Roopan Gill MD MPH FRCSC (ObGyn)’s Post

Empowering Women's Health: Initiatives and Support Systems in Nigeria Introduction Women's health is a critical aspect of societal well-being. In Nigeria, initiatives and support systems empower women to take charge of their health. In this post, we’ll discuss the initiatives and support systems women should have access to to improve their health. 1. Access to Healthcare Improving access to healthcare services for women across urban and rural areas is crucial. Initiatives providing affordable or free screenings, maternal care, and reproductive health services help bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility. 2. Health Education and Awareness Educating women about reproductive health, family planning, and joint health issues empowers them to make informed decisions. Workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs contribute significantly to health literacy. 3. Mental Health Support Addressing mental health concerns among women is vital. Initiatives offering counselling, support groups, and mental health awareness campaigns are pivotal in breaking stigmas and offering support. 4. Advocacy for Women's Rights Advocacy groups and movements championing women's rights in healthcare ensure that policies are formulated and implemented to safeguard women's health and well-being. Conclusion Empowering women's health in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing access to healthcare, educating women about their health, providing mental health support, and advocating for their rights create a foundation for a healthier and more equitable society.

Amen to that. #Donors, #government agencies, and partners - please heed this advice. The organizations and people with decades of experience in delivering services know what works. There should be guardrails and limits on what often appears to be an insatiable appetite for more evidence, landscaping, and workshopping. Investing in bold ideas that can change the world must involve some risk and entrepreneurial spirit - and a sense of #impatience. As with any business, this means accepting that some strategies will work and some won't. But waiting months and years to collect information to ensure success is fanciful. Tip of the hat to poet Robert Burns who wrote: 'the best laid schemes o’ mice and men / Gang aft a-gley' (translation: the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry).

“As part of this discourse, let’s also recognize the value of personal lived experience and acknowledge that those who have personal experience with the technical work have as much expertise to contribute as those with degrees and publications about the technical work.” Powerful article by Nandita Thatte, DrPH