Overview of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)’s Activities, Achievements, and Impacts Across Sectors

 Overview of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)’s Activities, Achievements, and Impacts Across Sectors

by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, FAHOA

CEO & PR, Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)

 

A one-page profile of AHOA’s CEO is hereby attached. We are open for partnerships and collaborations with your organization/government.

 

Introduction

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a multidisciplinary civil society organization, non-governmental organization (NGO), and think-tank operating as a network of over 3,000 member organizations in 121 countries. Headquartered in Nigeria, AHOA’s primary focus is Africa and the Global South. AHOA works to advance universal health, environmental sustainability, human security, gender equity, and sustainable development, using a holistic, multisectoral, and rights-based approach. It has become a powerful force in linking community development with national and international policy platforms, including the United Nations frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNFCCC COPs.

 

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is actively engaged in climate change advocacy, biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and civil society participation in global climate governance, particularly within the frameworks of the UNFCCC and its Conference of Parties (COPs). AHOA integrates climate action into its broader development and health agenda, focusing on the impacts of climate change on health, food security, gender equity, and community resilience in Africa and the Global South.

 

AHOA co-organizes stakeholder dialogues, training, and pre-COP consultations to amplify civil society voices, especially from marginalized groups, in national and global climate policy processes. Through its affiliate, the Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria (SOCSEEN), AHOA has coordinated citizen-driven preparatory events and position statements for COP28 and earlier UNFCCC meetings. These efforts promote awareness of climate justice, clean energy transitions, climate-smart agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and ecosystem protection.

 

With observer status at UNEP/UNEA and strong grassroots presence, AHOA bridges local realities and international climate negotiations. Its advocacy has influenced national climate strategies and supported youth and women’s participation in climate governance. AHOA’s work has contributed to enhanced community knowledge, policy influence, and multi-sector collaboration on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability across Africa and the Global South.

 

1. Health and Development Integration

AHOA's core mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of marginalized populations through a synergy of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Primary Health Care (PHC), and integrated community health systems. It addresses communicable and non-communicable diseases, including:

• HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria (ATM)
• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer
• Maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (MNCAH)
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
• Immunization and epidemic preparedness (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, malaria vaccine)

AHOA supports inclusive health policies and systems through technical assistance, health advocacy, civil society coordination, and grassroots mobilization. It works with key health institutions, including Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and regional WHO bodies. It participates in national Technical Working Groups (TWGs), World Health Day campaigns, and health sector reform processes.

 

2. Climate Change, Environment, Biodiversity, and Energy

AHOA is a leading voice in linking climate change and environmental sustainability to health and development outcomes. Recognizing that environmental degradation fuels inequality and poor health, AHOA champions:

• Climate-smart agriculture
• Biodiversity conservation
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
• Disaster risk reduction and resilience
• Sustainable renewable energy adoption
• Community-based climate education

AHOA implements environmental education, nature-based solutions, and green energy training in collaboration with its affiliate, SOCSEEN (Society for Conservation and Sustainability of Energy and Environment in Nigeria). These initiatives empower rural and urban communities to adapt to climate impacts and promote ecosystem restoration.

AHOA also plays a critical role in climate justice advocacy, mobilizing CSOs and frontline communities in Africa to demand fair climate financing, technology transfer, and compensation for loss and damage.

 

3. Participation in UNFCCC COPs

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) played a proactive role at UNFCCC COP29 in Baku (11–22 November 2024), engaging with climate governance and biodiversity advocacy alongside civil society actors. AHOA joined the COP29 NGO Coalition, issuing a joint statement of support—signed by its CEO Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje and 107 partnering organizations from 30 countries—to commend Azerbaijan’s COP29 leadership and urge ambitious climate action. As part of its measured engagement, AHOA and its global network (over 2,800 organizations across 120 countries) participated in pre‑COP consultations, side events, and liaison with the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, the COP29 Presidency, and national NGO mechanisms to amplify grassroots and Global South perspectives

 

AHOA advocated for climate‑biodiversity linkages, finance justice, and nature‑driven solutions within the COP’s “Nature and Biodiversity Day” agenda. It aligned with civil society demands for integrated financing mechanisms—such as those emerging from Article 6 adoption and the Loss and Damage Fund—and supported health‑climate synergy initiatives like WHO’s Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health. AHOA’s COP29 involvement contributed to stronger inclusion of Global South CSOs in climate deliberations, advanced dialogue on climate justice and biodiversity, and reinforced multi‑sector alignment between environment, health and grassroots development.

 

Also, at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, AHOA made substantial contributions to global climate governance. It:

• Joined the COP29 NGO Coalition, signing a joint statement of support for the Azerbaijani Presidency along with 107 organizations from over 30 countries.
• Participated in pre-COP29 consultations, policy dialogues, and position development efforts through the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum and Afrihealth Climate Partners Coalition.
• Advocated for inclusion of health-climate linkages, particularly via WHO’s Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate & Health.
• Took part in events themed around Nature and Biodiversity Day, championing nature-positive solutions and restoration financing.
• Engaged in discussions on Article 6 mechanisms, carbon markets, and Loss and Damage Fund operationalization, promoting equitable climate finance for the Global South.

