As the year draws to a close, RedAid Nigeria looks back with gratitude and pride on a period marked by growth, learning, and meaningful impact across the communities we serve. It has been a year of laying foundations, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming our commitment to people-centred health and development across multiple states and programme areas.
As our programmes expanded, we began the year by setting the stage for effective project delivery through the launch of a pre-implementation workshop for TB REACH Wave 11, a project supported by the Stop TB Partnership. The workshop convened programme teams, partners, and frontline actors, strengthening coordination and shared understanding ahead of implementation. Building on this momentum, we launched the NTD-Mission Project, funded by Hope Rises International (formerly American Leprosy Mission), working closely with local church leaders and leveraging their trusted influence to mobilise communities in the fight to reduce stigma against persons affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). Through this approach, community engagement activities reached hundreds of community members, helping to increase awareness and local ownership of NTDs prevention and care.
Recognising that recovery goes beyond medical treatment, our livelihood support initiatives focused on restoring dignity and economic independence. Persons affected by leprosy and other NTDs were supported to establish sustainable income-generating ventures with funding support from ANESVAD Foundation through CBM Global Disability Inclusion under the Integrated Mental Health and NTDs (mhCAP-NTDs) Project. Livelihood interventions include a fishpond and POS business in Ogbaru, Anambra State, and a garri processing business in Ogoja, Cross River State, which supported beneficiaries to generate income and provide for themselves and their families. These initiatives reflect our belief that long-term healing includes empowerment, economic resilience, and renewed hope for the future.
We also commenced Phase 2 of the LIVEX Project, titled “Improving Physical and Mental Wellbeing of Persons Affected by NTDs,” supported by Effect Hope Canada and DAHW Germany. This phase focused on mentoring peer-support group leaders, group members, Persons with Lived Experience (NTDs champions), and health workers, strengthening local capacity and reinforcing peer-led care models that continue to function beyond project period.
Our community outreach activities on integrated active Skin NTDs case finding, supported by DAHW Germany, brought care closer to those who need it most. Skin camps were conducted across several locations, including Zing, Sardauna, Bali, and Takum in Taraba State, as well as Government Secondary School, Ogoja. Across these sites, community members were reached with sensitization sessions, screened for Leprosy, NTDs and educated on the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, contributing to increased case detection, reduced stigma, and improved pathways to care.
Together, these milestones tell the story of a year defined by growth, collaboration, accountability, and impact. Guided by our unwavering commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities, we continue to move forward, learning, adapting, and working alongside partners and community to create lasting change.
As we close the year, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyful Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year.
