Donor Support Winds Down as Borno Takes Charge of Birth Spacing Program

By: Adamu Aliyu Ngulde,
Maiduguri

Borno State has begun transitioning to full control of its child birth spacing (CBS) program following more than three years of support from The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a global health organization that has helped improve maternal and child health across the region.

At a ceremony held Thursday at the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board in Maiduguri, government officials and health partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the program’s progress and ensuring continuity after TCI’s gradual exit.

Dr. Taiwo Johnson, TCI’s Country Director, said the organization had achieved “remarkable progress” in promoting social and behavioral change across the state. She clarified that the transition does not mark a complete withdrawal, but a shift toward state ownership and long-term sustainability.

“Borno once had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Nigeria,” Dr. Johnson said. “Through this intervention, we have seen significant improvements, and now the state is ready to lead.”

TCI officials said their work has focused on capacity building, supply of essential commodities, and community awareness campaigns aimed at increasing acceptance of birth spacing practices.

Musa Wabba, TCI’s Communication Officer, explained that the transition meeting was meant to brief stakeholders on the organization’s achievements and its plan to step back while the government assumes full responsibility.

Representatives from partner organizations, including MSI Reproductive Choices, praised the collaboration. Priscilla Samuel of MSI described the transition as “a milestone toward sustainability,” adding that her organization would continue to support reproductive health initiatives in the state.

Faith leaders also acknowledged the progress made. Mallam Tijjani Maina, Chairman of the Interfaith Core Group, said access to CBS commodities was once a major challenge, but TCI’s intervention had brought “tangible relief” to many families and reduced maternal deaths.

As the program enters a new phase, stakeholders say Borno’s success in sustaining CBS efforts could serve as a model for other Nigerian states transitioning from donor-driven projects to locally led health programs.