shani welllness empowerment foundation

About SWEF

A foundation for healthier, more empowered communities

Shani Wellness Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation advancing health, wellness and socio-economic empowerment for vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
SWEF programme activity with community participants
Who we are

Founded on the belief that healthy communities are the foundation of development

SWEF is committed to advancing health, wellness and socio-economic empowerment for vulnerable populations, particularly women, children and underserved communities.

We work at the intersection of public health, social protection and community empowerment, delivering innovative, evidence-based interventions that improve quality of life and strengthen resilience, working with government, communities and partners at local and national levels.

Vision and mission

What drives us

Our vision

A society where every individual, regardless of gender, location or socio-economic status, has equitable access to quality health services, wellness opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

Our mission

To design and implement integrated, community-driven programmes that:

Our values

What we stand for

Four values shape our culture and how we are judged by the communities we serve.

Accountability

Clear outcomes, transparent decisions and measurable results in everything we do.

Evidence

Data, research and learning inform how we design, deliver and adapt.

Partnership

We co-create with communities, government and partners for long-term ownership.

Equity

Our programmes reach the people most often left behind first.

SWEF team engaging with community members during a field visit
SWEF team at a stakeholder engagement meeting
SWEF team at a partner coordination meeting
Leadership

Led by people who have run the systems we strengthen

Our team brings decades of experience in public health, health financing, governance, supply chains and research across Nigeria.
Dr Isah Yahaya Vatsa, Team Lead and Chief of Party

Dr Isah Yahaya Vatsa

Team Lead and Chief of Party

Public health physician with over 35 years in health systems, financing and primary health care reform.

Muhammed Salihu Koro, Deputy Team Lead and Health Financing and Planning Adviser

Muhammed Salihu Koro

Deputy Team Lead

Health planner with over 30 years in clinical practice and health planning in the FCT.

Dr Zara Abba-Aji, Governance and Policy Adviser

Dr Zara Abba-Aji

Governance and Policy Adviser

Medical doctor and public health expert in governance, financing and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Work with SWEF

We partner with government, development agencies and community organisations across Nigeria.