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By: Muhammad Jalal
The Center for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (CWINS) recently celebrated its fifth anniversary of practice and learning. The event took place at the NAF Conference Center in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Salam Anas Kolo, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Health, commended civil society organizations (CSOs) for their significant contributions to reforms in Nigeria’s health sector.
She highlighted that strong civil society advocacy had played a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s procurement plans and the mobilization of resources for essential health commodities.
“Some of the most remarkable progress in the health sector has resulted from the energy and voice of civil society,” Dr. Kolo said.
She urged CSOs to continue championing health sector transformation to ensure Nigeria achieves Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Royal Highness the Emir of Argungu, Sama’la Muhammadu Mera, represented by Vice Chairman Ado JG Muhammad, noted that over the past five years, CWINS has evolved into a structured organization addressing priority health and nutrition challenges through coordinated advocacy and technical support.
“As we mark this milestone, let us reflect on our achievements and the communities we serve, and continue advancing solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives,” he said.
The Emir’s representative highlighted CWINS’ key achievements, including its contribution to the successful nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign that reached 56 million children, achieving a 99 percent coverage rate. CWINS has also advanced integrated child survival initiatives across 145 local government areas, supported digital solutions for community health, strengthened cold chain systems through innovative approaches, and expanded access to nutrition and primary healthcare services across multiple states.
He emphasized that these accomplishments reflect CWINS’ commitment to supporting communities, strengthening systems, and improving access to essential services for children and families.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by the Director of the Department of Nutrition, praised the federal government’s efforts over the years to strengthen nutrition governance, enhance multisectoral coordination, and integrate nutrition into national development priorities.
He described nutrition as central to nation-building and equity, noting that equity is the pathway through which sustainable progress can be achieved.
Professor Pate commended CWINS for its transformative impact over the past five years and expressed hope that the next five years would be defined by deeper partnerships, stronger evidence, and greater impact across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to working closely with CWINS and all partners to advance shared health agendas.
Dr. Muhammad Mustafa, Head of Mission at CWINS, outlined the organization’s vision for the next five years, emphasizing plans to expand reach, incorporate local insights, and strengthen systems for greater community impact. He noted that CWINS would establish national research, learning, and data insight platforms, enhance capacity-building initiatives, and expand access to trusted health interventions.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of UNICEF, the Global Fund, NAFDAC, NPHCDA, DIMAGI, HSRC, and CHESTRAD GLOBAL.
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