AHOA’s COP29 interventions emphasized grassroots priorities, amplified African civil society voices, and fostered knowledge exchange on integrating health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

 

4. Food Security, Nutrition, and Agriculture

AHOA supports sustainable food systems by addressing malnutrition and hunger, especially among women, children, and the elderly. It promotes:

• Nutrition education and behavior change communication (BCC)
• Climate-resilient farming practices
• Women-led food cooperatives
• Community food banks and gardens

By integrating nutrition into health, environment, and education programs, AHOA enhances food access, dietary diversity, and public health, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Health).

 

5. Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Gender equity is central to AHOA’s programming. The organization:

• Fights gender-based violence (GBV), including Technology-Facilitated GBV (TFGBV)
• Promotes sexual and reproductive rights, including menstrual hygiene education
• Supports women’s leadership in governance, peacebuilding, and climate negotiations
• Runs digital empowerment and economic skills training for women and girls

AHOA’s model fosters inclusive development by dismantling structural barriers to women’s participation in political, social, and economic spheres.

 

6. Peacebuilding, Governance, and Civic Engagement

AHOA views peace, transparency, and effective governance as foundations of sustainable development. Through initiatives such as the UNDEF-funded “Sustainable Citizen Participation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta”, AHOA achieved:

• Empowerment of over 81 communities to demand accountability from local authorities
• Conflict resolution interventions in oil-rich, tension-prone areas
• Improved local infrastructure (schools, roads, electricity) through community-led advocacy
• Training of thousands of youth, women, and community leaders on governance, peace, and civic responsibility

AHOA fosters inclusive governance, working to ensure voices from rural, underserved populations influence policies and hold institutions accountable.

 

7. Youth Engagement and Human Capital Development

AHOA invests in Africa’s youth through education, training, and leadership opportunities. Its youth programs focus on:

• Health and climate education
• Entrepreneurship and digital skills
• Peacebuilding and civic responsibility
• Community service and SDG monitoring

AHOA supports youth-led organizations and university-based partnerships to nurture future leaders, particularly in the context of climate, health, and technology for development.

 

8. Global Recognition and Partnerships

AHOA has earned recognition for its leadership and transformative impact, including:

• Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC
• Observer Accreditation with UNEP and UNEA
• 2023 SDG 3 Champion of the Year Award by CSR Reporters
• Lifetime Achievement Award to CEO Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje for leadership in development

It collaborates with institutions such as:

• WHO, UNFPA, UNDP, UNAIDS
• African Union, ECOWAS
• Nigeria’s Federal Ministries and National Programs
• Civil society coalitions, academic institutions, and donor agencies

AHOA also co-hosts major advocacy and training events including:

• Global Town Halls on UHC, TB, Malaria, and Climate Justice
• Side events during UN General Assembly, World Health Day, World AIDS Day, and Earth Day

 

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research

AHOA applies evidence-based approaches to inform programs and policies. It supports:

• Operational research and community-based studies
• Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems aligned with SDGs and national strategies
• Knowledge sharing through policy briefs, reports, and media campaigns

These efforts help scale innovations, strengthen accountability, and improve decision-making across development sectors.

 

10. Lasting Impacts

AHOA’s integrated model has led to:

• Improved health indicators in underserved populations
• Enhanced community resilience to climate and socio-political shocks
• Greater civil society voice in global and national development spaces
• Policy changes influenced by grassroots advocacy and coalition-building
• Empowered women and youth as agents of change

Its work has directly and indirectly benefitted millions of people across Africa through program implementation, partnerships, and advocacy.

 

Conclusion

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) stands as a dynamic force for sustainable development, health equity, climate action, and inclusive governance. Through its wide-ranging programs, high-level advocacy, and deep community engagement, AHOA has shaped local, national, and global policy landscapes—connecting the grassroots with international platforms like the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku. AHOA’s unique value lies in its commitment to integrated, cross-sector solutions, grounded in human rights and community needs. With a rapidly expanding network, thought leadership, and credibility in the global development space, AHOA continues to champion transformative change for Africa and the Global South.

 

Hq Location Addresses: Plot 520, FHA Estate, Lugbe, Airport Rd; P.O. Box 8880, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria / No. 1 Taiwo Close, off MCC Road, P.O. Box 1484, Owerri, Imo State  

Email: afrihealthpartnerships@gmail.com, ceo@afrihealthcsos.org

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

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

Facebook: Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) Home on Facebook. 

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Skype: druzoadirieje, uaadirieje@yahoo.com;

Zoom: uaadirieje@yahoo.com     

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

Phone and Telegram: +234 803 472 5905

WhatsApp: +234 701 553 0362

Website: http://www.afrihealthcsos.org

https://afrihealthoptonetassociation.blogspot.com

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