PROFILE OF AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA) - 2025Q4

 

PROFILE OF AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA)

<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association_15.html>

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a Nigerian-based international civil society network and interdisciplinary think-tank founded in 1997 and formally registered by Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2003. AHOA brings together over 3,000 registered member-organizations and institutions across 121 countries—primarily in Africa and the Global South—and directly engages more than 45,000 stakeholders/organizations via its communication platforms, technical working groups (TWGs), and collaborative networks. Its mission is to promote and catalyze inclusive, community-centered, evidence-based solutions for health, sustainable development, climate/environment, and social justice, globally. AHOA has Continental and Country teams, including 37 States/FCT Charpters in Nigeria. AHOA is committed to fostering inclusive, people-centered, rights-based development through partnerships, advocacy, research/evidence and policy engagement, capacity development, outreaches and community interventions, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) across sectors. AHOA operates at the intersection of health, climate change, environment, biodiversity, renewable energy, food and nutrition security, gender equality, governance, human rights, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its focal health areas include Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Primary Health Care (PHC), One Health, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, immunization, COVID-19, Mpox, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Nutrition and Micronutrients, and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH).

 

AHOA prioritizes the inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable populations—especially women, children, youth, people living with disabilities, the elderly, rural dwellers, indigenous populations, marginalized and vulnerable groups, and the poor—through evidence-based programming, capacity development, policy advocacy, community-based health interventions, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E). Afrihealth Optonet Association collaborates with governments, UN agencies, academic institutions, and development partners to advance sustainable development and planetary health. The Association holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC and has Observer Accreditation with UNEP/UNEA, and African development Bank (AfDB), among others. AHOA has actively contributed to global processes such as the UNFCCC COPs, HLPF, and the World Health Assembly. It has convened high-level summits, technical symposiums, and South-South cooperation forums, and has led thematic campaigns on immunization, anti-microbial resistance, sustainable energy, biodiversity, and the SDGs. Through its technical groups, media platforms, and digital tools, AHOA promotes dialogue, knowledge sharing, and action for development across sectors and regions.

 

VISION AND MISSION

AHOA envisions a world where health, development, and environmental sustainability are equitably pursued through integrated, inclusive, and participatory processes. The organization's mission is to promote and implement multidisciplinary actions to improve the health, wellbeing, environment, and development outcomes of underserved populations, with a focus on women, children, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.

 

CORE VALUES

AHOA is guided by the values of:

1.       Equity and inclusiveness

2. Evidence-based advocacy
3. Community ownership and participation
4. Partnership and collaboration
5. Accountability and transparency
6. Gender sensitivity and rights-based approaches

 

SCOPE OF WORK

AHOA works across several thematic areas using an integrated, multisectoral approach that addresses the interconnectedness of global challenges. These include:

 

Health

1.       Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

2. Primary Health Care (PHC)
3. One Health approaches
4. HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria
5. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
6. Routine Immunization and Vaccination
7. Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
8. Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH)
9. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
10. Mental health
11. Pandemic preparedness and response (e.g., COVID-19)

 

Sustainable Development

1.       Implementation and localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

2. Poverty reduction and livelihood empowerment
3. Education and youth development
4. Democracy, governance, and human rights
5. Peacebuilding and conflict resolution

 

Environment and Climate Action

1.       Climate change mitigation and adaptation

2. Environmental health and biodiversity conservation
3. Renewable energy and climate-smart technologies
4. Sustainable agriculture and food security
5. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

 

Gender and Social Inclusion

1.       Gender equality and women’s empowerment

2. Gender-based violence prevention and response
3. Inclusion of persons with disabilities, the elderly, and marginalized groups
4. Youth participation and leadership development

 

STRATEGIC APPROACHES

AHOA employs a mix of strategic approaches to achieve its objectives:

1. Evidence-Based Advocacy
   Engaging in research, documentation, and policy dialogue to influence decision-making and public awareness.
2. Capacity Building
   Providing training, mentorship, and institutional strengthening for CSOs, youth leaders, health workers, community volunteers, and development practitioners.
3. Community Engagement and Service Delivery
   Implementing grassroots interventions in health, WASH, nutrition, and livelihood support in underserved communities.
4. Research and Knowledge Management
   Conducting and disseminating operational and policy research to inform programming and advocacy.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
   Tracking and evaluating programs to ensure effectiveness, transparency, accountability, and learning.
6. South-South Cooperation and Partnerships
   Promoting collaboration among organizations in the Global South to share resources, innovations, and best practices.
7. Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues and Forums
   Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration through summits, symposiums, workshops, and online platforms.

