The Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a colourful ceremony and award presentation recognising individuals and institutions that have contributed to the advancement of public health in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Administrator of CHR, Nafisa Shehu Ibrahim, described the milestone as a moment of reflection on the organisation’s journey of service, resilience, and impact.
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She expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders for their sustained support, noting that CHR’s longevity reflects its commitment to improving healthcare through research, advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement.
Nafisa explained that the anniversary was preceded by activities including the unveiling of a commemorative banner, a policy and budget roundtable discussion, a special edition of the Hasken Matasa radio programme, and an outreach visit to the Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in Kwalli where sanitary items were donated to survivors.
According to her, CHR was founded in 2000 by public health expert Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, registered in Kano in 2001, and incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2003. Since then, the organisation has focused on promoting quality healthcare for women, children, and underserved communities through innovative programmes and sustained policy advocacy.
The Executive director noted that CHR pioneered the use of civil society scorecards to track maternal, newborn, and child health budget performance, a strategy that has strengthened transparency and accountability in the health sector.
“Our advocacy contributed to the establishment of key health financing institutions such as the Kano State Health Trust Fund and the Bauchi State Health Trust Fund,” she said, adding that these reforms were achieved through sustained engagement with lawmakers and partners.
In his address the founder CHR who doubles as the coordinator Africa Health Budget Network AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba,represented by the CHR Board Chairman, Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello,explained that,the organisation’s roots were traced to youth-driven initiatives under YOSPIS, which later evolved into CHR.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to honour those who contributed to its steady progress.
The Executive Chairman of Ajingi Local Government, Prof. Abdullahi Zubair, commended CHR for aligning its programmes with government priorities, describing it as one of Kano State’s most impactful indigenous non-governmental organisations.
He commended Dr. Magashi Garba for his leadership and dedication to human development.
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A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to partners and individuals whose contributions have shaped CHR’s growth.
The Kano and Bauchi State Health Trust Funds were honoured for strengthening health financing, while the MacArthur Foundation received recognition as CHR’s longest-standing donor. Pharmaplus Nigeria Limited was also celebrated for its early support to the organisation.
Other awardees included former chairmen of the Board of Trustees, past executive directors, and staff members who served the organisation meritoriously over the years.
The programme featured goodwill messages from government officials and civil society leaders, as well as keynote addresses on strengthening advocacy and promoting accountability in governance.
The Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba Annual Award of Excellence for frontline health workers and the Late Dr. Shehi Ali Abubakar Annual Awards for radiologists and radiographers were also presented.
Another highlight was the inauguration of the CHR Steering Group, comprising professionals in health, law, policy, and technology, to provide strategic direction for the organisation.
The ceremony drew government officials, health advocates, civil society actors, and community members, reaffirming collective commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector and expanding access to quality care.