IntegratE project, Sokoto State recently conducted 10 provider-led outreaches targeting underserved communities across the state.
The outreaches were implemented across multiple LGAs through trained community-based providers (PPMVs), who are already embedded within their communities. The turnout recorded highlights the level of trust communities place in these providers as accessible and reliable first points of care.
Demand generation played a critical role in the success of the outreaches. Interpersonal Communication Agents (IPCAs), working closely with community and religious leaders, carried out household sensitization, community engagement, and client referrals prior to the outreaches. This resulted in strong community mobilization and service uptake.
A total of 5,626 clients were reached, comprising 3,030 children treated for common childhood illnesses and 2,596 women who accessed family planning services. Uptake of family planning methods was high, particularly for injectables, oral pills, and implants. Condoms were also widely accepted either as a primary method or for dual protection, while clients who were undecided received counseling to support informed choice.
Child health services were provided in line with national iCCM guidelines.
This included malaria testing and treatment with ACTs, management of diarrhea using ORS and Zinc, and treatment of pneumonia with Amoxicillin DT. Nutritional screening using MUAC was also conducted, with identified cases appropriately counseled and referred.
#communityhealth #communityoutreach #familyplanning #PHC
The IntegratE Project team, led by Pharm. Samuel Abel, recently paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, at the Niger State Ministry of Health.
The IntegratE Project delegation comprised senior state stakeholders and technical leads, including the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Abdullahi Yahaya; Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Mairo Ahmed; State Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Coordinator, Mr. Abraham Bako; State Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Coordinator, Mrs. Martha Yerima; State Health Management Information System (HMIS) Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Jibrin; and IntegratE M&E Consultant, Mrs. Leah Gana.
The purpose of the visit was to formally congratulate the Honorable Commissioner on his recent appointment and to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the IntegratE Project. During the meeting, the team presented a brief overview of the IntegratE Project, highlighting its strategic approach to improving access to quality family planning and child health services through private sector engagement and community-based interventions.
The team further outlined key achievements recorded within the implementation period, as well as the project’s sustainability plan, which emphasizes state ownership, integration into existing health systems, and continued support for trained providers. In addition, the team solicited the Honorable Commissioner’s support in ensuring that the gains of the project are sustained and scaled across the state beyond the project lifecycle.
In his response, the Honorable Commissioner commended the IntegratE Project for its impactful contributions to strengthening healthcare delivery in Niger State. He expressed satisfaction with the results achieved within a short timeframe and acknowledged the relevance of the project’s model in advancing access to essential health services. The Commissioner further assured the team of the Ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration and support, particularly in driving sustainability and institutionalization of the project’s interventions.
#FP #PPP #collaboration
To sustain the gains of the IntegratE Project, the Borno State team recently conducted a one-day training on M&E and CHMIS data capturing tools in Maiduguri.
The session, led by the State Research, M&E Lead, Mr. Jerry Joel, focused on strengthening capacity in the use of the 2022 CHMIS data tools, including the Family Planning Register, Child Daily Register, Referral Registers and slips, Sick Child Recording Forms, FP Client Cards, and Monthly Summary Forms (MSF). The training combined technical presentations with hands-on practical sessions, using real-life iCCM and family planning scenarios to enhance learning and application.
A key highlight was the step-by-step demonstration of how service delivery data is aggregated and reported through the CHMIS Google Form, mirroring the monthly reporting process used by IntegratE-trained providers.
Participants were also introduced to the CHMIS database interface, with guidance on navigation and data use, particularly empowering LGA M&E officers to take ownership of data for decision-making at the state level.
The training further covered the Balanced Counselling Strategy Plus (BCS+) approach, with practical demonstrations through role play and video sessions. This was aimed at equipping MCH and FP Coordinators with the skills to cascade knowledge to trained PPMVs during supportive supervision visits and beyond the project lifecycle.
The training brought together key stakeholders across the health system, including representatives from the State Ministry of Health, Hospital Management Board, HMIS units, LGA M&E teams, PHC Directors, and professional associations, reinforcing a coordinated approach to data quality, service delivery, and accountability.
The activity was successfully delivered with support from the SFH Care 2 project team and regional leadership, providing strong technical oversight alongside the IntegratE state team.
Strengthening data systems and building local capacity remain critical to sustaining impact and driving evidence-based decision-making in healthcare delivery.
#MonitoringAndEvaluation #HealthSystemsStrengthening #DataForImpact #FamilyPlanning #PrimaryHealthcare Nigeria IntegratE
The IntegratE Project team recently paid an advocacy visit to the Director of Community Health at the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Abubakar Muhammad Kaura, to formally congratulate him on his appointment and introduce the project’s scope and implementation approach in Sokoto State.
The visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to collaboration while highlighting the project’s goal of expanding equitable access to quality family planning (FP) and primary health care (PHC) services through trained Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) operating within a regulated three-tier accreditation system.
