From evidence to policy to practice.
Toivo works through a consistent methodology: establish the evidence, make the policy case, design a programme model, and only then move toward piloting and delivery in partnership with existing institutions.
A research and policy organisation, with a programme model in development.
Toivo currently functions as a research and policy organisation: a think tank in practice. We have published research and policy analysis, including Policy Brief No. 1 on parental preparedness before childbirth, our commentary series, and our explainer series. We have not yet delivered a funded or operational programme. ANC Plus, our flagship programme model, is in active development and is being positioned for pilot partnership, not yet in delivery.
We think this distinction matters. Toivo’s credibility rests on describing our work accurately, at every stage, to funders, partners and the public.
How a Toivo workstream develops.
- 1
Research & Evidence
Primary and secondary evidence is gathered and verified against source documents before any claim is published.
- 2
Policy Analysis
Evidence is translated into a policy brief or commentary that identifies the gap and the options available to decision-makers.
- 3
Programme Design
Where a practical intervention follows from the research, Toivo designs a programme model built to work through existing systems, such as primary healthcare, rather than building parallel infrastructure.
- 4
Partnership & Piloting
Programme models are positioned for pilot delivery in partnership with government agencies, health systems or implementing organisations. This stage has not yet begun for ANC Plus.
- 5
Evaluation & Policy Influence
As pilots generate data, findings are fed back into Toivo’s research and used to make the case for wider policy adoption.
Preparation. Support. Community.
Where Nigeria’s existing institutions, such as the primary healthcare system, are functional, Toivo designs programmes to work through them rather than around them. ANC Plus is built specifically to be delivered by Community Health Extension Workers within routine antenatal care contacts, requiring no new staff, infrastructure or additional visits. Where existing systems are not functioning as they should, Toivo’s policy and advocacy work is directed at the reform those systems need.