mothers2mothers (m2m) is thrilled to announce the launch of direct services in Nigeria, marking our entry into the 11th country in our portfolio and the second in West Africa. This milestone was celebrated today at a high-profile event in Abuja, attended by over 120 guests, including senior representatives from the office of the Special Advisor to the President on Health, the office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care Board.   

As Africa’s most populous country and a political, economic, and cultural hub, Nigeria faces significant public health challenges, particularly regarding HIV and maternal and child health. According to UNAIDS, an estimated 1.9 million people live with HIV in Nigeria, and the country recorded a mother-to-child transmission rate of 23% in 2023, contributing significantly to new HIV infections among children worldwide. Moreover, maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria are among the highest globally.   

With a proven commitment to ending paediatric AIDS and reducing preventable deaths, m2m is poised to make a meaningful impact in Nigeria. After an intensive period of scoping and partnership building, we began our direct services in July 2024 in five health facilities and surrounding communities in the Bwari and Gwagwalada districts.  Fifteen m2m Mentor Mothers have been recruited, trained, and deployed to provide integrated, peer-led health support to women, children, and families affected by or at risk of HIV.   

At the heart of our programme are these Mentor Mothers—dedicated women living with HIV who deliver essential health services, support, and education to vulnerable women, children, and families. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, they empower others to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. m2m supports them with training, supervision, digital tools, and fair salaries, ensuring quality services that keep clients engaged in care. This support has been critical to m2m’s success in virtually eliminating HIV for our enrolled clients for the past decade.   

In Nigeria, m2m Mentor Mothers are already working diligently to enhance access to and demand for quality health services. They provide comprehensive care, including prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT), maternal and child health, and early childhood development. Additionally, m2m collaborates with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and local organisations to help build a more robust and sustainable health system.  

The difference m2m is making  in Nigeria is already evident. At the Bwari Town Clinic, Mentor Mother Amina shares her experience: “I helped a mother who was afraid of getting tested for HIV. I kept talking to her and encouraging her, and eventually, she took that first step. I am so happy and proud because she is now enrolled in our programme, receiving the care she needs not only for herself but also for her family’s health.”   

Following a successful initial quarter, during which we enrolled over 3,000 individuals in our services, we are thrilled to announce further expansion!   

In October 2024, we recruited and deployed an additional 30 Mentor Mothers across 21 health facilities and communities in the FCT. This positions m2m to deepen our impact in Nigeria in the coming months. With this momentum, we are making transformative strides toward a future free from HIV, where women and families receive life-saving healthcare, and all children can thrive.   

We extend our gratitude to our existing partners in Nigeria and actively seek new collaborations to scale our impact even further. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to our Nigeria Country Director¾Dr. Chinyerem Immanuel, at [email protected].