Discussions emphasized the critical role of the Community Health Directorate in strengthening PHC coordination, supervision, and referral systems across LGAs and wards, positioning the Director’s leadership as key to aligning community-level service delivery with state priorities. A major focus of the engagement was the ongoing effort to strengthen referral linkages between CPs, PPMVs, and public health facilities through the development of a structured referral directory. This tool is designed to connect providers with appropriate facilities, improve communication and feedback, and enhance continuity of care for clients.
The Director welcomed the initiative, noting its importance in improving service integration, and expressed readiness to support validation to ensure alignment with state systems. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, strengthen referral systems, and enhance access to quality FP and PHC services across Sokoto State.
#HealthSystemsStrengthening #PrimaryHealthcare #FamilyPlanning #Nigeria #IntegratE PublicHealth
Sustaining the gains of the IntegratE Project requires strong systems, collaboration, and clear referral pathways. To advance this, the IntegratE Borno state team recently convened a one-day sensitization on the Referral Directory for key stakeholders in Maiduguri. The meeting aimed to introduce the newly developed referral directory, share the CHMIS sample, review referral pathway documentation, and align on next steps for implementation.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from Primary Health Care facilities, General Hospitals, the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, and National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, alongside the IntegratE Borno team.
The State M&E Lead/Acting State Technical Lead, Mr. Jerry Joel, provided an overview of the IntegratE project, highlighting the critical role of structured referral systems and the contributions of PPMVs and Community Pharmacists in strengthening service delivery.
A wide range of stakeholders across ministries, agencies, and LGAs actively participated, reinforcing the collective commitment to improving coordination and continuity of care. Key outcomes from the meeting included strong assurances from PHC Directors that referral sensitization messages would be cascaded to facility-level staff, immediate commitment from facility managers to brief their teams, and agreement from PHC and General Hospital leadership to integrate referral tracking into LGA-level action plans.
This engagement emphasises the importance of collaboration in building a responsive and efficient health system that leaves no one behind.
#sustainbility #fp #Stakeholderscollaboration
As we continue to celebrate women, we honor Pharm. Ginika, a woman who truly gives and, in doing so, helps others gain healthier, empowered lives.
#familyplanning #healthcareheroes #givetogain #iwd2026
The IntegratE team in Borno State recently conducted three medical outreaches across three trained Tier 2 facilities in Biu LGA: Tower PMS, Dugja Ward; Kauna PMS, Zarakwagu Ward; and Nifa PMS, Yawi Ward. These facilities served as service delivery points where Women of Reproductive Age and children under five accessed Family Planning (FP) and Primary Health Care (PHC) services during the outreach period. The activity was implemented with support from key stakeholders alongside the IntegratE state team, Mr. Jerry Joel and Nasiru Gamagira, Pharm. Christine Abelagi (STA, Gombe), and the North East RME Advisor, Mr. Jacob Jonah Addi.
A total of 185 FP clients were counselled and provided with appropriate services, including oral pills, injectables, implants, and implant removals. Condoms were also distributed to eligible male and female clients at the service delivery points.
Additionally, 676 children under five accessed PHC services across the three facilities. Malnourished children were screened using MUAC and referred to Biu Maternity and General Hospital for further nutritional care. Children diagnosed with diarrhea received co-packed ORS and Zinc, while those identified with fast breathing were treated with Amoxicillin Dispersible Tablets. Children presenting with fever were tested using malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test kits (mRDT), and those who tested positive were promptly treated with ACT.
#FP #outreach #PPMV #PHC
The IntegratE Project recently conducted an Integrated Supportive Supervisory Visit (ISSV) involving key stakeholders supervising the trained providers.
The engagement comprised a planning meeting, field implementation, and a post-ISSV review session. The objectives were to review progress on the implementation of previous action plans, plan for the Q2 Year 5 ISSV, conduct facility visits, present field findings, and develop updated action plans.
The planning meeting was chaired by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services (DPS), Sokoto State Ministry of Health, who emphasized the need to assess progress since the last ISSV and strengthen implementation strategies. Four multidisciplinary teams were constituted, each comprising three stakeholders and one IntegratE staff member, with a target of visiting 99 facilities over four days.
During field implementation, 72 facilities were visited (21 Tier 1, 45 Tier 2, and 6 Tier 3). Strengths observed included clean service environments, professional client engagement, appropriate documentation practices, visible use of job aids in some facilities, proper disposal of expired commodities, and adherence to counselling protocols in select locations. Some of the major gaps identified were corrected on the spot by the stakeholders reinforcing what they have been trained on.
The post-ISSV review meeting provided an opportunity to present findings and jointly develop corrective action plans to improve service quality and ensure sustained adherence to standards.
#ISSV #FP #PHC #CPs #PPMVs privatesectorproviders
At the IntegratE Project, we recognize the importance of strong community awareness and effective referral pathways. This is why we ensure a clear and functional referral system linking clients to trained Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) through the Interpersonal Communication Agents (IPCAs) within the communities.
