Report July – September 2022

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This report contains some of the activities of The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), within the 3rd quarter (April – August, 2022) of its 2021 – 2023 Biennium. MWAN Branches across the nation carried out several activities in line with MWIA resolutions. These included: World Immunization Week, Menstrual Hygiene Day and World Breast Feeding Week.

During this quarter, MWAN held its second National Executive Meeting (NEC) of the Biennium, and also participated in the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) 32nd Triennial Congress, held in Taipei, Taiwan.

World Immunization Week April 24-30:  The week was celebrated by most MWAN branches across the country. MWAN Ogun branch chose designated health facilities to create awareness on the need to promote vaccine use to protect people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases.

MWAN National President Dr. Adekemi Otolorin with some MWAN members at the 2nd NEC meeting and the Nigerian Medical Association Annual General Meeting in Port Harcourt

Fig. 1: MWAN National President Dr. Adekemi Otolorin with some MWAN members at the 2nd NEC meeting and the Nigerian Medical Association Annual General Meeting in Port Harcourt

NEC MEETING: The 2nd National Executive Meeting for the 2021-2023 Biennium was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State between the 15th and 18th of May, 2022.  The theme of the meeting was ‘Challenges and Opportunities of Leadership in the Health Sector’ with the subtheme ‘Leadership, Governance and Health’. The Guest lecturer was the first female Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun. In attendance were at least 25 member states, past MWAN Presidents and members of the Board of Trustees.

Donation of sanitary towels to girls in secondary schools to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day by Ebonyi and Cross River State Branches

Fig. 2: Donation of sanitary towels to girls in secondary schools to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day by Ebonyi and Cross River State Branches

Menstrual Hygiene Day: was celebrated in practically in all MWAN branches in the 6 geopolitical regions of Nigeria on May 28. Talks were given to female students in schools and communities on the menstrual cycle, myths, menstrual cramps and how to stay hygienic during this period. Free sanitary towels were also donated to the girls.

MWIA CONGRESS:   The 32nd MWIA triennial congress held in Taipei International Convention Center, Taiwan between 24th & 26th June, 2022 with the theme ‘Young Women, Young Doctors: Our Inspiration, Our Future’.  This congress was particularly important to MWAN and Nigeria as the Acting International President, Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi was installed as the substantive International President of MWIA for the coming triennium and Dr. Claribel Abam is also now the Regional Vice President for the Near East and Africa region.

World Breastfeeding Week is held every August 1st -7th. The theme for 2022 is ‘Step up Breastfeeding; Educate and Support’. It was a week-long celebration across the MWAN branches with different activities. MWAN National President, Dr. Adekemi Otolorin featured at the MWAN Osun branch webinar where she spoke on ‘Enhancing Breastfeeding Support for Medical Women’.

In summary, it was a very busy quarter, full of activities and achievements. We give all glory to God!

DR. GBEMISOLA DARAMOLA
MWAN National Coordinator/National Secretary