The dRPC is one of Nigeria’s leading health-facing CSO with over 30 years implementing 18 public health projects with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; USAID Implementing Partners such as Management Sciences for Health; and family foundations such as the Packard Foundation as well as many other partners.
The dRPC works to expand the decisional space for health CSO to be included and lead in the design, implementation and assessment of Universal, Primary and Women’s health policies and interventions. To achieve this objective, the dRPC works to strengthening the organizational and technical capacities of civil society organizations (NGOs; CBOs; FBOs; health professional associations; and in particular women-led FBOs and Women-led health professional associations) to support, guide and lead changes in Universal, Primary and Women’s health.
To advance these goals the dRPC trained, sub-granted to and mentored more than 102 health facing civil society groups to engage in policy dialogues; consultative forums; and Health Technical Working Groups.
The dRPC focuses on expanding and achieving the right to Universal Health, Primary Health Care and Women’s Health. The dRPC works from an assumption that the legal, administrative, policy and budgetary commitments made by governments at national and state levels for service delivery in Universal, Primary and Women’s Health constitute the basis for citizens’ rights. The dRPC holds that rights to health must be protected and that the vigilance of health facing CSOs to mobilize data, track service delivery, and engage government with data, information and feedback of performance supports government to improve service delivery.
Impact stories in women’s health
With regard to women health in particular, the dRPC had 9 years of quality work supporting women’s health facing associations such as Medical Women, the National Council of Women Societies, the Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria and 25 additional women’s health facing non-profits. We work with courageous women’s health groups to identify emerging women’s health challenges; address service delivery gaps particularly in maternal health; and equipping groups with skills and competences to conduct evidence informed advocacy and track performance of government’s commitments and programs.
The dRPC has been at the forefront of advancing UHC in Nigeria, championing critical policy reforms and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. Since 2014, our advocacy efforts have led to a 4-year National Legislative Health Agenda and the appropriation of over ₦55 billion for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, marking the first significant allocation since the National Health Act’s enactment in 2014.
In 2019, the dRPC facilitated policy recommendations through a partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) that directly influenced the National Health Insurance Authority Bill, making health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians. Our collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency resulted in the most inclusive Scorecard 5 assessment ever, strengthening primary health care delivery across ten states.
By 2023, we engaged over 200 civil society organizations and stakeholders in dialogues shaping Nigeria’s Health Sector Development Blueprint, shaping a health sector renewal program focused on governance, health outcomes, and ensuring community voices are integral to health policy formulation.
With a proven track record of advocacy, research, and stakeholder engagement, dRPC remains dedicated to building a resilient health system that guarantees equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
Through projects like PACFaH and PACFaH@Scale, dRPC’s work has improved access to essential drugs for childhood pneumonia and diarrhea (Zn-LO-ORS and Amoxicillin DT), reducing mortality among vulnerable populations. By promoting evidence-based advocacy, dRPC has influenced budget transparency and accountability, addressing barriers to health funding. dRPC’s commitment to inclusive, data-driven solutions continues to drive Nigeria closer to achieving UHC, ensuring equitable healthcare for all.
The dRPC has been a catalyst for advancing women’s health in Nigeria, achieving measurable impact through advocacy, capacity building, and evidence-based policy reform. Since its inception, dRPC has implemented over 30 health programs targeting women’s reproductive health, maternal health, and gender-based violence across rural and urban settings. Through these initiatives, we have directly reached more than 20 women-led grassroots organizations who, in turn, have supported over 1.2 million women and girls, providing access to critical health services by holding their governments accountable for these services and providing information. For instance, our Maternal Health Program in Kano state alone facilitated over 300,000 antenatal visits in remote districts, resulting in a 25% reduction in maternal mortality rates within the communities served.
Over the past twenty years, dRPC has empowered 500+ civil society organizations, amplifying women’s voices to shape maternal and reproductive health policies. The PACFaH and PACFaH@Scale projects improved access to childhood pneumonia and diarrhea treatments, allowing women caregivers access and reducing under-five mortality by 15% in targeted regions.