This approach has significantly improved outcomes for women and children. One such example is the story of how an IPCA helped save Sadiya Abubakar, a 15-month-old child who was close to dying from malnutrition due to deeply rooted myths and misconceptions. Her family believed she was possessed by evil spirits and had not sought medical care until the IPCA intervened and facilitated a referral.
We remain committed to ensuring that women and children have access to quality healthcare services by dispelling harmful myths and strengthening referrals to appropriateprimary health facilities through our trained Interpersonal Communication Agents and CPs and PPMVs.
This infographic illustrates the step-by-step process and types of interactions our IPCAs engage in within the communities.
#CPs #PPMVs #Childcare #nutrition #PHC
The IntegratE Project under the Society for Family Health successfully conducted a one-day training workshop on Moment of Truth (MoT) for DMPA-SC self-injection, targeting Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) in Sokoto State. A total of 37 PPMVs participated in the exercise, undergoing a full-day intensive training session aimed at building their capacity to support clients opting for DMPA-SC self-injection.
The purpose of the training was to equip PPMVs with the knowledge, skills, and empathy-based communication strategies required to guide women through the self-injection process, using the Moment of Truth approach. This approach centers on understanding the client’s experience, building trust, and offering practical support while ensuring the client feels respected and confident in their ability to self-inject.
A key part of the training was the introduction of the Moment of Truth framework. Facilitated by the State Technical Advisor, Ummulkulsum Abubakar Dikko, the session focused on building providers’ capacity to counsel clients empathetically, support them through fears and misconceptions, and encourage autonomy in making reproductive health choices. Participants engaged in group discussions and role-plays, practicing client interactions modeled around active listening, empathy, and respectful communication.
In addition to technical and counseling skills, the training emphasized the importance of documentation and reporting. The RME, Abdulkadir Danmaigoro facilitated a session on the use of data collection tools specific to DMPA-SC self-injection services. Participants learned how to accurately record services rendered, track follow-up, and contribute to monitoring efforts that ensure service quality and continuity.
By the end of the day, participants expressed confidence in their ability to apply the Moment of Truth model during real-world client interactions. They understood the critical importance of their role not only in administering DMPA-SC but in creating a supportive environment where women can take charge of their reproductive health.
#DMPSC #FP #selfcare #selfinject
IntegratE project Sokoto State recently held a capacity-building and review session for IntegratE PPMV mentors, aimed at strengthening mentorship skills and improving the quality of support provided to Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs).
The meeting focused on strengthening mentors’ ability to support quality service delivery and accurate documentation, particularly through a hands-on review of iCCM and Family Planning monthly summary registers. Mentors worked collaboratively to identify common documentation gaps, including incomplete entries, incorrect coding, and inconsistencies in client records. Exchanging and reviewing each other’s registers helped participants gain fresh perspectives and reinforced the value of peer-to-peer learning in quality improvement.
Group discussions enabled mentors to share recurring challenges observed across registers and jointly develop a checklist of common errors to guide future mentorship and routine supervision. This process fostered open dialogue in a supportive, non-judgmental environment and strengthened collective accountability for data quality.
Beyond technical skills, the session also focused on strengthening the “human side” of mentorship. Mentors reflected on how to build trust, maintain professional relationships, communicate supportively, set realistic goals with providers, and model empathy and professionalism in their interactions.
By the end of the session, mentors reported increased confidence in providing constructive feedback, a deeper understanding of quality mentorship beyond technical knowledge, and renewed commitment to respectful, supportive mentor-provider relationships. Strengthening mentors is central to sustaining high-quality family planning and primary healthcare services at community level.
#capacitybuilding #PPMVs #FP #PHC
Building a resilient primary healthcare system requires continuous investment in the skills and capacity of frontline providers, especially those serving hard-to-reach and underserved communities. This commitment was reinforced with the successful completion of the Mandatory Entry Point Training Programme (MEPTP) Batch 4, held over five intensive weeks at Al-Huda School of Health Technology, Sokoto State.
The training was facilitated by the IntegratE Sokoto team, led by the State Technical Advisor, Ummulkulsum Abubakar Dikko, with strong technical support from the Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant, Abdulkadir Danmaigoro, and State Master Trainers, Hajia Amina Umar and Binta Bunu. A total of 44 Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) participated in the programme, drawn from 11 Local Government Areas including Sabon Birni, Tureta, and Wurno. These areas are significantly affected by insecurity and banditry, making access to quality healthcare particularly challenging.
Throughout the training, targeted technical support was provided to ensure participants were fully equipped to deliver quality services within their communities. Emphasis was placed on strengthening competencies in Family Planning (FP), Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM), and accurate documentation and reporting. Recap sessions were conducted to reinforce learning and address gaps identified during earlier phases of the programme.
Key technical sessions focused on data entry and reporting, highlighting the importance of accurate documentation and use of standardized reporting tools. Family Planning sessions emphasized practical skills in method provision, client counselling, infection prevention, and equipment sterilisation. Integrated Community Case Management sessions focused on the identification, treatment, and referral of common childhood illnesses, including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malnutrition.
#FP #PHC
