November 2024: Today, the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), successfully closes out the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-2) project, in Edo State, with funding and technical support from USAID (2021-2024). The closeout ceremony with the theme “Celebrating Impact In Programming For Vulnerable Children: Experience of ARFH” was well attended by key stakeholders from Government MDAs, Implementing Partners, Community Based Organizations, Networks, Community Leaders and project beneficiaries.
In her welcome address, the CEO of ARFH, Dr. (Mrs.) Osinowo noted that ICHSSA-2 project implemented activities in over 120 communities providing succour to thousands of vulnerable children and their households on Edo State. “In all the project communities in Edo State, ARFH has enrolled HIV affected Children and Caregivers on ART and provided socio-economic support to facilitate retention and adherence on treatment” Dr. Osinowo said. She further noted the trust and confidence reposed on Local Partners by USAID actually heralded the ‘Journey to Self-Reliance’ in Nigeria, through ‘hand holding’, system strengthening, organizational and technical capacity building by the USAID Team.
While delivering the achievements of the ICHSSA-2 project, the Chief of Party, Dr. Felix Iwuala stated that the project aimed to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and their Caregivers across 13 Local Government Areas in Edo State. “A total of 21,105 beneficiaries were enrolled and served with various services across the 4 domain areas of healthy, stable, safe and schooled”. Since 2021, we have been able to enroll over 5,000 beneficiaries on health insurance in partnership with the Edo State Health Insurance Commission. Similarly, 12,633 children received birth certificates; 5,312 beneficiaries were trained on financial literacy; 8,458 children reached with educational services.
Goodwill messages were received from representatives of Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues; Edo State Health Insurance Commission, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, partner Community Based Organizations among others.
In closing, the project beneficiaries were full of appreciation to USAID and ARFH for touching their lives positively and leaving lasting impact in their communities.
In line with our vision, we will continue to work towards an African continent free of diseases.