A core component of our work involves expanding access to family planning resources. Our efforts through traditional leaders have contributed to a 15% increase in contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age in targeted regions over the past three years. We created the enabling environment that allowed for the training of 5,000 community pharmacists and patent proprietary medicine vendors to deliver culturally sensitive counseling and distribute contraceptives, resulting in increased service utilization and reduced unintended pregnancies. In areas where our programs are active, contraceptive prevalence rates have risen, aligning with national health goals.
dRPC’s advocacy secured a 20% increase in budget allocations for maternal health programs, enhancing transparency in health financing.
Recognizing the intersectionality of women’s health and safety, dRPC has launched the Partnership to Strengthen Innovation and Practice in Secondary Education initiative as a Safe Spaces program established in 12 schools in Jigawa and Kano states, providing centers for support for girls to thrive.
Our community engagement initiatives through our community-based groups have reached 2 million community members, fostering awareness and destigmatizing women’s health issues. With 100+ policy briefs and data-driven campaigns, dRPC has provided information to civil society and government to reduce health barriers for vulnerable women. Committed to equity, dRPC continues to drive systemic change for women’s health across Nigeria.
As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact, we remain committed to building resilient, health-promoting communities where women’s health and rights are prioritized and protected.
The dRPC has been a catalyst for transformative health policy advancements in Nigeria, empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) to drive inclusive, evidence-based interventions that address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. By strengthening CSOs’ organizational and technical capacities, the dRPC enables them to effectively engage with government agencies to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable health policies that promote universal health coverage (UHC) and equitable healthcare access.
dRPC’s partnerships have mobilized CSOs to engage in policy dialogues, resulting in actionable recommendations for inclusive health policies adopted by state health authorities. dRPC’s support has led to the integration of CSO-led recommendations into 15 state-level health policies since 2018, ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery models. Additionally, dRPC’s coordination platforms have sustained 20 national and sub-national routine immunization centers, improving vaccination coverage by 25% in targeted regions.
This policy has empowered Community Pharmacists (CPs) and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) to expand Family Planning (FP) services. The revision and validation of policies allowing CPs and PPMVs to provide long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) commodities through the private sector were completed in November 2018, with the Federal Ministry of Health launching the policy in April 2019.
Between 2015 and 2022, dRPC focused on creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the TSTS policy, leading to measurable improvements in FP access and service delivery across Nigeria including its launch in Anambra and Taraba states. dRPC’s work strengthened the institutionalization of accountability mechanisms and standards in the new FP Blueprint (2020-2024). supported the NPHCDA to successfully conduct the Scorecard 5 assessment as a measure to strengthen policy implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy at national level. dRPC supported partners in Niger, Lagos, Kaduna and Kano states have supported the development of CIPs and AOPs from 2018-2021.
dRPC supported the NIPSS senior executive course 41 to contribute to the NHIA Bill in Nigeria with recommendations in 2020 and in 2022 on the national population policy.
By fostering collaboration between CSOs, communities, and government, dRPC continues to drive systemic change in Nigeria’s health sector, ensuring policies are inclusive, evidence-driven, and responsive to the needs of the marginalized.
At the dRPC, we believe that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare. Over 20 years, our commitment to improving health outcomes in Nigeria has resulted in significant strides that resonate deeply within communities. Our multifaceted approach has empowered civil society organizations (CSOs), strengthened advocacy efforts, and influenced policy reforms, thereby addressing critical health challenges facing the nation.
One of our hallmark achievements is the robust capacity-building initiatives we’ve implemented for indigenous CSOs. Through strategic training programs, we have expanded the skill set of these organizations in key areas such as advocacy, budget analysis, and communication, media engagement, strategic advocacy planning, monitoring and evaluation for child and family health, public speaking, and leadership development. This not only enhances their ability to engage effectively with government entities but also ensures that they become champions of health advocacy at both federal and state levels. Our training sessions have seen participation from over 500 local NGOs, equipping them with the tools necessary to track health budgets and engage meaningfully with decision-makers.
The impact of our work is evident in the increased representation of CSOs on critical health advisory platforms. As a result of our efforts, ten subgrantees have secured formal inclusion in essential government bodies, advisory groups and platforms, providing them with a voice in health decision-making processes. This has fostered a collaborative environment where CSOs and government entities work hand-in-hand to advance health initiatives, ensuring that community needs are prioritized.
