Top 10 NGOs In Nigeria Making Real Impact In the Health Sector

In the dynamic landscape of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, several NGOs have emerged as trailblazers, making huge contributions to the nation’s well-being. These top 10 NGOs in Nigeria have harnessed their resources, expertise, and unwavering commitment to address critical health challenges, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare landscape.

In this article, we’ll explore their remarkable functions and the transformative impacts they are making in the realm of public health.

1. AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN)

APIN is a prominent non-governmental organization specializing in delivering preventive, care, and treatment services to individuals affected by diseases of significant public health concern, including HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. They work to achieve a disease-free world by caring for the growing needs of our people and our communities. Their scope of practice has expanded to address prevalent and emerging public health challenges. One of the top NGOs in Nigeria, they work closely with the Federal Government and pertinent stakeholders to enhance health policy, governance, service delivery systems, infrastructure, and workforce capacity.

Functions

1. APIN provides comprehensive technical assistance to relevant government agencies that addresses key areas of the health system, such as reproductive health, maternal, newborn and child health, laboratory services.
2. APIN addresses prevalent and emerging public health challenges.

Impact

1. APIN has contributed significantly to health system improvement at all levels of the health system in public, private and faith-based setting, using HIV program implementation as an entry point.
2. APIN has developed and deployed supply chain management system for clinics, laboratories and government agencies.
3. For over 17 years, APIN has contributed to the National HIV response through service delivery support technical assistance capacity including evidence generation and partnership.
4. APIN has provided cares and support to about 250,000 HIV infected individuals.
5. Over 150,000 HIV positive children and adults at more than 70 clinics in over 10 states have been placed on life saving anti-retroviral drugs.
6. APIN has provided drugs to almost 50,000 HIV positive pregnant women to prevent the transmission of the virus to their babies and keep them healthy.

2. Mabel Oboh Centre for Save our Stars (MOCSOS)

MOCSOS is the inaugural Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Nigeria dedicated to assisting entertainers facing severe health challenges and welfare issues while lacking financial assistance. This top NGO in Nigeria has pioneered an accessible health insurance program designed to promote preventive healthcare, effectively curbing the prevailing occurrence of serious illnesses within the entertainment industry.

Functions

1. MOCSOS provides support to individuals facing dire financial hardships.
2. MOCSOS cater for the needs of entertainers that have critical medical conditions and ailments with no means of financial support.

Impact

1. MOCSOS initiated the advocacy against the killing of Esanland displaced farmers in Edo State by marauding killer herdsmen.
2. In 2018, MOCSOS signed a healthcare partnership deal with Ronsberger Nigeria Ltd. HMO for less privileged entertainers who beg for financial assistance when down with critical ailments.

3. Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation

Health Strategy was established in 2006 as a health strategy organization that is involved in ensuring that health-related decisions are qualitative, evidence-based and vision-oriented. Its primary mission is to enhance and standardize health research and the delivery of healthcare services, in order to save lives. The Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation collaborates with both the public and private health sectors in pursuit of these objectives.

Functions

1. Revolutionizing Health Systems with Data Analytics and Performance Management.
2. Empowering and Strengthening Health Financing Systems
3. Optimizing Health Workforce to Enable Better Care
4. Enabling Leadership and Organizational Management Capacity Development
5. Enhancing Health Care Service Delivery with Innovation
6. Improving Health Outcomes by Strengthening Supply Chains

Impact

1. Over 488 frontline health workers have been trained on quality improvement methodologies in Imo, Niger, and Lagos States.
2. Achieved 95% reporting rates on Health Management Information Systems in Kano State.
3. They impacted over 700,000 persons by the Diabetes Awareness and Care project.

4. TY Danjuma Foundation

The TY Danjuma Foundation is a non-governmental organization founded by the former military General and oil tycoon, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma and a part of the top 10 NGOs in Nigeria. The primary mission of this organization is to enhance healthcare services at local primary health centers throughout Nigeria. The TY Danjuma Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians by supporting initiatives that improve access to health and educational opportunities.

Functions

1. They supply medications and various hospital equipment to these primary healthcare facilities across the country.
2. They support health and education interventions implemented by NGOs registered and working in Nigeria.
3. They document and analyze funded projects to assist in strengthening future grantmaking and contribute in influencing policies and practice in areas they operate.

Impact

1. They have awarded over $41.5 million in grants
2. They have implemented over 240 projects
3. They have reached out to more than 10 million people.

5. Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative

Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) is Nigeria’s largest youth-run and youth-focused mental health organization. Mental health, an essential aspect of our overall well-being, frequently goes unnoticed in society. Most individuals battling with mental health challenges in Nigeria could receive treatment if the matter of mental health gains more attention. The Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative is an organization established by compassionate Nigerians with the objective of raising awareness about mental health in Nigeria. They achieve this by conducting radio and TV programs, healthcare outreach initiatives, newspaper publications, and active engagement on social media platforms. MANI is most definitely on the list of top 10 NGOs in Nigeria.

Functions

1. MANI fights against mental health-related stigma and create an environment for individuals to seek care without fear of discrimination.
2. They carry out mental health education programmes and training in schools across Nigeria.
3. They provide crisis support services in Nigeria.

