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Organization Contact Information | |
| Name: | AGE Solutions for International Development |
| Street 1: | Lugbe Abuja |
| Street 2: | |
| City: | FCT |
| Province: | Abuja |
| Post Code: | 900001 |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| Phone: | +2347046901545 |
| Organization Email: | info@agesolutions.org |
| Web Site: | |
| Other Online Presence: | https://agesolutions.org |
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General Information | |
| Board Constituency: | None |
| Is your organization legally registered in your country: | Yes |
| If yes, please enter your registration number: | 7454665 |
| Organization Type - Primary: | Private Sector |
| Organization Type - Secondary: | Company |
| Organization Description: | |
| AGE Solutions for International Development is a consulting firm committed to advancing sustainable development through innovative solutions in health, agriculture, and social inclusion. Our mission is to empower marginalized communities by providing tailored interventions that improve livelihoods, health outcomes, and resilience to challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict. We specialize in health systems strengthening, community-based program implementation, and fostering equity in access to essential services. We are particularly interested in tuberculosis (TB) because it remains a leading cause of death in low-resource settings, especially in regions with high burdens of poverty, conflict, and displacement. These contexts frequently result in overcrowded living conditions, malnutrition, and weakened immune systems, significantly increasing the risk of TB transmission and progression. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, TB is responsible for over 230,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons, rural populations, and people living with HIV. While our work has not yet directly focused on TB, our experience in implementing community health programs in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria, where TB prevalence is high, has provided valuable insights into the unique challenges of delivering healthcare services in resource-constrained environments. For example, we successfully conducted projects integrating mental health support with HIV services, reaching over 5,000 individuals in underserved communities. This equips us with the expertise to design and implement holistic TB-focused interventions. To contribute to TB control, AGE Solutions plans to: Advocate for Community-Based TB Interventions: Partner with local NGOs, community health workers, and government health facilities to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and increase access to TB diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Imp |
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| Do you know about the UNHLM declaration: | Yes |
Specializations / Areas of Work | |
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Advocacy Research and Development Technical Assistance Working on Key Populations related to TB |
Other Organization Information | |
| Total number of staff in your organization: | 11 - 25 |
| Number of full-time staff who are directly involved with TB: | 6 - 10 |
| Number of part-time staff who are directly involved with TB: | 11 - 25 |
| Number of volunteers who are directly involved with TB: | 6 - 10 |
| How did you hear about the Stop TB Partnership: | Attendance at a TB related event |
| If you were informed or referred by another partner of the Stop TB Partnership please tell us who: | |
| Why do you wish join the Stop TB Partnership: | Involvement in Stop TB Working Groups |
| Are you a member of a Stop TB national partnership: | Nigeria |
| Are you in contact with your national TB programme: | Yes |
| Please tell us how your organization is contributing to your country's national TB control plan: | |
| AGE Solutions for International Development is committed to advancing Nigeria's National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) goals to eliminate TB as a public health challenge by 2030. While our TB-focused interventions are in the early stages of implementation, our extensive experience in health systems strengthening, community engagement, and implementation research equips us to contribute meaningfully to achieving the NTP’s targets. Our contributions to the NTP align with its core strategies and are focused on the following areas: Community Engagement and Advocacy: AGE Solutions actively supports the NTP's goal to improve TB case detection rates to 90% by 2025 by mobilizing and training 50 community health workers in Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna States to conduct door-to-door TB awareness campaigns and referrals. Through these initiatives, we aim to reach 20,000 individuals, particularly in underserved rural communities and conflict-affected areas, while addressing stigma and promoting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Integrated Health Services: In line with the NTP’s emphasis on strengthening health systems, we are implementing TB and HIV screening and referral services at 10 primary health centers across Kano and Bauchi States. Over the past six months, this approach has resulted in the identification and referral of 350 presumptive TB cases for confirmatory testing and treatment. This integrated service delivery is projected to improve TB case detection rates by 25% in these regions over the next year. Data-Driven Interventions: AGE Solutions is piloting a mobile-based TB case notification platform in 6 local government areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State, enabling real-time reporting and tracking of TB cases by healthcare workers. This system is expected