We have also made significant inroads in advocating for health accountability and citizen participation in governance. Our partnerships with organizations such as the Open Government Partnership have led to an enhanced focus on transparency and accountability in health governance. Notably, our partners in Kano, Niger, and Kaduna states have taken leading roles as Co-Chairs of the State Open Government Partnership, reflecting the growing influence of CSOs in shaping health policy.The establishment of critical health platforms, such as the Child Spacing Advocacy Working Group in Niger State and the CKD platform, exemplifies our commitment to addressing specific health issues. These platforms have galvanized support from both government and CSOs, resulting in regular meetings aimed at advancing family planning and chronic kidney disease advocacy. By fostering these collaborative networks, we have successfully unified stakeholders around common health goals.
Our efforts have also led to successful revisions of national health guidelines and policies. For instance, our support for the revision of the Nigeria National Treatment Guidelines and the inclusion of vital treatment protocols for childhood pneumonia and diarrhea has significantly bolstered the healthcare framework. These guidelines ensure that health practitioners have access to the most current and effective treatment strategies, ultimately saving lives.
The production and dissemination of CSO scorecards have further enhanced accountability in health governance. These scorecards serve as essential tools for both CSOs and government officials, providing data-driven insights into health service delivery and budget performance. Our partners have produced numerous scorecards across various states, contributing to a culture of accountability and continuous improvement in health outcomes.
The PAS project exemplifies a robust model of capacity building, advocacy, and policy reform, underpinned by measurable outcomes that enhance the effectiveness of local CSOs in Nigeria. The integration of metrics at every level of intervention ensures accountability and continuous improvement in health governance.
At dRPC, we understand that sustainable health improvements require a holistic approach. Our commitment to empowering local CSOs, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering partnerships has created a ripple effect that enhances health governance and service delivery across Nigeria. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that every individual has access to the healthcare they deserve, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable society. Together, we will continue to advocate for change, empower communities, and transform the health landscape of Nigeria.
The dRPC’s work has significantly strengthened government capacity in Nigeria’s health sector through targeted capacity building, advocacy, technical assistance, and evidence-based policy support. Over two decades, dRPC has trained 1,000+ government health officials across 20 states, enhancing their skills in health financing, data-driven decision-making, and policy implementation. Through initiatives like PACFaH@Scale, dRPC improved the government’s ability to deliver stewardship across Nigeria. The dRPC’s has supported government stakeholders at the executive and legislative levels, with 85% of trained officials reporting enhanced policy execution. dRPC’s approach and inclusive partnerships continue to build a robust, equitable health system, ensuring sustainable government-led progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
The dRPC’s work is transforming primary health care (PHC) in Nigeria through strategic advocacy, capacity building, and support for policy reform, delivering measurable impact. Over 9 years, dRPC has strengthened 500+ civil society organizations working at primary health care facilities across 8 states, to improve accountability in PHC service delivery. The PACFaH and PACFaH@Scale projects’ work was critical in processes that increased access to essential drugs for childhood pneumonia and diarrhea by 35%, reducing under-five mortality by 18% in targeted communities. dRPC’s advocacy secured a 25% increase in PHC budget allocations, enhancing infrastructure and equipment in 400+ facilities in Kaduna state. By facilitating the 3rd Legislative Network for UHC Summit, dRPC engaged 200+ policymakers, resulting in a 4-year National Legislative Health Agenda that prioritized PHC revitalization. The dRPC’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and their state Boards improved Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) utilization by 22%, benefiting 12 million citizens. dRPC’s 60+ evidence-based scorecards, policy briefs, and peer-learning networks empowered stakeholders to implement best practices. Community engagement efforts and policy dialogues reached over 2000 policy makers to prioritize beneficiaries, improving PHC access for women and children by 30%. Through data-driven solutions and inclusive partnerships, dRPC continues to drive equitable, sustainable PHC advancements, strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) is registered intermediary non-profit organization established with a mission of strengthening the capacity (organizational and technical capacity) of civil society organizations to design and implement transformative and sustainable development interventions which engage government and address felt needs of the vulnerable and excluded such as women and girls.

