Feature Profile: Dr. Natasha Oyibo – Founder, Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health
Dr. Natasha Oyibo is a maternal and child health advocate, researcher, and certified risk management professional. She is the founder of the Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, advancing gender inclusion, and strengthening community-based health systems across Nigeria. Through her leadership, the foundation combines evidence-based research, grassroots engagement, and strategic advocacy to address systemic health gaps and empower vulnerable communities.
1) Please introduce yourself formally?
My name is Dr. Natasha Oyibo, a maternal and child health advocate, researcher, and risk management professional. I am the founder of the Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health, a values-driven non-profit organization committed to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, advancing gender inclusion, and strengthening community-based health systems in Nigeria. My academic and professional journey has always been anchored on bridging systemic gaps in health service delivery and empowering vulnerable communities to thrive.
2) Give us an insight of your NGO and its activities?
The Arieli Foundation is dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. Our activities focus on community-based interventions, working with health workers and local leaders to improve access to life-saving maternal and child health services. We also invest in capacity building by training frontline health workers to strengthen data collection, surveillance, and decision-making for better health outcomes. In addition, we promote gender inclusion by amplifying women’s voices in health governance and empowering young women through mentorship and education. To drive awareness and advocacy, we use platforms like the Arieli Radio and TV Show to share knowledge and mobilize communities around maternal and child health issues.
3) How long has the NGO been in operation and what is your staff strength?
The Arieli Foundation was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on the 8th of December, 2023. Since then, we have been steadily expanding our reach and impact. We operate with a core team of dedicated staff and a network of community health volunteers and ambassadors who extend our presence into grassroots communities. This hybrid model allows us to remain lean while maximizing our reach and effectiveness.
4) What have been your challenges?
Like many non-profit organizations, our biggest challenges have been sustainable funding, infrastructure gaps, and navigating bureaucratic bottlenecks. Additionally, cultural barriers and misinformation sometimes hinder access to maternal and child health services. However, these challenges have strengthened our resolve to innovate, collaborate, and adapt our strategies to ensure no woman or child is left behind.
5) Who are your partners?
We collaborate with a range of stakeholders including community health workers, hospitals, academic institutions, and government agencies.
We are also forging partnerships with international organizations and private sector actors who share our vision of reducing maternal and child mortality and advancing gender equity. Collaboration is central to our success because maternal and child health is not a siloed issue—it requires multisectoral action.
6) What inspired you into these activities?
My inspiration comes from both personal conviction and professional research. During my doctoral research on maternal mortality, I was confronted with the stark realities of preventable deaths among women and children in underserved communities. These findings ignited my passion to go beyond academic work and take practical action. I realized that with the right interventions, advocacy, and partnerships, we can save countless lives. That conviction gave birth to the Arieli Foundation.
7) Your message for Nigerian youths with regards to waiting for the government to solve issues?
My message to Nigerian youths is simple: Do not wait for the government to solve every problem. Be the change you want to see.
While government has a critical role to play, real transformation often begins with individuals and communities taking initiative.
Whether it is through innovation, volunteering, advocacy, or entrepreneurship, every small action counts.
Nigerian youths are incredibly talented and resilient; by channeling this energy into solving local problems, we can collectively shape a better future for our nation.
