Medical Women Are the Backbone of Nigeria’s Health System — MWAN President

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Medical women have been described as the bedrock of health system strengthening in Nigeria, as stakeholders call for greater inclusion of women in leadership and policy-making positions within the health sector.

The National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr Zainab Kwaru Idris, made this assertion during the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the association held in Bauchi State.

Dr Kwaru noted that women constitute nearly 70 percent of Nigeria’s health workforce, yet remain grossly underrepresented at decision-making levels where policies, priorities, and resource allocations are determined.

According to her, despite the critical roles women play in healthcare delivery, structural and institutional barriers continue to limit their advancement into leadership positions across all tiers of the health system.

She said to break these barriers, women must be equipped, empowered, and elevated into leadership roles where they can influence service delivery, policy decisions, and resource allocation that directly impact health outcomes.

Dr Kwaru expressed concern that Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio remains among the highest globally, with more than 500 deaths per 100,000 live births, far above the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She therefore urged governments at all levels to invest in mentorship, capacity building, and platforms that enable women to shape public discourse, research agendas, and national health policies.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Bauchi State, Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam, acknowledged women doctors as critical pillars in championing Nigeria’s health system.

Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Hospital Management Board, Dr Muhammad Sambo Alkali, the commissioner applauded the contributions of women doctors in Bauchi State and pledged the government’s commitment to collaborating with MWAN to strengthen healthcare delivery.

He assured that the Bauchi State Government is ready to promote women’s inclusion in leadership positions within the health sector to enhance effective service delivery, improve antenatal care attendance, encourage hospital deliveries, and reduce maternal mortality.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Bauchi State President of MWAN, Dr Umma Hani Ja’afaru, said the state chapter is intensifying efforts to raise awareness among women on postpartum haemorrhage, breast cancer, cervical cancer, antenatal care attendance, and skilled birth delivery.

Dr Ja’afaru described the hosting of the national NEC meeting as a morale booster for women doctors in the state, expressing optimism that Bauchi would emerge as a role model in advancing equity, resilience, and women-centred healthcare in Nigeria.

She commended the national leadership of MWAN for the opportunity and called on governments to implement the 35 percent affirmative action for women in leadership positions across all sectors.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Clara Ladi Ejembi urged women doctors to adopt a holistic approach to women’s healthcare, addressing their needs across the entire lifespan, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.

Professor Ejembi emphasized the importance of skilled birth attendance and hospital deliveries in reducing maternal mortality, while expressing concern that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for women remains largely theoretical, with little impact felt at the grassroots.

She further revealed that more than half of women’s demand for family planning services remains unmet nationwide, widening existing gaps in women’s health outcomes.

The keynote speaker called on authorities to advance equity by strengthening primary healthcare, addressing women’s financial barriers to accessing quality care, and ensuring inclusivity for persons living with disabilities.

She encouraged women doctors to continue serving as role models and mentors to younger professionals, urging them to uphold compassion, professionalism, excellence, and ethical conduct in order to positively impact society.