 

GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE

AHOA operates a multi-tier governance structure overseen by a General Assembly, Board of Trustees (BOT), International Advisory Board (IAB), International Technical Advisory Panel (ITAP), and Management Team, with programmatic work led by a Secretariat based in Abuja. AHOA has Continental and Country teams, including States Charpters in Nigeria. Its Technical Working Groups (TWGs) guide implementation in key thematic areas such as health systems, climate change, biodiversity, gender, youth, peacebuilding, and the SDGs. Member organizations operate independently but collaborate through joint initiatives, task teams, and project consortia coordinated by the Secretariat.

 

ACCREDITATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS

AHOA has earned significant global recognition and maintains active engagement with leading development platforms. It holds:

1.       Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC)

2. Observer Status with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
3. Membership or affiliation with:

a.       UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)

2. WHO-led civil society platforms
3. The Global Fund’s country coordinating mechanisms
4. African Union civil society engagement groups
5. World Bank Civil Society Forum
6. United Nations Major Groups and Stakeholders Mechanism

 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND MILESTONES

1. Global Engagement
   AHOA has participated in and contributed to high-level platforms such as:

a.       UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF)

2. UNFCCC COP conferences (including COP29 in Baku)
3. World Health Assemblies (WHA)
4. UNEP/UNEA processes on environmental governance
1. Community Health Initiatives
   Implemented multi-country campaigns on malaria prevention, routine immunization, COVID-19 response, and maternal health, reaching thousands in rural and peri-urban communities.
2. Policy Advocacy and Campaigns
   Led national and regional campaigns on gender-based violence, antimicrobial resistance, climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity protection, and SDG mainstreaming.
3. Knowledge Generation and Dissemination
   Produced and distributed numerous research reports, policy briefs, technical documents, webinars, and public awareness materials.
4. Capacity Development
   Trained thousands of community volunteers, civil society leaders, and health professionals on topics ranging from health systems strengthening to environmental monitoring.
5. Digital Transformation
   Launched multiple digital engagement tools, including Google Groups, blogs, and social media campaigns for global outreach and knowledge sharing.

 

FLAGSHIP PROGRAMS AND THEMATIC PROJECTS

1.       Health for All Campaigns focusing on UHC, PHC, and immunization access in low-resource settings.

2. Climate Resilience for Communities initiative supporting adaptation strategies in vulnerable regions.
3. TechSafe Women project combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence through digital literacy and advocacy.
4. SDGs Watch Africa platform engaging stakeholders in tracking and localizing the Global Goals.
5. Biodiversity Action Forums to promote ecosystem protection and community-driven conservation efforts.

 

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS

AHOA collaborates with:

1.       United Nations agencies (UNDP, UNEP, WHO, UNFPA)

2. International donors and development agencies (e.g., USAID, GIZ, EU)
3. African Union organs and ECOWAS institutions
4. National and sub-national governments in Africa
5. Regional economic communities
6. Universities, research institutions, and think-tanks
7. Faith-based and community-based organizations

 

COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH

AHOA maintains vibrant communication channels including:

1.       Website and blogs (e.g., www.afrihealthcsos.org, www.afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com)

2. Social media platforms
3. Email listservs and Google Groups
4. Online forums, newsletters, and publications
5. Community radio programs and TV appearances

These tools are used to mobilize stakeholders, disseminate findings, promote advocacy campaigns, and engage the public on development and health issues.

 

IMPACT AND OUTLOOK

Over nearly three decades, AHOA has positioned itself as a catalyst for change and a bridge between global policy and local action. It has impacted thousands of lives through its community-centered programming, influenced regional and global policies through its advocacy, and strengthened civil society through training and collaboration.

Looking ahead, AHOA aims to:

1.       Expand its reach through new partnerships and member recruitment

2. Deepen engagement with young people and grassroots actors
3. Integrate digital innovation across all programs
4. Strengthen institutional capacity for research, fundraising, and governance
5. Lead cross-cutting initiatives on planetary health and resilient systems

With its strong foundation, diverse membership, and visionary leadership, Afrihealth Optonet Association remains a powerful and trusted voice for sustainable development, environmental justice, and universal health in Africa and beyond.

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje

CEO, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)

<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association_15.html>

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Email:  afrihealthoptonet2@gmail.com, uzodinma.adirieje@afrihealthcsos.org

Twitter: @uaadirieje; https://twitter.com/uaadirieje; https://twitter.com/afrihealthcso; @DAdirieje; @afrihealthcso

Instagram: @druzoadirieje; https://www.instagram.com/druzoadirieje/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/uzoadirieje; https://web.facebook.com/afrihealthcsos;

Skype: druzoadirieje, uaadirieje@yahoo.com;

Zoom: uaadirieje@yahoo.com     

LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Dr.+Uzodinma/Adirieje

Phone, Telegram & WhatsApp: +234 803 472 5905

Website: http://www.afrihealthcsos.org

https://afrihealthoptonetassociation.blogspot.com

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3100-6336