staff, ANC matrons, facility health workers, and a UNICEF supervision team. During the sensitization, attendees were educated on the impact of gender-based violence on maternal health, emotional wellbeing, and household stability, and further enlightened on its wider social and economic repercussions. Their participation reinforced collaborative support for survivor-centered response mechanisms and validated the effectiveness of the outreach on facility-based clients.

Facility staff expressed appreciation, noting that GBV remains an underlying barrier to maternal health outcomes, and that continuous sensitization helps improve disclosure and access to services.

The outreach was successfully executed and well-received by both participants and the facility leadership, who commended CFHI’s timely engagement during the global campaign period. CFHI reaffirmed its commitment to advancing stronger advocacy, providing information, enhancing survivor referral pathways, and working with institutional partners to scale GBV prevention initiatives across Zamfara State

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Solar Birth Kit Installed at Shagari PHC to Improve Maternal Care Services

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In a strategic move aimed at strengthening maternal healthcare delivery in Zamfara State, Grand Challenges Nigeria in partnership with the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), installed a Solar Birth Kit at the Shagari Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gusau Local Government Area on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The initiative is expected to significantly improve safe childbirth, lighting, and emergency response services at the facility, which serves several communities within the LGA.

Installation activities commenced at approximately 1:00 p.m. following the arrival of installation equipment and technical personnel from Kebbi State. The process, which lasted about four hours, included mounting solar panels and the internal lighting system, followed by operational testing. The kit provides reliable lighting and power sources required for deliveries conducted at night, vaccine storage, and essential medical procedures critical needs in facilities where electricity supply remains unstable.

Following the installation, engineers led a practical training session for CFHI field officers and health workers at Shagari PHC. The training focused on safe usage, battery maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation of power output for service records. This capacity building effort is expected to enhance sustainability and ensure that healthcare workers maximize the support offered by the Solar Birth Kit.

The equipment was formally handed over to the Officer-in-Charge of the facility and representatives of the host community, symbolizing joint ownership and accountability. Traditional leaders expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that improved lighting and equipment support will benefit pregnant women, particularly during night-time emergencies.

Although installation began behind schedule due to delayed arrival of equipment resulting in health workers waiting several hours beyond their duty time the activity was fully completed by 5:12 p.m. The successful deployment of the Solar Birth Kit stands as a notable milestone toward ensuring safer maternal care in underserved areas. CFHI urged government agencies and development partners to prioritise infrastructural upgrades at PHCs to complement such projects and guarantee quality healthcare delivery for women and children across the state.

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World AIDS DAY

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The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) in partnership with the Imo State Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders, marked World AIDS Day 2025 with a high-impact community sensitization event in Owerri, Imo State. Held under the global theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” the exercise featured a symbolic road walk that kicked off at Owerri City School, MCC Junction, passed through Fire-Service Roundabout, and concluded at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education. More than 4,000 residents were engaged with vital information on HIV prevention, testing, treatment adherence, and the importance of sustaining progress in the fight against the epidemic.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Egu, led the engagement, urging the public to embrace collective responsibility in ending HIV/AIDS through informed choices and supportive community action. She emphasized that consistent awareness, early testing, and accessible treatment remain critical to reducing new infections.

The event reinforces CFHI’s and the State’s ongoing commitment to public health promotion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the effort to build a healthier, more resilient Imo State.

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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM WEBINAR

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The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence serves as a crucial reminder that the fight for safety is no longer confined to the physical world. For today’s youth, the lines between online and offline spaces are virtually non-existent, making digital violence a terrifying, ever-present threat. From cyber-harassment and doxing to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, the consequences of this virtual aggression are acutely real, impacting mental health, educational opportunities, and future prospects. We cannot talk about empowering young people without addressing the toxicity that permeates the very platforms they use for connection and education.

This is why we need to move the discussion from just individual awareness to collective systemic change. The current approach often places the burden of protection entirely on the victim, telling them to ‘log off,’ ‘block,’ or ‘ignore.’ But the root of the problem is a culture of entitlement, misogyny, and power imbalance that thrives in the anonymity of the internet. Our upcoming webinar, is built on the belief that those who live this reality the youth themselves must lead the charge in defining the solutions. This is not another lecture; it is an active forum for sharing strategies, demanding accountability from platforms, and shaping policy.

