Since the last report, MWAN has organized a number of activities:
Webinars
On the 26th of August 2022 the Senior Members Forum of the MWAN Oyo State branch held a webinar on “Mental Health Issues in the Elderly”. A talk was given by a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Dr. O. Gbadebo. In virtual attendance was the founder of MWAN, Prof. Oludaisi Oduntan. On August 30, 2022, a MWAN National Webinar was held on “Resurgence of COVID -19: Strengthening the Health System” and “Rising Threat of Monkey Pox” delivered by Dr. O. Adebiyi and Dr A. Fowotade respectively.
Anniversary Celebration
The current MWAN Executive Council celebrated its One Year Anniversary 15th to 23rd September 2022 through national executive meetings, an advocacy visit to Oyo State Honorable Commissioner for Health, and a medical outreach to pregnant women at Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State. A Gynaecologist, Dr Olalenge spoke on the theme ‘Safe Motherhood’ while 118 pregnant women received delivery or diaper packs as gifts. Other events included a collaboration with Patela Care Foundation involving a Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk and a lecture to Secondary School pupils with the theme “Confirm and Conquer”.
First National Day of Older Persons: On October 5, 2022, MWAN National visited the Divine Senior Citizens Palace and Nursing Home. A talk on the theme “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World” was given. Foodstuff, toiletries, and fruits were donated at the event.
On International Day of the Girl Child State branches celebrated in style by organizing programs involving mainly secondary school girls. MWAN National collaborated with a Lagos-based NGO, Idowu Agunbiade Empowerment Foundation, to organize a Girls’ Summit. The event was attended by over 200 girls. A panel of speakers spoke on the theme “Our Time Is Now – Our rights, Our future’. Lady Care Company supported the event by gifting each girl two packs of sanitary pads.
Breast Awareness Month (Pink October)
Various activities were held to create awareness about breast cancer such as radio talks, seminars and outreach campaigns. Discounted mammography and breast scan diagnostic tests were offered. MWAN continues to find ways to support women with breast cancer and to reduce the national burden of the disease.
Reception for the International President of MWIA
On 20th November 2022, a reception was held by National MWAN in Abuja to celebrate the installation of the International President of MWIA, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi as the first Nigerian to hold the position in the 103 years of the existence of the association.
Elimination of Violence Against Women
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence was set in motion in Abuja by the Honorable Minister for Women’s Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, on 25th November 2022. In attendance were five international ambassadors to Nigeria, UN agency representatives, heads of NGOs and the President of MWAN. This event was also marked in State Branches across the country.
Fig. 1: MWAN Collaboration with Lions Club on World Diabetes Day in Ibadan, Oyo State
Fig. 2: Medical Outreach to Pregnant Women at Aba Emu Primary Health Centre, Ona Ara Local Government Area, Oyo State