PROMOTING THE WELLBEING OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN
CHAI | CHILD HEALTH ADVOCACY INITIATIVE
Who We Are
Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI) is an initiative of BASICS 11 United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The focus of CHAI is to promote healthy living and child survival in Nigeria. We work with the federal, state, and local governments, along with local and international organisations to tackle maternal and child health issues in Nigeria.
Mrs. Alonge is the current Executive Director of Child Health Advocacy Initiative, and the current United Nations Scaling Up Nutrition champion for Nigeria (SUN). She also spends her time as a consultant with USAID, and an advocate for Save the Children International.
She is a Board Member of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and a current member of the Lagos State Maternal & Child Mortality Reduction Committee. Over the years, she has authored two Nutrition books titled “Baby & Child Care” and “Breastfeeding Made Easy.” She is a notable nutrition expert in Nigeria, and a international child rights advocate.
What We Do
01.
— Nutrition
We promote breastfeeding, complimentary feeding, food fortification, and healthy diets. Good nutrition for babies in the first 1,000 days from pregnancy to two years of age is critical to enable all children to live healthier and more productive lives.
02.
— Family Planning
Adequate family planning allows families to attain their desired number of children and determine the spacing of pregnancies. CHAI achieves this through the promotion of the use of contraceptive methods for women and couples. It is essential to securing the well-being and autonomy of women, while supporting the health and development of communities.
03.
— FGM
CHAI is a member of the Girl Generation Global Group to end Female Genital Mutilation on the continent. Over 20 million girls have undergone FGM in Nigeria, which ultimately leads to premature death as well as leave many physically and psychologically damaged for life. We are part of the movement to end FGM in one generation.
04.
— Immunization
We work with states in the country to run demand creation campaigns in local communities ensuring that mothers are aware of their postnatal care practices. Our goal is to improve the immunization coverage in the country and protect babies from diseases such as measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
05.
— Malaria
Malaria prevalence in Nigeria is at 71%, and in collaboration with key stakeholders in the public and private sector, we intervene from the grassroot level in local communities to implement malaria eradication campaigns.
06.
— Child Protection
Protection of children from violence, abuse, and neglect is our priority. We advocate for states to invest in children, especially the girl child, and stop early marriage. Our goal is to give every girl the opportunity to mature to adulthood by 2030. Child protectiion and rights is everyones responsibility – SEE SOMETHING, SAY IT!.
Executive Board
Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande
Former Minister of Industry | Economist & Accountant
HRH. Omoba Abiola Dosumu
The Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos | Successful Business Woman
Chief (Mrs.) Eniola Fadayomi
Chairman of Council of the Institute of Directors Nigeria
Mrs. Tutu
Odunayo
Honeywell Group
Impact Stories
NutriMums Support Group - Mrs. Oluwamidara Obanubi
I am grateful for the support, care, and words of encouragement I receive from the nutrition support group. Exclusive breastfeeding is indeed a miracle, and would try it again. Thank you for all you do to support breastfeeding mothers. Mrs. Obanubi is one of the mothers in CHAI NutriMums support group.
Corona Virus (COVID-19) Palliatives - Mrs. Ngozi Nwachukwu
I am very thankful for the Corona Virus palliatives sent to by CHAI. Due to the unfortunate pandemic we were stuck in lockdown at home, and the palliative really helped us a lot. As families were advised to stay home during the lockdown, CHAI delivered relief materials to some mothers in Lagos.
Partners
