Exochos Innovations, a Nigerian technology-powered media and public health organisation, has earned international recognition after emerging as a grand finalist in the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, held at ExCeL London, United Kingdom.

The organisation, which uses digital technology, storytelling, books and community outreach to address maternal and infant mortality, is seeking partnerships with investors, businesses, foundations and development organisations to expand its initiatives across Nigeria and other African countries.

The international event, organised by the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in collaboration with UK consultancy firm UKALD, brought Nigerian innovators before investors, policymakers, technology stakeholders, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Exochos received a finalist plaque recognising its innovation, resilience and commitment to creating a better future.

The recognition comes as Nigeria continues to face significant maternal and child health challenges. According to estimates released by United Nations agencies in April 2025, Nigeria recorded an estimated 993 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.

The figures underscore the need for sustained interventions that improve health literacy, encourage timely access to medical care and address the social and cultural factors that influence healthcare decisions within households.

Founder and Principal Consultant of Exochos Innovations, Dr. Bolajoko Ogunwale, said personal experiences of losing friends, sisters and loved ones to maternal and infant mortality inspired her commitment to addressing gaps in health knowledge and action.

She explained that research findings and medical advice must be communicated in ways that families can understand, remember and apply in their everyday lives.

According to her, the organisation was established to bridge the gap between public health knowledge and the decisions families make concerning pregnancy, childbirth and infant care.

Using storytelling to change household behaviour

One of the organisation’s flagship initiatives is ‘Man of the House’, a 52-episode tragicomedy series designed to promote maternal and infant health awareness, particularly by encouraging men to participate actively in decisions affecting their partners’ health.

The series, produced in Nigerian Pidgin English, uses relatable household situations to communicate public health messages and challenge behaviours that may delay access to appropriate medical care.

Exochos said the first season, comprising 13 episodes, had been completed and was ready for broadcast, licensing and distribution. The organisation also disclosed that French subtitles and a Hausa-language version of the first season were available, while the pilot had aired in English and Hausa.

The project incorporates public health professionals into the scripting process, with a medical adviser providing guidance to support the accuracy of its health messages.

The organisation intends to complete the remaining episodes and secure broadcast partnerships to extend the programme’s reach.

Digital platform connects mothers to health information

Beyond television and other broadcast platforms, Exochos is developing digital tools to help expectant mothers monitor their pregnancies and access relevant health information.

Its Exochos Mama application, available in Pidgin and English, provides pregnancy-week tracking, antenatal appointment reminders and information on danger signs that require medical attention.

The application also incorporates features designed to encourage partners to participate in maternal care. These include options for joining antenatal consultations remotely through video calls and receiving notifications when labour begins.

The organisation plans to connect the storytelling initiative with additional digital health services, including symptom checkers, telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, SMS health reminders and a health data platform.

It said the broader initiative would combine public health education with practical tools to help families seek appropriate care and support healthcare delivery.

Plans for AI diagnostics and rural healthcare

Exochos is also developing a digital health pipeline intended to improve access to healthcare, particularly for rural communities and patients who face difficulties reaching medical facilities.

The proposed programme has three major components: artificial intelligence-powered diagnostic support, telemedicine hubs and remote patient monitoring.

Under its first-year targets, the organisation plans to introduce AI-supported diagnostic tools across more than 50 healthcare facilities, establish telemedicine access for rural communities and extend remote monitoring to more than 10,000 patients managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.

The proposed rollout includes research and development, procurement, healthcare worker training and partnerships with public and private institutions.

The organisation said the initiative was designed to complement existing healthcare services by connecting patients to health information and professional consultations closer to where they live.

However, the proposed deployment targets remain implementation goals and will depend on funding, partnerships, regulatory requirements and the availability of healthcare infrastructure.

Books and community outreach support health education

Exochos has also adopted publishing and grassroots engagement as part of its strategy to promote maternal and infant health awareness.

The organisation said it had published five ISBN-registered books, including ‘Life Savers’, its flagship publication, which features forewords from public officials and health-sector stakeholders.

Through its Maternal and Infant Mortality Reduction (MIMR) campaign, the foundation brings together more than 50 stakeholders, including traditional rulers, public officials, healthcare professionals, faith leaders and artists.

Its community outreach programmes provide health education and selected basic screening services, including blood pressure checks and blood sugar testing, while distributing information on healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

The organisation said these activities were intended to encourage early health-seeking behaviour and help families recognise the importance of professional medical care.

Research-driven approach to public health

Dr. Ogunwale holds a PhD in Public Health from Texila American University, a Master of Public Health and an MPhil from the University of Ibadan, as well as an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology.

Her research work spans public health, health systems and community-centred approaches to healthcare delivery, with publications in regional and international journals.

She believes that combining research with accessible communication channels can help translate public health evidence into practical changes in household behaviour.

The organisation said its work had attracted support and endorsements from more than 50 stakeholders, including the Ooni of Ife and Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs.

Calls for investment and strategic partnerships

Following its international recognition, Exochos Innovations is inviting investors, corporate organisations, foundations, philanthropists and development partners to support the expansion of its programmes.

The proposed collaboration opportunities include sponsoring episodes of Man of the House, securing broadcast and media partnerships, supporting corporate social responsibility programmes, funding community outreach and investing in the digital health platform.

According to the organisation, partnerships would provide opportunities for brand visibility across its media productions, campaigns and events, alongside impact reporting linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on health, gender equality, reduced inequalities and partnerships.

The foundation is seeking funding to complete the 52-episode series, secure broadcast airtime, expand its community engagement activities and advance the first phase of its digital health programme.

Its long-term ambition is to reach 450 million people across Africa through scalable health education, media and technology interventions.

Exochos Innovations said its broader goal was to help close the gap between health information and action while supporting improved access to appropriate healthcare.