The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has called for urgent improvements in healthcare infrastructure and equitable distribution of human resources across the country to address critical health issues affecting women.
MWAN made this call during its 5th National Executive Council Meeting and Scientific Conference, held over three days in Jos, Plateau State.
The event, which was themed “Advancing Women’s Health for a Sustainable Future,” provided a platform for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and strategic planning, reaffirming MWAN’s commitment to improving women’s health in Nigeria.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference on Sunday, jointly signed by the National President, Prof. Rosemary Ogu and the National Coordinator Secretary, Dr. Vetty Agala, the association highlighted the increasing burden of breast and cervical cancer among women in Nigeria.
It advocated for timely diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and expanded HPV vaccination programmes.
The communiqué read, “The National Executive Council of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria convened a historic meeting to advance women’s health, with a focus on maternal and child health outcomes.”
MWAN identified maternal mortality, iron deficiency anaemia, and economic and environmental stressors as critical challenges requiring urgent attention. Discussions centred on innovations in maternal, newborn, and child health solutions, scaling up cancer control efforts, and addressing barriers to HPV vaccination.
The association reiterated that “timely diagnosis and access to treatment for breast and cervical cancer must be prioritised.” We also need to address myths and misconceptions surrounding HPV vaccination through advocacy and community education.”
NWAN, however, stressed the need for targeted interventions to tackle the compounded effects of poverty, gender norms, and climate change on women’s health, particularly in rural areas.
It further called for systemic changes to improve healthcare delivery, including stronger policies to support women’s health during pregnancy and postpartum.
“Equitable distribution of human resources in underserved regions and improved healthcare infrastructure are critical to achieving better outcomes.”
The association emphasised the importance of empowering female doctors through leadership training and mentorship programmes to enhance representation in the medical field.
The NEC meeting recognised notable figures such as the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, who brought together stakeholders from across the country.
The association resolved to organise regular training for healthcare providers, expand collaborations with stakeholders, and use traditional and social media to disseminate accurate health information widely.
It further expressed gratitude to its partners, including APIN Public Health Initiatives, NASCO Foods, and the AIM MNCH Consortium, for their support in hosting the conference.
“We thank all our partners and members for their commitment to advancing MWAN’s vision of improving women’s health,” the communiqué said.
