Caritas Nigeria, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, said it has partnered with the Federal Government and the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC) to provide HIV and Tuberculosis treatments, alongside counselling services to over 37,000 Nigerians.
The Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, made this known on Thursday during a symposium marking the organisation’s 15th anniversary.
Audu revealed that this health initiative was part of a broader 15-year impact that has seen the organisation reach over 18 million beneficiaries through 117 humanitarian and development projects across all 36 states of the federation.
“We have been at the forefront of health system strengthening in Nigeria. We have over the years and even now partnered with the government of Nigeria, the Centre for Disease Control of the United States and other partners in helping to create a healthier future for countless Nigerians,” he said.
He emphasised that the organisation’s work goes beyond mere statistics, highlighting a human story from a remote community.
“A young mother named Grace brought her malnourished child to a Caritas-supported facility. The child was frail, and hope seemed nearly lost.
“Months later, Grace returned with a radiant smile and a healthy, lively child in her arms. She told our team, ‘Caritas gave me back my son, and gave me back hope.’ Stories like Grace’s remind us that behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a future,” he said.
However, Audu sounded a note of caution, pointing to a shifting global funding landscape where traditional donor resources were shrinking.
He outlined a three-point sustainability plan focusing on diversifying resources by engaging the private sector, strengthening institutional capacity for transparency, and empowering communities for self-reliance.
“True sustainability is not about dependency. It is about equipping people to stand on their feet and thrive after our interventions have ended,” he emphasised.
Audu expressed gratitude to partners and staff, declaring the 15-year milestone a springboard for greater impact.
“With your continued collaboration, we believe the next 15 years will be marked by deeper impact, stronger partnership, and sustainable transformation across our nation,” he said.
The chairman of the Caritas Nigeria Board and Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, in his welcome address commended the organisation for fulfilling its mandate.
“Every time the Bishops’ Conference receives the reports of the work they are doing, we feel proud that this agency is fulfilling the purpose for which it was founded: to carry on the work of Jesus, bringing life in its fullness to all peoples, especially the most underserved,” he said.
Adding his goodwill message, the General Secretary of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Micheal Banjo, praised Caritas Nigeria as a “living example of the Latin word caritas, which means love or charity.”
“From the beautiful plains of the north to the reddened woods of the south, you have taken the lead in addressing humanitarian emergencies,” he said.