Impact

1. MANI has increased awareness of mental health among Nigerian youths.
2. They have contributed to destigmatizing mental health over the years.
3. They have created a trusted brand that Nigerians believe in to provide support for their mental health.
4. They have published a research work titled “Assessing the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nigerians”.
5. They have given support to over 40,000 persons in 4 years of inception. 80% of these individuals are between ages 10 and 25.

6. Education as a Vaccine (EVA)

Established in the year 2000, Education as a Vaccine (EVA) is a nonprofit organization that is officially registered in both Nigeria and the United States. EVA is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and growth of children, adolescents, and young individuals. The organization envisions a Nigeria in which children and young people are empowered to reach their maximum potential, and to create and execute innovative and sustainable approaches for enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable children and youth.

Functions

1. They work to improve the health and development of children, adolescents, and young people.
2. They advocate for gender equality, campaigning against gender-based violence, and caring for orphans and vulnerable people.
3. They provide HIV prevention and sexual & reproductive health education.

Impact

1. Since their foundation, EVA has reached over 720,000 individuals through their numerous programs.
2. They engaged over 540,000 individuals through programs such as the SRHR, HIV/AIDS, and child protection policies.
3. They mobilized over 9,000 individuals to advocate for these services.
4. They built the capacity of over 1,200 individuals and 600 institutions in these areas.

7. Amaudo

In 1989, Rosalind Colwill established Amaudo Itumbauzo as a response to the increasing presence of mentally ill individuals wandering the streets of southeastern Nigeria. These marginalized individuals often find themselves with no support due to a mixture of adverse cultural beliefs and a scarcity of information and resources.

Functions

1. They work in residential, community, and educational support services to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting communities in southeast Nigeria.
2. They raise funds to support the long-term growth of Amauzo Itumbauzo and also provide them with strategic advice, training, and mentoring.

Impact

1. Since their establishment, Amaudo has housed over 50 homeless and mentally ill people and people with learning difficulties.
2. They have supported and rehabilitated more than 80 children with physical and learning disabilities.
3. They have provided mental health care to over 5,000 people across several states in South-East Nigeria.

8. Society for Family Health (SFH)

The Society for Family Health (SFH), a Nigerian non-governmental organization (NGO), works in partnership with communities, government, donors, and the private sector, for universal health coverage and social justice for every Nigerian. Their approach involves strengthening the healthcare system and adopting a total market strategy to harmonize both the private and public healthcare sectors. This synergy scales up the provision of a high-quality Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) to all Nigerians. SFH pioneers an innovative social business model that connects all Nigerians, expanding access to vital healthcare commodities while bolstering the overall national health financing landscape.

Functions

1. SFH addresses the health and development of young people, promoting their adoption of healthy behaviors and in turn, ensuring a healthy and productive future adult population.
2. SFH provides comprehensive basic healthcare packages to disadvantaged youths and children within and outside healthcare facilities.
3. They partner with state governments and stakeholders to set up outstanding programmes that address the specific needs of adolescents and young adults.

Impact

1. They have successfully distributed over 48.9 million units of insecticide treated nets between 2014 and 2021.
2. They have successfully averted over 8.7 million disability adjusted life years between 2019 and 2021.
3. They have averted over 1.5 million unintended pregnancies between 2019 and 2021.

9. Health Emergency Initiative (HEI)

Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) was borne from a genuine love for humanity with the goal of preventing avoidable deaths, saving lives and their beautiful dreams. HEI is a passionate community of people driven by a genuine mission to make impact with the provision of basic healthcare to the poorest community of the society. They partner with over 39 hospitals in Nigeria and looking to partner with minimum of 100 hospitals by the end of 2023. One of the benefits of volunteering with HEI is the training on CPR/First Aid in emergency situations.

Functions

1. HEI saves provides medical interventions to indigent patients in public health institutions to save lives.
2. HEI provides pre-hospital care to road traffic accident victims and equip individuals with First Responders training.

Impact

1. They have facilitated the hospital bills payment of over 5,700 indigent patients.
2. They have successfully trained over 37,500 first responders.
3. They have successfully rescued over 500 post-crash care victims.

10. Drug-Aid Africa Initiative

Drug Aid Africa is an NGO primarily dedicated to saving lives through the provision of essential medical supplies and support to low income patients, addressing the fundamental healthcare needs in Nigeria and across Africa.

Functions

1. Source and dispense viable medical drugs through direct purchases from partner Pharmacies.
2. Source and dispense viable medical drugs through donations from patient users and donor Pharmacies/Drug Manufacturers.
3. Conduct health & safety programs in indigent communities.
4. Partner with health care practitioners in offering free medical services in indigent communities.

Who Funds these NGOs?

Unlike businesses, NGOs do not generate revenues, rather, they utilize resources (both financial and human). NGOs rely on channels, such as donations and contributions from donors, to generate resources like money, goods, and volunteer support.

While individual donors are the most important source, there are a few other funding options. These include private sectors, foreign governments, grant from local, state, and federal agencies, and private donations. Let’s explore 4 good reasons why NGOs need funding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the remarkable efforts and impact of these top NGOs in Nigeria echo throughout the nation’s healthcare landscape. By working collaboratively with communities, governments, donors, and the private sector, these NGOs are not only expanding access to healthcare but also nurturing sustainable health systems that will benefit generations to come. As they continue to innovate and advocate for improved healthcare outcomes, the top NGOs in Nigeria are undeniably vital partners in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthier, more equitable future. Their influence is not only felt in the present but will leave an enduring legacy of positive change in the years ahead.

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