In 2024 and 2025, the initiative delivered large school-based cardiovascular screenings and physical activity promotion across Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory, both in Nigeria, reaching around 180,000 learners.

Early findings showed that almost one in five adolescents presented with elevated blood pressure, while more than ten percent were overweight or at risk of obesity, prompting commendations from both the Oyo State Ministry of Health and the FCT Health Secretariat for providing evidence to guide prevention policies. In partnership with the KaziKidz and KaziBantu team, Play4Health has advanced the adaptation of evidence-based educational materials for Nigerian schools, accompanied by teacher training and curriculum alignment activities supported by state education authorities.

A joint technical review by experts strengthened the methodological and ethical foundations of the programme and informed improvements in data governance and reporting. With government partners requesting continued expansion, preparations are underway for broader dissemination of the KaziKidz materials, joint scientific publications and new school-health pilots across additional Nigerian states. This collaboration represents an important milestone in scaling up school-based programmes that integrate physical activity, early cardiovascular disease (CVD) detection and prevention in Nigeria.

If there are any further questions, please either contact Prof em. Uwe Pühse (uwe.puehse@clutterunibas.ch), Prof em. Cheryl Walter (cheryl.walter@cluttermandela.ac.za), Mr Nelson Igbiriki from Medtech Africa (nelson@cluttermedtech.africa) or Dr Ivan Müller (ivan.mueller@clutterunibas.ch).