Health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators from across the continent came together at the Africa Primary Health Care Forum (APHCF) 2025, convened under the theme “Reimagining Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa.” The Forum provided an important platform to reflect on lessons learnt, share evidence, and explore new strategies to strengthen community-centred health systems while fostering innovative, cross-sector partnerships.
Within this influential gathering, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa had the privilege of presenting its research abstract, “Redefining Primary Healthcare for Neonatal Jaundice Management: A Wellbeing Foundation Africa Capacity Building Approach.” Delivered by our National Monitoring & Evaluation Manager, Mr Anselm Nonye, the presentation highlighted the Foundation’s pioneering efforts to advance neonatal care and address one of the most pressing yet under-recognised challenges affecting newborns.
Our work showcased the impact of Project Oscar – Light For Life, a WBFA initiative designed to transform neonatal jaundice management through capacity building, community education, and sustainable interventions. Supported by Reckitt Nigeria and implemented in collaboration with NEST360, SCIDaR, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Lagos State Government, and the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the programme demonstrates the power of multi-sector partnerships in driving measurable improvements at scale.
Through this initiative, 139 healthcare workers, including doctors and midwives, have been trained across 12 primary healthcare centres, each equipped with phototherapy units and bilirubinometers. Our MamaCare360 platform has further extended this impact, reaching over 47,000 mothers with maternal education and direct engagement. More than 1,500 mothers received Bilistrips for home-based screening, enabling timely detection and care. To date, 1,748 newborns have been screened, 182 identified with high bilirubin levels, 109 referred, and 90%+ treated successfully – a powerful testament to what can be achieved through targeted investment in primary healthcare.
By contributing this research to the APHCF, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa reinforced its commitment to strengthening health security and universal health coverage in Africa. Sharing evidence of effective interventions not only demonstrates impact but also inspires collaborative action to build resilient, equitable, and responsive healthcare systems that serve every mother, every child, and every family with dignity and care.