The Anambra State Ministry of Environment is gearing up for a partnership with Social Innovation In Nigeria (SIHI). Their joint effort is focused on tackling plastic waste collection and recycling within the state using the innovative Trash for Health model. This collaboration has garnered a positive response from the “Anambra Environment Community,” where various groups and individuals are actively participating in projects to support and replicate the “FESTIVAL OF PLASTICS” initiative led by His Excellency Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo. This initiative, known as the “All Communities Plastic Pick Up Challenge,” is currently underway across all 181 communities of Anambra state.
Established in 2020, Social Innovation in Nigeria (SIHI) has introduced an initiative named “Trash For Health.” The objective is to closely collaborate with the Ministry of Environment to jointly devise solutions that address the environmental impacts of health-related challenges in Anambra State. SIHI functions as a global network involving individuals and institutions at the forefront of social innovation. Supported by TDR (co-sponsored by UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank, and WHO), and supplemented by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, SIHI’s primary aim is to identify, advocate, and disseminate community-based solutions that enhance outcomes in Nigeria, with a specific focus on health and the environment.
The “Trash for Health” initiative operates as a non-governmental organization, enabling the exchange of plastic waste for health-related services. By means of crushing, selling, and utilizing plastic waste, particularly plastic bottles, the organization provides support to individuals, particularly women and farmers, who face challenges affording the National Health Insurance Scheme Premium. This effort has resulted in a multifaceted partnership involving community women who serve as referrals, effectively bridging religious and cultural gaps in accessing quality healthcare services.
Following a presentation by SIHI members at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Engr Felix Odimegwu, the Commissioner for Environment, expressed his endorsement of the “Trash for Health” model. He acknowledged it as a valuable development that not only enhances citizens’ health but also contributes to the reduction of plastic waste.
Engr Felix Odimegwu stated that given SIHI’s mission to identify and disseminate solutions for social and environmental innovation in Nigeria through crowdsourcing challenges, they are well-positioned to maintain a clean, green, healthier, and sustainable Anambra. He affirmed that the Anambra State Ministry of Environment is fully prepared to collaborate with SIHI.
Prominent members of SIHI present at the event included Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, Prof Chinyelu A. Ekwunife, Pharm Uchenna C Ogwaluonye, Dr Ogechukwu Anbodo, and Dr Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu.
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