Kaduna Sept.4,2025(NAN) The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has called on government at all levels to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to improve maternal and child health.
This, according to the association, is to tackle gender-based violence through capacity building, and strengthen vaccine uptake efforts across the country.
This was part of the key recommendations issued at the end of the 24th Biennial Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Association held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Murtala Square, Kaduna, from September 1 to 3.
With the theme “Transformative Leadership, Ethics, and Global Health in a Changing World,” the conference brought together over 500 participants from all the six geo-political zones, both physically and virtually.
In a communique issued at the close of the five-day event, the association emphasised the urgent need for leadership reform in the health sector
It also called for investments in adolescents’ health and increased adoption of technology to drive healthcare delivery.
The communique was signed by the Chairperson of the Communique Committee, Dr Anisah Yahya
and Secretary, Dr Aminatu Umar, among other members.
It also urged the government and stakeholders to scale up efforts in addressing barriers to vaccine uptake, particularly the planned national rollout of measles/rubella and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
“Government ownership of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) framework must be deepened, while male involvement in reproductive health strategies should be prioritized,” the communique read in part,”the communique said
MWAN further encouraged female medical professionals to pursue leadership roles and advocate policy changes that promote equity and access to healthcare, particularly for women and children.
On workplace development, the association underscored the importance of mentoring young professionals and building non-medical skills essential for surviving in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Other recommendations included promoting digital literacy among members and re-activating campaigns on women’s right to health information
Others were enhancing collaboration among sectors to tackle malnutrition in pregnant women and children and building multidisciplinary teams to effectively manage gender-based violence
The conference was preceded by a nationwide medical outreach, which provided free consultations, surgeries, and health education to over 1,200 people in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The opening ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by high-level dignitaries including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, representatives of the Kaduna State Government, and traditional rulers from Zazzau, Kano, and Azara Emirates.
Goodwill messages were delivered by stakeholders from government, academia, and international organisations, while the keynote address was presented on behalf of UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Amina Mohammed.
The association expressed gratitude to all supporters and partners of the event, reaffirming its commitment to advancing women’s health and professional development in Nigeria.(NAN)
