By Iyemah David
The Breakthrough Action Nigeria, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) project with investments exceeding $100 million (about N1.5 billion), is USAID’s most significant social and behaviour change programme in Nigeria.
The Project Director, Dr Shittu-Abdu Aguye, stated this on Wednesday at the Project Learning and Transition Event, held in Abuja.
The project is designed to increase the practice of priority health behaviours in the areas of malaria and tuberculosis control, maternal, new-born, and child health; and family planning/reproductive health.
The project works closely with federal and state ministries of health and other USAID implementing partners.
Dr Aguye said that the substantial investment of the project had fuelled initiatives driving tangible improvements in health outcomes nationwide.
The transition event brought together representatives of governments, donors, media organisations, and programme champions to celebrate the project’s accomplishments.
The project showcased its multifaceted approach incorporating mass media campaigns, community engagements and innovative social media strategies.
Aguye emphasised the collaborative efforts that led to the project’s success.
“With USAID’s support, we have had the privilege to enhance the health and well-being of people across Nigeria.
“Together, we have saved and improved the lives of millions of mothers, fathers, children and babies across Nigeria,” he said
According to him, the project marked a pivotal transition on Wednesday as it will be transferring its efforts and outcomes to Nigerian Government agencies and community organisations.
He said that the projecf would leave behind a legacy of impact, setting the stage for continued progress in Nigeria’s journey toward improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Social and behaviour change identifies what individuals and communities believe and how they behave.
Identifying these enables development of innovative strategies which will enable the citizens to adopt healthier behaviours and access vital health services.
Since it started in Nigeria, the project used a multi-faceted approach, including mass media, community outreach, and user-driven social media campaigns – to inspire long-lasting change.
Among countless other findings, Breakthrough Action found that women who participated in community activities were more likely to practice multiple preventive behaviours compared to women who did not participate.
The behaviours include at least four ante-natal visits, exclusive breastfeeding, dieting and receiving preventive malaria medication at least three times during pregnancy.
