Reimagining Women’s Health through Strategic Data-backed, Practical Solutions 

The Foundation for Advocacy, Innovation and Research recently unveiled “The State of Women’s Health in Nigeria Report” at a high-level event themed the Banking on Women’s Health Conference. This landmark report presents a detailed, state-by-state analysis of health outcomes for women across Nigeria’s 36 states, highlighting urgent gaps, persistent inequalities, and critical opportunities for reform. Designed to amplify the often-overlooked struggles faced by Nigerian women, Mary Nnah writes that the report offers robust data and practical insights intended to guide policymakers, health professionals, researchers, and advocates toward transformative action

In a packed conference hall at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos recently, a sense of urgency filled the air as women from all walks of life gathered to discuss a pressing issue that has long been neglected: women’s health. The Banking on Women’s Health Conference was more than just a meeting – it was a call to action, a beacon of hope for a brighter future where women’s health is prioritised and valued.

Setting the Tone for Change

Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, CEO of Healthtracka and founder of the Foundation for Advocacy, Innovation and Research (FAIR), set the tone for the conference, her words echoing the sentiments of many women in the room.

“From the beginning of womanhood to menopause, to cancers, to fertility problems, it just feels like women can never get a break”, she said, her voice filled with empathy and determination.  

“Women’s health has always been under-researched, under-prioritised, and under-funded, and it’s time to change that”, she noted with enthusiasm.

FAIR’s mission is to transform health outcomes for women by closing knowledge gaps, stimulating cross-sector collaboration, and pushing for systemic reforms that make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and impactful for every woman.

“We believe that when we bank on women’s health, we invest in the future of families, communities, and nations. When a woman’s health is neglected, it’s not just her that suffers, it’s her family, community, and her dreams”,  Dare-Johnson emphasised.

This powerful statement resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the far-reaching impact of women’s health on society.

A Stark Wake-Up Call

The “State of Women’s Health in Nigeria Report”, launched at the conference, painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by Nigerian women.

Over 82,000 women died from pregnancy-related complications in 2020 alone. Nigeria faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with an estimated 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. These statistics underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.

The report, which offers a state-by-state look across Nigeria’s 36 states, reveals the patterns, gaps, and opportunities that demand urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, and advocates alike.

Dare-Johnson explained that the report is the foundation’s effort to shine a light on the silent battles many women fight every day, and to provide real data and real insights that can drive change.

The conference, at which the report, was launched, was a platform for women to share their stories, to break the silence that has shrouded women’s health for far too long.

Driving Innovation Through Recognition

The conference introduced the Banking on Women’s Health Innovation Award, which aims to recognise and support innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by women in Nigeria.  

Dare-Johnson noted that “innovation needs to come from people who understand what’s going on with women on the ground.” The award seeks to encourage and empower innovators to develop solutions that cater to the unique needs of Nigerian women.

Breaking the Cultural Silence

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, Dr. Adanna Steinacker, spoke from the heart, sharing her own experiences as a Nigerian woman and advocate. “The cultural silence was loud,” she said, her voice filled with conviction.  

“I think a lot of us can relate to that. A lot of these conversations that are very important in moving our health agenda forward are often hushed. We are not supposed to speak about that publicly”, Steinacker added.

Steinacker’s words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have had similar experiences.

“As a teenage girl, I remember gatherings with my twin sister and our friends, huddled in the corner of our dormitory, speaking quietly about the things we were just beginning to understand. We talked about the awkwardness of our periods, why some girls were in agony, and why no one explained to us anything about periods. I heard about sex for the first time through a friend who shared an experience that she had not consented to. It was confusing, painful, and we didn’t even have the language or the safe spaces to fully process it’, she recalled.

Steinacker called for a new culture where women’s health is spoken about loudly, boldly, and backed by action. “We are at a crossroads in Nigeria, a time we must decide whether we will continue to patch the surface or we are going to dig deeper to rebuild. And of course, we cannot talk about those solutions without honouring those already changing the game”, she said.

As Steinacker so eloquently put it, “Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the decision to act anyway.” The time to act is now, and it requires collective commitment, innovation, and resilience. Johnson emphasised the importance of prioritising women’s health, saying, “We cannot pour out of an empty cup. Today, we flipped the script.  

Today, we say you deserve to be well, not just functionally, not just strong, for everyone. You deserve to be bold, you deserve to be seen, you deserve to be heard, and you deserve to be prioritised.”

A Call to Bold Leadership

Steinacker said, “Let this very moment be the moment that we commit to write our own stories, to lead with boldness, and to act with urgency. Because when a woman’s health is protected, a nation’s heart beats stronger. Let us move forward together, with courage, with clarity, and with a commitment to building a healthier, more just future for every Nigerian woman and girl.”

The conference highlighted the grim reality of women’s health in Nigeria, but it also celebrated the progress being made.  Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson’s innovations, such as at-home lab testing kits and Lola AI, a menstrual health chatbot, were recognised as game-changers in women’s health.

The Women in Healthcare Nigeria Network, led by Dr. Modupe Elebute Odunsi, was also honoured for its work in elevating the voices of female professionals in healthcare.

Partnerships and the Way Forward

Deputy Director of Family Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodio Diallo, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s health in Nigeria.  

“Nigeria faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with an estimated 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking as the fourth highest worldwide”, she said, her words underscoring the gravity of the situation. “Every day, preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth claim the lives of women who are the backbone of their families and communities.”

The conference concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to work together to create a brighter future for Nigerian women.  As the conference came to a close, the message was clear: women’s health is not just a women’s issue; it’s a national issue, an economic issue, and a human issue. The time to act is now, and it requires collective commitment, innovation, and resilience. The voices of Nigerian women are crying out for health and equality, and it’s time to listen.

The Future Starts Now

The “State of Women’s Health in Nigeria Report”, serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders to take immediate action to address the challenges faced by Nigerian women. With the report’s findings and recommendations, Nigeria can take a crucial step towards improving women’s health and building a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

The Banking on Women’s Health Conference has set the stage for a new era of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration in women’s health. As Dare-Johnson noted, “The time to act is now. It’s time to bank on women’s health.” The future of Nigerian women is in our hands, and it’s time to take action.