People and Communities
Our impact at a glance
Directly reached over
ECG (Education for crisis affected girls) reached over
Over
Our employees contributed over
At IHS Nigeria, by working closely with local communities, we also develop an understanding of their needs beyond communications, and our people help deliver programs and resources for additional impact. Our engagement with our people and communities is at the heart of our work towards SDG3 Good Health and well-being, SDG5 Gender equality and SDG10 Reduces inequalities.
We supported a variety of initiatives and projects that positively impacted lives across communities. These investments were focused on empowering local communities and fostering strong partnerships with organisations and the government.
Power of collective action through employee volunteering: We encourage our employees to get involved in community support initiatives through our Employee Volunteering Programme. Our employees actively contribute their time, skills, and resources to drive sustainable change in communities throughout Nigeria. In 2022, employees from each department in IHS’s Lagos office and across its regional offices implemented impactful community initiatives, with over 1,600 hours of time contributed benefiting over 4,000 lives. These projects focused on areas such as health, education, and the environment. Supporting people with disabilities, our employees participated in the “Out on A Limb Annual charity walk”. Our Employee Volunteering Programme not only supports community development but also enhances employee experience, skills, and leadership.
Our work in 2022 to improve healthcare access focused on child-centred social services in education, health, and nutrition. Delivered through our partnership with UNICEF, this work has resulted in increased enrolment of children in early childhood development centres, improved vaccination coverage, birth registration, and sanitation improvements in 36 communities.
Gender inequality remains a challenge in Nigeria, influenced by cultural norms and beliefs. At IHS Nigeria, we believe that promoting gender equality can have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape. In 2022, our initiatives directly impacted over 43,000 women across various locations, inspiring and empowering their development. We partnered with Save The Children on the Education for Crisis-Affected Girls (ECG) project, supporting girls affected by crises in exercising their equal right to a quality education. We also launched the Women for Green Jobs initiative in collaboration with multiple organisations, promoting education and empowerment of women in the clean energy field.
Reducing inequalities is another focus area for us, as we recognise the challenges faced by underserved communities in Nigeria. In 2022, we collaborated with multiple organisations on initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of Nigerians. These initiatives included medical outreach, awareness programmes for cancer patients, support for families in need, addressing sexual and gender-based violence, and providing resources to talented young people.
At IHS Nigeria, we aim at making a difference in the lives of our people and communities. By promoting good health, gender equality, and reducing inequalities, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria for all.
Improving the health of Nigeria’s citizens: SDG3
In 2019, IHS Nigeria partnered with UNICEF to launch the Digital Child-Friendly Community Initiative (DCFCI). This exciting initiative aims to support municipal governments in upholding children’s rights based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Through DCFCI, we empower local communities to provide integrated child-centred social services in education, health, and nutrition. In 20 communities, we integrated a digital community information system into the initiative, which has proven to be incredibly valuable. Over the past two years, DCFCI has expanded and successfully implemented decentralised planning and resource management strategies to address the needs of children.
We are delighted that the programme has achieved significant outcomes in 36 communities, including 10 communities in Cross Rivers and 26 communities in Bauchi States. These outcomes include increased enrolment of children in early childhood development centres, improved vaccination coverage, enhanced birth registration, and better sanitation facilities. To further support the initiative, we have established Digital Community Information Systems (DCIS) that benefit from an integrated approach, providing real-time access to crucial data for guiding local decision-making and action. Additionally, operational kiosks have been deployed in Bauchi and Cross River States.
We are proud that during 2022, this initiative achieved birth registration for children under the age of five in Bauchi State. This accomplishment highlights the positive impact of our collaboration and the efforts of our teams.
The DCFCI has supported
Birth certificates received:
increased enrolment of children in early childhood development centres
improved vaccination coverage
Together with UNICEF, we are making a real difference in the lives of children in Nigeria, ensuring that they have access to their basic rights and the support they need to thrive.
The IHS Project Clinic Without Walls, in partnership with AXA Mansard, has made a significant impact on healthcare accessibility, early diagnosis, disease prevention, hospital referrals, and remote healthcare support. By providing two-year micro health insurance to 20,000 beneficiaries in Jigawa, Gombe, Anambra, and Ogun States, the project provides access to vital healthcare services.
Additionally, the integration of a telehealth platform has revolutionized healthcare delivery, enabling easy connections with medical practitioners via text or phone calls, which helps individuals seek timely advice for early diagnosis and effective health management.
With the government’s aim to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025, we continued to support the Clean Nigeria Initiative launched by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. We facilitated Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs across 138 communities, reaching over 18,107 individuals, while our WASH radio campaigns in Ekiti State aimed to foster behavioural change.
Moreover, we donated 3,000 copies of Tania Queen of Open Defecation books across 13 schools and installed three solar-powered boreholes, providing sustainable water access to communities. The Child Friendly Community Initiative (CFCI) initiative has refurbished over 6,500 toilets in wards in Cross Rivers and Bauchi States, installed 161 taps, and maintained over 60 water sources, resulting in a remarkable 70% reduction in repair downtime.
Furthermore, in our efforts to boost oxygen production in Nigeria, we are partnering with UNICEF to install oxygen plants capable of producing 300 to 600 liters per minute in nine hospitals nationwide. This collaborative initiative aims to provide a sufficient oxygen supply, supporting the critical healthcare needs of our communities.
Our impact includes
Inspiring WASH Innovation Fair driving inventive solutions to tackle challenges in the sector.