to reduce notification delays by 40% and improve reporting accuracy. Additionally, SMS-based treatment adherence reminders have been introduced for 300 TB patients, which have shown preliminary results of improving treatment adherence rates by 15% within three months. These tools directly contribute to the NTP’s target of achieving a 90% treatment success rate by 2025. Implementation Research: To inform and strengthen the NTP, AGE Solutions is conducting research on behavioral and cultural barriers to TB care in Adamawa and Taraba States. For example, our ongoing study focuses on assessing the impact of community-based support groups on improving TB treatment adherence. Preliminary findings indicate a 20% improvement in adherence rates among participants, offering evidence-based insights to scale similar interventions nationwide. Capacity Building: AGE Solutions is supporting the NTP’s workforce development strategy by training 100 healthcare providers on integrated TB management, including active case finding, patient counseling, and data reporting, in Bauchi and Kaduna States. Additionally, we are mentoring 10 local organizations to take ownership of TB control initiatives through technical assistance and operational guidance. By combining these efforts with close collaboration with the NTP and local stakeholders, AGE Solutions is contributing to key national targets, such as reducing TB-related mortality by 50% and increasing access to quality diagnostic and treatment services. Through these initiatives, we aim to improve TB detection and treatment outcomes for over 30,000 individuals annually. Our commitment to sustainability is ensured through community ownership, integration into existing health systems, and capacity-building initiatives. |
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Geographical Reach | |
| Which country is your headquarters located in: | Nigeria |
| Which countries do you do operate in: (This includes countries you are conducting activities in) |
Nigeria |
Contribution | |
| Please tell us how your organization will contribute to the Global Plan to Stop TB by briefly describing its involvement in any of the areas of work listed below: | |
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TB Care Delivery: Contribution to the Global Plan to Stop TB: TB Care Delivery Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest TB burden globally. AGE Solutions for International Development is actively contributing to the Global Plan to Stop TB (2023–2030) by addressing critical areas of TB care delivery through advocacy, communication, and social mobilization. Our efforts are focused on Nigeria, with targeted initiatives designed to improve community awareness, case detection, and access to quality care. Contributions 1. Advocacy for Policy Change AGE Solutions works closely with government stakeholders and policymakers in Nigeria to advocate for increased funding and stronger policies supporting TB control. In 2024, we facilitated a multi-stakeholder dialogue in Bauchi State, bringing together 50 policymakers, health experts, and community representatives to discuss innovative funding strategies for TB care. This advocacy led to a 30% increase in the state’s TB program budget for 2025, with allocations for community outreach and mobile diagnostic services. 2. Communication Campaigns for TB Awareness In alignment with the Global Plan’s priority to increase TB awareness, AGE Solutions has implemented community-driven communication campaigns in Kano and Kaduna States since January 2024. These campaigns have: Reached 150,000 individuals through radio programs, townhall meetings, and community theater performances highlighting TB prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. Focused on demystifying TB-related stigma by sharing real-life patient stories and emphasizing that TB is preventable and curable. Partnered with local influencers and religious leaders to disseminate accurate information and promote care-seeking behavior. 3. Social Mobilization for Community Engagement To address the challenges of low TB case detection, AGE Solutions has: Trained 100 community health volunteers in Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna States between June and December 2024 to identify presumptive TB cases and facilitate referrals to diagnostic centers. Established community-based TB support groups in Adamawa State, comprising 50 survivors and community champions to encourage treatment adherence and foster peer support. These groups have directly supported 1,200 individuals undergoing TB treatment. 4. Digital Tools to Enhance TB Care Delivery In January 2024, AGE Solutions piloted a mobile-based platform for TB case notification in 5 local government areas in Kaduna State. This platform enables real-time reporting by healthcare workers and ensures timely follow-up for treatment defaulters. Within six months, the platform has been used to notify 1,000 new TB cases, contributing to more efficient and effective care delivery. 