Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki: A Champion for Women’s and Children’s Health in Africa
Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder and President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), is a renowned global advocate dedicated to improving the health and empowerment of women and children. With over two decades of advocacy, her work encompasses a broad range of critical issues, including reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health; combating gender-based discrimination and violence; and advancing education, socio-economic empowerment, and community livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa.
Mrs. Saraki’s leadership in global health is marked by her commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes for women and children. She is the Inaugural and Emeritus Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), where she has been instrumental in promoting the vital role of midwives in ensuring safe childbirth and maternal care. In recognition of her extensive efforts, she was named a UHC Global Champion by Devex for her contributions to universal health coverage.
Her influence extends to several prominent global health organizations. Mrs. Saraki serves as a special adviser and member of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO). She has recently been appointed the inaugural Global Health Ambassador for the WHO Foundation, further amplifying her advocacy on a global platform. Through her work with the WHO, she provides strategic guidance on health policies and initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes across the African continent.
In Nigeria, Mrs. Saraki has been a leading voice for family planning and newborn health. She holds the title of UNFPA Nigeria Family Planning Champion and has been recognized by Save the Children as the Newborn Health Champion for Nigeria, where she actively supports initiatives to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality rates.
Her advocacy efforts also include her role as a Global Champion for the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, a global network dedicated to ensuring that every woman and girl can realize her right to a safe pregnancy and childbirth.
Additionally, Mrs. Saraki is a member of the International Steering Committee ICPD25, where she contributes to the global dialogue on population and development, ensuring that the health and rights of women and girls remain a priority on the international agenda.
Through her organization, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Saraki has implemented numerous initiatives that have positively impacted millions of lives.
The Foundation’s programs focus on health education, access to quality healthcare, and support for community health workers, including midwives and nurses. Under her leadership, WBFA has become a leading voice in advocating for the rights and health of women and children in Africa, addressing critical issues such as maternal and neonatal mortality, gender-based violence, and the need for comprehensive reproductive health services.
Mrs. Saraki’s work is driven by a deep commitment to creating a world where every woman and child can thrive. Her tireless advocacy and leadership have earned her recognition as a powerful force for change in global health, inspiring many to join the fight for a healthier and more equitable future.
As a champion for the most vulnerable, Mrs. Saraki continues to work towards a vision where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the healthcare and opportunities they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
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