TCI Nigeria completes handover of family planning initiative to Edo

The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria has formally handed over its family planning programme to the Edo Government for continued ownership and sustainability after over three years of implementation.

TCI Nigeria is a health-focused programme that supports state and local governments in Nigeria to improve access to quality reproductive health and family planning services, especially for underserved urban populations.

It is part of the global Challenge Initiative, which is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by Jhpiego, an international nonprofit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

TCI Nigeria Country Director, Dr Taiwo Johnson, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting on sustaining family planning interventions held on Tuesday in Benin.

Johnson described the handover as a major milestone in their partnership with the Edo government, which began more than three and a half years ago.

She said the event signified a transition of full responsibility for all family planning activities in the state from TCI to the government.

“Now that we are transitioning to self-reliance, we expect Edo to take complete ownership of all family planning activities,” she said.

She noted that global funding for family planning had reduced, referencing the withdrawal of support by major partners like USAID and other international donors.

She stated that although TCI 2.0 was coming to a close, a new version was expected in 2026, with modalities still under discussion.

She commended the Edo State Ministry of Health and staff for their support, especially their collaboration with the state programme coordinator since the project’s inception.

Johnson revealed that unlike 2024, the state had yet to secure any funding for family planning in 2025, stressing that the gap must be addressed urgently.

“No product, no service, even with training, demand generation, and media support, if commodities are not available, family planning services will fail.” she emphasised.

She also acknowledged the contributions of other partners collaborating to ensure that Edo’s family planning indices continued to improve.

“Family planning is critical. If properly implemented, it can reduce maternal mortality by as much as 30 per cent.

According to her, with the commitment of the commissioner, Edo can successfully continue the implementation of TCI’s family planning model.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, commended TCI for addressing a critical gap in the state’s public health landscape.

He noted that through targeted interventions in nine local government areas, TCI had enhanced service delivery and strengthened the capacity of health workers in Edo.

“We have seen a measurable increase in contraceptive pre-balance, a stronger referral system, and an encouraging reduction in the unmet need for family planning services.

“We have witnessed a shift in communities towards accepting and owning their reproductive choices guided by accurate information and data.

“TCI may be closing shop in terms of direct implementation. But, the seeds they have planted will continue to yield results for years to come.

“Let us continue to champion the message that family planning is not a health issue. It is a development tool,” he said.

According to him, it gives women the power to strive, families the freedom to plan, and society the opportunity to prosper.