Nigeria

Date Started:

2024

Geolocations

Mentor Mothers (2023):

Country Director:

Dr. Chinyerem Immanuel

Background

Nigeria, located on Africa’s western coast, is a diverse federation comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The country is home to around 250 ethnic groups and over 525 native languages, reflecting a rich cultural tapestry. However, Nigeria also faces critical public health challenges, particularly in maternal and child health.

According to UNAIDS, Nigeria’s HIV prevalence rate is 1.3% (15-49 years) and 1.9 million people are estimated to be living HIV. It also recorded a mother-to-child transmission rate of 23% in 2023, making it a major contributor to new HIV infections among children worldwide. Additionally, Nigeria reports a maternal mortality ratio of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking it among the highest in the world.

Key Country Data

1. UNAIDS 2023. 2. UNICEF, 2022. 3. Demographic and Health Survey, 2022

Our work in Nigeria

mothers2mothers (m2m) is excited to launch its services in Nigeria, using our proven, peer-led model to overcome these challenges and create a healthier future for Nigerian families. After a thorough pre-launch process, including country scoping, strategy development, staff hiring, office setup, and comprehensive training, m2m began direct services on 1 July 2024 at five sites around Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. These services focus on providing integrated health support to children living with or exposed to HIV, and their caregivers.

Our first cohort of 15 Mentor Mothers—all local women living with HIV who m2m is training, supporting, and paying as community health workers—completed extensive pre-service training, covering crucial topics such as HIV/AIDS education, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH), early childhood development (ECD), and community engagement. Through these initiatives, m2m Nigeria aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, support the reduction of HIV transmission, and contribute to Nigeria’s broader public health goals.

Collaboration with government agencies, healthcare providers, and local communities has been crucial in laying the foundation for this programme’s success. By the end of October 2024, we have recruited and deployed an additional 30 Mentor Mothers to 21 new health facilities and communities and look forward to deepening our impact in the months ahead. m2m Nigeria intends to reach 5,220 clients by the end of December 2024.

Project Goals and Objectives

How will m2m achieve this

To achieve its objectives in Nigeria, m2m will be leveraging its proven Mentor Mother Model by providing comprehensive, integrated primary health care services. Starting in the FCT, m2m is focusing on preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, improving RMNCH, and enhancing ECD. By strategically placing Mentor Mothers—women from local communities—in Bwari and Gwagwalada and in surrounding communities, m2m is ensuring that families receive culturally relevant, peer-led health support.

To achieve long-term impact, m2m is building strong relationships with government health agencies and non-governmental organisations, fostering collaboration, transparency, and mutual trust. This structured engagement, alongside targeted community outreach, will create a sustainable platform for delivering life-saving healthcare to women, children, and families.