AltBank Launches ‘It’s How You Show Up’ Campaign to Tackle Autism Diagnosis Gap in Nigeria
AltBank Launches ‘It’s How You Show Up’ Campaign to Tackle Autism Diagnosis Gap in Nigeria
The Alternative Bank (AltBank) has unveiled its 2026 World Autism Month campaign, ‘It’s How You Show Up’, aimed at addressing the critical gaps in autism awareness, diagnosis, and early intervention across Nigeria.
A significant diagnosis gap in Nigeria continues to leave a large proportion of children on the autism spectrum without timely access to care, with experts warning that delayed identification often results in missed opportunities for effective early intervention.
In response, AltBank has partnered with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, and Eliakim Foundation to drive a multi-pronged initiative focused on awareness, screening, and policy engagement.
Conservative estimates indicate that over 600,000 children in Nigeria may be living with autism spectrum disorder. However, infrastructural and systemic limitations mean that most cases go undiagnosed. Available data shows that many children only present for clinical evaluation at an average age of seven—well beyond the critical window for early developmental support.
The situation is further compounded by a shortage of specialists, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists available to serve a population exceeding 200 million.
AltBank’s campaign seeks to address these challenges through four key interventions:
Nationwide advocacy and media engagement
Training programmes for caregivers and professionals
A stakeholder roundtable and policy dialogue
Funded clinical screening for children
The screening component is designed to provide not only diagnosis but also structured pathways to medical care and educational support.
The initiative will culminate in a high-level stakeholder roundtable scheduled for April 24 in Lagos, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and financial sector leaders. Discussions will focus on integrating autism screening into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and developing sustainable financing models for post-diagnosis care.
Participants are expected to review a national evidence brief and commit to measurable actions that can improve autism care outcomes across the country.
Speaking on the initiative, Jekwu Ozoemene, Group Executive at The Alternative Bank, emphasised the bank’s long-term commitment to inclusion.
“We do not see inclusion as a seasonal task but as a vital part of a healthy society. Through this initiative, we are not just talking about support—we are delivering it,” he said.
He added that tracking outcomes from screenings and interventions would help build a sustainable support system for the autism community while strengthening the broader healthcare framework.
The campaign underscores AltBank’s commitment to social impact investment and inclusive finance.
More Information:
Individuals, caregivers, and organisations can learn more or register for the programme via:
👉 https://altbank.ng/autism26�
AltBank began operations in January 2014 as a non-interest banking window under Sterling and became a fully licensed standalone bank in July 2023 following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The institution operates under ethical, non-interest banking principles guided by its Advisory Committee of Experts (ACE).
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