Munya Mandipaza – Executive Director
Looking back on the year 2025, we are reminded, once again, that progress for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health is neither linear nor guaranteed. We worked in a context of heightened geopolitical tensions, funding uncertainty, and growing pushback against rights and gender equality. We saw that progress is possible when we act collectively across sectors and movements, when advocacy is grounded in evidence, and when dialogue is translated into coordinated action. Above all, we learned that solidarity and shared leadership remain our greatest strengths. We commend the Federal
Government of Nigeria on the release of $3.75 million through the Ministry of Health in support of the 2025 family planning allocation. This represents approximately 94 percent of the approved budget and signals a strong commitment to protecting critical investments that advance the health and rights of women and girls across the country. What remains is the sheer joy we all find in our work, even in a difficult period like this one. I am moved by the strength of our faith communities, selflessness, and savvy. I have learnt that when we unite in commitment to equality and human dignity, even the most significant challenges become opportunities for transformation. Throughout 2025, a year marked by uncertainty and resilience, we were constantly reminded of the extraordinary impact of INERELA+ Religious Leaders in delivering inclusive, equitable and accessible services.
Lessons learnt will shape how we look into the year 2026. The year ahead begins with continued challenges of constrained financing for health, fragmentation in global governance, shrinking civic space, coordinated backlash, humanitarian crises, climate change, ongoing and emergent outbreaks and pandemics. We’re heartbroken to see conflict raging across the Middle East. As funding dries up, frontline organizations are being forced to scale back or suspend services that millions of women, children and young people depend on. Programs targeting adolescent sexual and reproductive health, maternal and newborn care, and community-based services have been among the hardest hit. The sudden halting of programs has had deep consequences for our faith communities. This presents a critical opportunity to refocus efforts where they matter most.
In 2026, INERELA+ will sharpen its focus on strengthening financing for health, with a clear and deliberate emphasis on women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health. Our approach will support a rights-based action, transparent and inclusive governance, and meaningful civil society participation. Our strategy is designed to help our Country Networks and partners leverage shared resources, align advocacy efforts, and navigate an increasingly complex financing and policy environment.
In 2026 we will continue onward with hope and resolve. Urgent action is needed to mobilise domestic resources, protect our community-led programmes and strengthen the health system to safeguard hard-won gains.
Our collective action is urgent. Together we can make a difference.
With appreciation,
Munya Mandipaza – INERELA+ Executive Director