To truly end digital violence, we must recognize that the actions taken online are merely reflections of the attitudes held offline. Building safer online communities requires us to simultaneously cultivate respectful, equitable relationships in our schools, homes, and public spaces. By bringing together young leaders, activists, tech experts, and policymakers, we will explore practical, multi-pronged strategies: from digital literacy that teaches consent and empathy, to legislative frameworks that hold abusers and enablers accountable. Our dialogue aims to forge a united front that ensures freedom of expression does not come at the cost of personal safety.

Your voice is the missing piece of this urgent conversation. Join us for this critical dialogue during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls to move beyond awareness and into action. Let’s co-create a future where every young person can navigate the digital world and the physical world with confidence, respect, and zero fear. Digital spaces must be the engines of opportunity, not the trenches of abuse. Register now to secure your spot and become part of the solution to end digital violence once and for all.

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World Toilet Day: Promoting Hygiene, Dignity, and Wellness in our Community

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 Today, as the world commemorates World Toilet Day, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) joined the global movement to emphasize that safe sanitation is a human right and a critical component of public health. This year’s focus reinforces the message that toilets, hygiene, and sanitation systems are essential for human dignity, disease prevention, and healthier communities.

In Abuja, CFHI carried out a targeted sensitization outreach engaging men on the importance of personal hygiene and proper toilet maintenance. Recognizing the influential role men play in shaping hygiene practices at home and in public spaces, the session provided clear guidance on essential habits such as regular handwashing, responsible toilet use, and sustaining cleanliness in shared environments. To further support these practices, CFHI also distributed toilet hygiene items including disinfectants, soap, and cleaning materials to encourage immediate action and reinforce the lessons shared during the engagement.

The sensitization highlighted the health risks linked to poor toilet hygiene, including diarrhoeal diseases, cholera, parasitic infections, and antimicrobial resistance conditions that continue to affect millions across communities with limited sanitation awareness. By embracing consistent hygiene routines, men can significantly reduce these risks, protect their households, and contribute to broader public health improvement.

Participants were encouraged to take ownership of sanitation spaces within their homes and workplaces. Practical demonstrations were provided on effective toilet maintenance techniques such as routine cleaning, proper waste disposal, ensuring good ventilation, and addressing minor infrastructural issues before they escalate.

Strengthening these practices improves well-being, boosts productivity, and contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all.

 

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Men’s Health Matters

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Good health is the foundation of a fulfilling life, and for men, taking care of one’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is more important than ever. Men who prioritize their health are better able to meet the demands of daily life, care for their families, pursue their professional goals, and contribute positively to their communities.

The benefits of maintaining good health for men are multi-dimensional. Physically, engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and undergoing routine medical check-ups help prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Preventive healthcare, including screenings for conditions like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and cholesterol management, allows men to detect potential health problems early, leading to more effective treatments and better outcomes. Adequate physical health also supports stamina, energy levels, and mobility, enabling men to participate fully in family life, work, and social activities.

Mental and emotional health is equally crucial. Men often face societal expectations to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, which can lead to unaddressed stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Prioritizing mental health through stress management techniques, open communication, counselling, or therapy not only reduces the risk of mental illness but also improves decision-making, emotional regulation, and overall life satisfaction. When men take care of their mental wellbeing, they are better equipped to nurture relationships, mentor younger generations, and handle challenges with resilience and clarity.

Good health also supports healthy relationships and social engagement. Men who manage their physical and mental wellbeing are more likely to be present, attentive, and supportive in their roles as fathers, partners, friends, and community members. They serve as role models, demonstrating the importance of self-care, responsible decision-making, and balance. Additionally, healthy men are more productive and focused, contributing positively to workplaces and society at large. The ripple effects of good health extend far beyond the individual, benefiting families, communities, and future generations.

Diet, sleep, and lifestyle choices play critical roles in overall health. Consuming nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco and excessive alcohol, and ensuring adequate rest are all essential components of a healthy life. These practices not only prevent disease but also enhance cognitive function, emotional stability, and long-term wellbeing. Creating environments of calm and balance, even amidst stressful circumstances, helps men maintain clarity and peace of mind, reducing the risk of burnout and chronic stress-related conditions.

Maintaining optimal health not only enhances longevity but also improves quality of life, productivity, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Health is, in essence, a source of strength, resilience, and empowerment.

Happy International Men’s Day!!

Learn more and collaborate with us at: info@cfhinitiative.org

 

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