Six youth-led health projects were awarded a total of N6m in seed funding at the virtual WeNaija Impact Cohort 2.0 pitch event.

The initiatives, which focus on female health, maternal care, and health insurance services, emerged as winners at the Innovators Pitch Event organised by the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund.

Twelve finalists, selected from 47 submissions from young innovators across the country, presented their solutions during the online event.

Each winning team received N1m, alongside mentorship, technical guidance, and support to pilot their solutions within their communities.

Speaking recently at the event, NSSF Programmes Manager Dr Adedayo Aderibigbe said the pitches highlighted critical gaps in Nigeria’s health system, particularly in health insurance coverage.

“It’s difficult to pick one standout entry because there were quite a number of interesting ideas. What stood out for me was how relatable many of the solutions were, especially given how low health insurance coverage still is in Nigeria,” he said.

One of the judges, Prof Chima Onoka, described the projects as practical and grounded in local realities, noting that while some ideas may not scale nationally, they effectively address specific local problems and could complement the work of state health insurance programmes.

Another judge, Dr Ayomide Fayinto, added that initiatives like the WeNaija Impact Cohort could help reduce preventable health complications, particularly among women.

“Doctors alone cannot do all the education required. When communities are better informed, it helps reduce preventable complications and mortality, especially among women,” she said.

Aderibigbe also emphasised that NSSF’s support would continue beyond the pitch event, with ongoing mentorship, monitoring, evaluation, and partnership opportunities with state health insurance agencies and other organisations to ensure sustainability.

Now in its second edition, the WeNaija Impact Cohort focuses on adolescent female health, maternal and reproductive health, and health insurance policy, aiming to empower young innovators to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.