Lagos- On November 27, 2024, the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) celebrated five-years of impact of the Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-2) project. The project, implemented in partnership with the Association for
Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), mitigated the impact of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and their households.
HIV remains a major public health challenge. Nigeria ranks the second highest number of maternal, neonatal, and child deaths, the 6th highest TB burden, and an overall HIV prevalence of 1.4%. This is notably higher among females aged 15 to 65 years.
Speaking at today’s event, USAID HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Office Director Omosalewa Oyelaran remarked, “this project has helped young people living with or affected by HIV live more fulfilling lives by providing access to lifesaving treatments, economic opportunities, education, and protection services. ”.
The ICHSSA-2 project has touched the lives of over 183,000 vulnerable children, adolescents and their caregivers. A total of nearly 4,700 OVC and nearly 24,800 caregivers who were HIV positive were all linked to treatment and are adhering to ART with significant viral load suppression. USAID also helped provide health insurance coverage to over 22,000 health insurance policies through partnership with Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC). Furthermore, USAID trained 90 beneficiaries (Adolescents and Case Managers) enrolled at National Information Technology Hub, University of Lagos to learn various in-demand and thriving tech skills. The beneficiaries were also empowered with brand new laptops and internet devices with 3 months subscription. Over 1,200 caregivers and 358 adolescents were provided with business start-up equipment for income generating activities. Nearly 17,000 beneficiaries were trained on financial literacy training, so they can meet the needs of their children sustainably.
Finally, a total of 44,347 children received education support and were monitored for school attendance, retention, performance and progression to new classes/course completion.
Also in attendance at today’s event was First Lady of Lagos State Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. She remarked, “The achievements of ICHSSA 2 Project resonate very well with the ‘Greater Lagos’ slogan and the six pillars of development of the current administration under the
leadership of Mr. Governor’ Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I want to reiterate that the Lagos State Government, particularly the Office of the First Lady is delighted to be associated with the ICHSSA 2 Project”.
The project helped young people protect themselves against any form of abuse or violence and engage community members and peers to reduce HIV related stigma and harmful cultural practices that put the lives of children at risk. Also, the project has helped young people suffering hardships live more health and productive lives by providing access to health, education, economic stability, safety and protection services.
“We are extremely delighted to have touched the lives of thousands of vulnerable children and their caregivers across the States where we implemented the ICHSSA-2 project- Lagos, Edo and Kwara. Dr. Felix Iwuala, ICHSSA-2 Chief of Party Said. Worthy of note is the
immense support we received from USAID, Government, consortium partners, Community Based Organizations, beneficiaries and communities where we worked. ARFH will continue to work to ensure all vulnerable populations live a productive life so they can contribute meaningfully to their communities”.
Programming for OVC remains one of the top priorities of USAID. New activities will help expand interventions while championing new innovations focused on ensuring the vulnerable children and their caregivers live healthy, stable, safe and schooled.
