By Hassan Hussain
Stakeholders in the health sector have called for renewed commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for women and girls, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
The coordinator of the non-governmental organisation Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation, Dr. Victoria Njoku, made the call in Abuja during a media briefing. She stressed that millions of women across Africa still face challenges accessing essential healthcare services, including maternal and reproductive healthcare, as well as mental health support.
Dr. Njoku said the foundation is working to strengthen partnerships among relevant stakeholders through a conference titled “Her Health, Her Power,” aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving access to health services for women and girls.
“Achieving a sustainable Africa requires healthy women. Wellness remains the foundation for strong families, resilient communities, and productive economies.”
— Dr. Victoria Njoku
She explained that the initiative will also focus on raising mental health awareness, promoting women’s leadership, and supporting economic empowerment through health outreach programmes targeted at underserved communities.
According to her, the conference will provide a platform for stakeholders across Africa to advance advocacy efforts geared towards improving the well-being of women and girls.
Dr. Njoku maintained that achieving a sustainable Africa requires healthy women. She urged stakeholders to collaborate in building a society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
She added that wellness remains the foundation for strong families, resilient communities, and productive economies.
The president of the International Initiatives for Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, Dr. Chuks Anyaduba, said the theme of the conference, “Leading With Wellness for a Sustainable Africa,” reflects the importance of women’s health to inclusive governance and socio-economic development.
Dr. Anyaduba expressed optimism that the conference would help reshape attitudes among women and strengthen grassroots mobilisation across the country.
Also speaking, public health practitioner Princess Akawor called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to create awareness on thyroid disorders and other health challenges affecting women.
She commended the convener for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards advancing women’s empowerment and well-being in Nigeria.