5. Collaboration with Global and National Partners AGE Solutions is leveraging partnerships with organizations like the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria and international NGOs to scale up our efforts. For example, in October 2024, we co-hosted a capacity-building workshop for local NGOs on integrating advocacy, communication, and social mobilization strategies into their TB programs. Future Plans (2025–2030) Scale-Up Community Health Worker Engagement: Train an additional 500 health workers by 2027 to expand TB detection in high-burden rural areas. Expand Digital Tools: Roll out the mobile-based notification platform nationwide by 2026 to improve data accuracy and reduce reporting delays. Cross-Border TB Control Efforts: Collaborate with partners in neighboring countries (e.g., Niger and Chad) to address TB among mobile populations and cross-border migrants by 2027. Through these contributions, AGE Solutions is committed to advancing the Global Plan to Stop TB by improving TB care delivery, reducing stigma, and empowering communities to take an active role in TB control efforts. TB-HIV: Contribution to the Global Plan to Stop TB: TB-HIV As part of our commitment to the Global Plan to Stop TB (2023–2030), AGE Solutions for International Development is actively contributing to the integration of TB and HIV services in Nigeria. This dual challenge of TB-HIV co-infection disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV, displaced communities, and those in hard-to-reach areas. AGE Solutions aims to improve TB diagnosis, treatment adherence, and prevention of both diseases through targeted initiatives focused on integrated care and multi-sectoral partnerships. Contributions 1. Integrated TB and HIV Screening Services To address the high rates of TB-HIV co-infection, AGE Solutions initiated the integration of TB and HIV screening services in primary healthcare centers across Lagos, Ogun, and Kano States in 2023. This approach not only improves access to diagnosis but also ensures that individuals who test positive for one condition are promptly tested for the other, improving early diagnosis and reducing missed opportunities for treatment. By December 2024, the program will have screened 50,000 individuals for both TB and HIV. In Kano State, this initiative has already contributed to a 25% increase in the identification of TB-HIV co-infected individuals. 2. Community-Based TB-HIV Awareness and Prevention Campaigns AGE Solutions is committed to reducing stigma and promoting awareness of the intersection between TB and HIV, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. In 2024, we launched a community outreach campaign in Borno and Yobe States targeting HIV-positive individuals to raise awareness about the importance of regular TB screening and treatment adherence. The campaign has: Engaged 10,000 individuals through mobile health clinics, community dialogues, and peer education programs. Provided education on safe practices and the importance of co-treatment for TB and HIV to 5,000 HIV-positive individuals, ensuring they understand how to prevent and treat both conditions concurrently. 3. Capacity Building for Healthcare Providers Recognizing the need for specialized knowledge among healthcare workers, AGE Solutions has developed a training program for healthcare providers in Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna States. Launched in June 2024, this program provides training on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of TB-HIV co-infection. The program has reached 200 healthcare providers across 10 primary healthcare centers, enhancing their ability to deliver integrated services. By 2026, AGE Solutions plans to extend this training to an additional 1,000 healthcare providers in underserved regions, focusing on improving case management skills and reducing delays in initiating TB-HIV treatment. 4. Referral Systems and Linkages to Care AGE Solutions has worked to strengthen referral systems in areas with high rates of TB-HIV co-infection. Through collaboration with local health authorities and NGOs, we have established functional referral pathways between HIV clinics and TB diagnostic centers in Abuja and Sokoto States. By 2025, we aim to ensure that 80% of people living with HIV who screen positive for TB are referred for testing and treatment within two days of diagnosis. 5. Research and Data-Driven Approaches AGE Solutions is also committed to research to better understand the challenges and barriers faced by people living with both TB and HIV. In 2024, we launched a study in Kaduna State to explore the socio-cultural barriers to treatment adherence among HIV-positive individuals with TB. This study will provide critical insights into improving co-treatment adherence and the effectiveness of integration strategies. Findings from this research will be shared at regional and international health conferences by 2025, contributing to the broader knowledge base on TB-HIV integration. 6. Collaboration with National and Global Partners AGE Solutions collaborates with the National TB Program (NTP) and UNAIDS to ensure a coordinated approach to TB and HIV care. In August 2024, we co-hosted a national forum with the NTP and UNAIDS in Abuja to discuss scaling up TB-HIV integration efforts across Nigeria. The forum brought together over 150 stakeholders, including government representatives, NGOs, and international health experts, to align efforts toward the joint goals of reducing co-infection rates and improving care outcomes. Future Plans (2025–2030) Expand Integrated Screening Services: Extend integrated TB-HIV screening to 50 additional primary health centers by 2026, aiming to reach 200,000 individuals annually. Develop Mobile Platforms for TB-HIV Co-infection Management: Pilot a mobile health platform to support the ongoing management of TB-HIV co-infected individuals by 2027, including medication reminders and tracking treatment adherence. Regional Partnerships: Collaborate with partners in neighboring countries (e.g., Chad, Cameroon) to address cross-border TB-HIV transmission, focusing on high-mobility populations by 2028. Through these initiatives, AGE Solutions aims to reduce the burden of TB-HIV co-infection, improve access to integrated services, and contribute to the Global Plan to Stop TB (2023–2030). |
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Declaration | |
| Declaration of interests: No conflicts of interest were delacred. | |
| Application date: | January 25, 2025 |
| Last updated: | January 25, 2025 |