Lagos: The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has appealed for collaborative action among multiple stakeholders to create enduring solutions that bridge policy and practice gaps to improve access to quality healthcare for women and children throughout Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Funmi Ige, President of MWAN Lagos State Branch, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among professionals, government, and communities during a press conference in Lagos. She highlighted that effective healthcare delivery extends beyond clinical practices, requiring appropriate policies, political will, and active involvement of medical professionals in shaping decisions impacting millions of women and children.
To further this agenda, Ige announced that MWAN will host its 24th Biennial Conference, focusing on strengthening healthcare systems, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring no woman or child is overlooked in Nigeria. The conference, scheduled for November 12-13, is themed ‘Road Map to Strengthening Healthcare Services for Women and Children: Policies, Politics, and Participation,’ aiming to provide actionable solutions for lasting impact.
Ige stated, “We believe that caring for women and children strengthens families and, by extension, contributes directly to national development,” underscoring the broader societal benefits of improved maternal and child healthcare. The conference will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to share experiences, exchange ideas, and develop practical insights guiding future healthcare strategies in Lagos State and beyond.
She urged the government to implement policies that improve access to affordable, quality healthcare, particularly in rural communities, ensuring universal health coverage reaches vulnerable women and children across Nigeria. “These women and children in remote areas are often economically disadvantaged. Policies must reflect compassion, ensuring healthcare is not only accessible but also affordable for the most vulnerable populations in society,” she stressed.
Ige also highlighted the necessity to strengthen social health insurance, specifically the Lagos State Health Insurance, ensuring that programs function effectively in practice, not just in policy documents or rhetoric. Maternal and neonatal mortality remain key concerns for MWAN, with Ige noting that current national figures are alarming and demand urgent intervention to reduce preventable deaths during childbirth.
She called for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders, stressing that shared responsibility is essential for improving development and outcomes within the health sector nationwide. Financial investment is a critical factor, and Ige urged the government to increase the health sector budgetary allocation to align with the 15 per cent Abuja Declaration, strengthening infrastructure, personnel, and service delivery.
Highlighting MWAN’s achievements over the past two years, Ige mentioned that the association has enhanced visibility, promoted wellness, and implemented impactful community projects, including preventive healthcare outreach and member-focused initiatives. “We have conducted cervical and breast cancer screenings, medical and surgical outreaches, and deepened partnerships with government and civil society to advance health education and preventive healthcare initiatives for women and children,” she added.
The conference will also serve as a platform to celebrate collective achievements while ushering in a new administration committed to building on MWAN’s foundations and continuing transformative healthcare initiatives. Ige commended the media for supporting MWAN’s efforts, amplifying critical healthcare issues affecting women, children, adolescents, and preventive health, and fostering public awareness around life-saving interventions and programs.
Similarly, Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde, Immediate Past President, MWAN Lagos, urged leaders to adopt a growth mindset, learn from international experiences, and implement knowledge-driven strategies to advance healthcare delivery. Sodeinde emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing, continuity, and collaborative governance as essential components of sustainable health system development, ensuring lessons from past successes and challenges inform future programs.
Dr. Atinuke Ajoloko, Secretary of MWAN Lagos, warned that women and children have shifted from being vulnerable populations to ‘endangered species’ due to rising maternal and infant mortality rates demanding urgent attention. Ajoloko lamented that health professionals witness daily preventable deaths among women and children, calling for immediate interventions and cross-sector collaboration to reverse trends, save lives, and secure equitable healthcare access nationwide.