Addressing inequalities in Nigerian society: SDG5 and SDG10
Gender inequality in Nigeria is deeply influenced by cultural norms, beliefs, and values. Women face marginalisation both economically and in terms of educational opportunities.
At IHS Nigeria, we aim to promote gender equality and support initiatives that empower women to actively participate in Nigerian society.
In 2022, our initiatives directly impacted the lives of over 43,000 women across Lagos, Yobe, Borno, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, inspiring and empowering their development. We are proud of our contribution to SDG5 Gender equality, particularly focusing on Target 5.1, which aims to end discrimination against women and girls.
One of our notable partnerships was with Save The Children on the “The Education for Crisis-affected Girls (ECG)” project. This project, implemented in Borno and Yobe States over a span of 33 months, aimed to support girls who have been affected by crises to exercise their equal right to a quality education. Through this project, we established a network of adolescent champions consisting of 220 members (110 girls and 110 boys) across 60 schools. These champions received training on advocating for children’s enrolment in schools and promoting the importance of girls’ education in their communities. The project achieved remarkable results, enrolling 14,623 out-of-school girls, sensitizing 4,930 women on the value of girls’ education, training 30 Civil Society Organizations, and establishing certification pathways for volunteer teachers, with 102 teachers receiving certificates after passing the exams.
We achieved remarkable results
Sensitizing
Training
Establishing certification pathways for volunteer teachers, with
In collaboration with Poder Green Consulting, GIZ, A4&T, EIT, and SHORTLIST, we launched the Women for Green Jobs initiative. This empowering programme aimed to promote education and empowerment of women in the clean energy field. The initiative focused on imperatives such as a just energy transition, gender balance, workforce diversity, and the creation of quality jobs. This initiative impacted the lives of 50 women, with 35 of them receiving comprehensive training in essential aspects of Green Business Strategy like digital marketing, finance, sales, and customer services. Additionally, 15 women received training and certification from GIZ/ COREN in solar photovoltaic installation.
Recognizing the pivotal role of women in national development, IHS Nigeria has been dedicated to empowering women in all aspects of their lives. In partnership with WISCAR, we supported their annual conference, featuring esteemed speakers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who delivered a keynote address on the theme “For the Nation; The Power of Inclusion.” Furthermore, we facilitated the graduation of 51 participants from the WISCAR women professionals’ mentorship cohort, fostering their growth and success.
Moreover, we supported as partners the 21st annual Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference themed ‘Firing Forward: The Future in Focus”. The event focused on the role of women in societal development, and their contributions and impact across all spheres of life. Over 2,000 women attended.
In addition, we engaged in other collaborative initiatives with a strong focus on bridging the gender gap and preparing the next generation of female professionals for leadership roles. These initiatives aimed to provide women with opportunities to nurture their careers, grow, and thrive.
At IHS Nigeria we want to break down barriers and foster a more equitable society by championing gender equality.
Supporting our host communities – charitable donations
In Nigeria, there are numerous challenges such as insufficient social amenities, healthcare, high unemployment, and poverty. However, through charitable giving and donations, we hope to make a difference and alleviate these challenges.
In 2022, IHS Nigeria partnered with multiple organisations to launch initiatives aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of Nigerians
IHS Nigeria made a vital contribution to HIV eradication in Kebbi State by donating 75,300 HIV rapid test kits in partnership with USAID. This strengthens ongoing efforts to fight the epidemic, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission and providing essential testing for at-risk groups, including young children. Kebbi State is the second state in Nigeria to benefit from this impactful partnership, building on previous success in Bayelsa state.
Rotary Club Lagos Island (RCLI) Partnership: In collaboration with the Rotary Club Lagos Island, we conducted free eye surgeries for 100 beneficiaries, improving their vision and quality of life.
The Slum Health Project in Makoko, Lagos State, supported by IHS Nigeria and the Livewell Initiative, achieved remarkable milestones in providing essential healthcare to underprivileged residents. This initiative went beyond medical support, igniting hope and improving quality of life. Impacting 3,900 lives, it showcased equitable access to healthcare and gained recognition on the BBC channel for its impact. Additionally, through our Group-wide Generator Recycling Program we refurbish retired generators from our sites and provide them as donations to schools, orphanages, hospitals and community facilities. In 2022, 58 generators were donated to various communities.
We also facilitate community building work and, in 2022, undertook a significant infrastructure renovation project, focusing on 20 roadside culverts and drainages near our base stations in underserved areas. We believe this investment has enhanced accessibility, safety, and connectivity for both the local communities and our operations, and the upgraded infrastructure has helped improve the resilience and connectivity of the underserved areas.
At IHS Nigeria, we aim at giving back and making a positive impact on people in the communities we serve. By coming together and supporting these initiatives, we hope to create a brighter and more inclusive future.
Testimonials from our communities:
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I came to the health post to make a complain of body pain, rashes with my 10months baby (Daniel Esheda) I was attended to by a nurse who gave me some medicine and told me to come back for follow up without collecting any money, I was surprise, thank you so much Livewell Initaitive and IHS.
Esheda Beatrice (The Slum Health Project in Makoko, Lagos State)
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It makes me happy to finally be in school with other students who are just like me. I have learnt a lot since I came to school, I now know my ABCs and I am learning to speak English. I hope to be a lawyer one day
Karima (Education for Crisis Affected Girls Project, Yobe State, North-East Nigeria)
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I want to appreciate the owner of the initiative and all supporters, I am hypertensive, but since I have been visiting the health post, the Nurse on duty has always help to monitor my blood pressure through the regular BP check and dispensing of drugs.
Rachael Zachaus (The Slum Health Project, Makoko, Lagos State)