Gates Foundation Convention: ACEPHAP secures Foot Soldier Excellence Award 2025

Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) functions as a principal institution of a consortium of advocacy partners supporting Nigeria in the adoption and implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) innovations under the AIM MNCNH Program. This year, the center won the Gates Foundation Foot Soldier Excellence Award 2025 in recognition of its outstanding field leadership and implementation excellence at a ceremony held on December 9, 2025.

The award was announced during the Gates Foundation NCO Policy Advocacy and Communication (PAC) Partners Community of Practice (CoP) End-of-Year Convening, a specialized platform that brings together PAC experts and partners to share experiences, reflect on progress, and recognize organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and excellence in program delivery over the year.

At the convening, ACEPHAP and the advocacy consortium, represented by Dr Aminu Wakili, who is a research fellow with the center and also the MNCNH program manager, presented the key outcome-level advocacy achievements, implementation challenges, and strategic opportunities for 2026. He was then presented with the award by the Deputy Director of the Gates Foundation Nigeria Country Office, PAC.

The Foundation and the PAC Partners Community of Practice recognized ACEPHAP for its exceptional commitment to on-the-ground implementation, strong field leadership, and consistent results delivery, culminating in the conferment of the Field Leadership and Implementation Excellence Award. The center was nominated for the Most Energetic Partner Award, in view of its strong performance and impact displayed nationwide.

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