This report provides an overview of the activities and accomplishments of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) under the leadership of Prof. Rosemary Ogu, the National President, and her team from January to March 2024. The tenure from inception in September 2023 to date has been characterized by proactive leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. Working through thematic committees, MWAN has made significant strides in advancing women’s health, empowering healthcare professionals, and promoting community well-being. Our continued dedication and vision will undoubtedly contribute to the MWIA triennial theme of One Humanity: Health Solutions through our Partnerships.
Strategic Planning and Governance:
Developed and implemented strategic plans to guide MWAN’s activities and initiatives.
Chaired regular board meetings to ensure effective governance and decision-making within the organization. The National Executive Council meeting was held on 20th January 2024 and the monthly Executive meetings in January, February, March 2024.
Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
Engaged with government officials and policymakers to advocate for policies promoting gender equality, women’s and children’s health – Meeting with the Honourable Coordinating Minister of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, The Minister of Women’s Affairs, The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Agency, The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, The President of the Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA). The National President represented MWAN at various forums and conferences to raise awareness of key health issues affecting women and children.
Capacity Building and Professional Development:
Organized training workshops and seminars to enhance the skills and competencies of MWAN members. Collaborated with educational institutions and professional bodies to facilitate continuing medical education programs for members. The MWAN Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEaD)Training was held onsite and virtually on 19th and 20th January 2024 with over 327 members in attendance. The How to publish Quality Research in Quality Journals was held on 29th and 30th March 2024 with about 176 participants in attendance. A webinar on investing in women’s health was held with over 100 participants across MWAN branches in commemoration of International Women’s Day.
Community Outreach and Health Promotion:
MWAN’s efforts in conducting community outreach programs and health promotion campaigns across Nigeria remains unparalleled. MWAN provided essential healthcare services, health education, and preventive interventions. These initiatives have targeted underserved communities, providing essential healthcare services, health education, and preventive interventions. Notable is the 2024 collaboration with ProHealth International.
MWAN has been actively involved in raising awareness about critical health issues such as maternal mortality, child health, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, breast and prostate cancer. So far two states with about a thousand beneficiaries have been covered, with a lot more to go.
Collaboration and Partnership:
Cultivated partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to amplify MWAN’s impact. Collaborated with other healthcare associations and civil society groups to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.
Research and Innovation:
We have encouraged research and innovation within MWAN, promoting evidence-based practices and interventions. We have promoted research initiatives among MWAN members to generate evidence-based solutions to healthcare challenges and supported members in conducting research projects, publishing scientific papers, and disseminating findings to advance knowledge and inform policy. The How to Publish Quality Research in Quality Journals Webinar held the 29th and 30th March 2024 was a reference meeting to build capacity and guide publishing within and outside MWAN.
Encouraged innovation in healthcare delivery, exploring new technologies and approaches to improve patient care. We have emphasized the importance of innovation in healthcare delivery, exploring new technologies and approaches to improve patient outcomes. The African Women in Medicine, Health and Wellness Conference held June 26-29th 2024 is an initiative of this administration to bring together experts and foster networking across the health and wellness space.
Specific Events
Outreach Committee, Maternal & Child health, Adolescent Health, Women’s Health, Dental & Oral Health as well as Gender Based Violence Committees have all had activities commemorating relevant world health days. Thousands of women and children have been impacted through medical outreaches, health education, service delivery and sundry engagements.
18th – 21st February: International Paediatrics Association / Paediatric Association of Nigeria Vaccine Champions Meeting in Lagos with MWAN as advocacy Champions. 108 Champions were trained. NP gave a presentation on the role of vaccine in the prevention of cervical cancer. The full report is attached in the appendix.
19th – 22nd February: Nigeria Medical Association Annual Games in Lagos
21st February: PIC MDS Meeting in Lagos
22nd February – 26th February: National President and NC attended the Mega Capacity Building for the secondary prevention of Cervical Cancer in Ebonyi State in collaboration with the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital Uburu, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, National Obstetric Fistula Centre Abakaliki, The Ministry of Health and the Office of the First Lady of Ebonyi state. Over 5000 were reached with information while 980 were screened and 60 healthcare providers were trained. See the full report in the appendix.
27th – 28th February: External Examiner at the MBBS Part III examinations of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi with MWAN Anambra side event of courtesy call on the Chief Medical Director of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital NAUTH who promised continued and fruitful collaborations with MWAN including free cervical cancer screening for the month of February.
29th February: Representative of ASCAF 2024 LOC at the Senate of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
1st March: Investiture of New National Postgraduate Medical College President at the College Auditorium, Ijanikin, Lagos Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.
1st March – 7th March: 64th West African College of Surgeons Conference –with the side event meeting of MWAN and the Sierra Leone Medical Women’s Association – lead by her President Dr Olabisi Claudius-Cole
9th March – 22nd March: 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which was held in New York with a MWAN side event at the Guild Hall of the Armenia Convention Centre, New York
25th March 2024 – University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital received from MWAN donations of digital Ultrasound Scan, Arthroscope, Theatre Linen and drapes, Educational Models for recognising abnormalities in the breast (cancer) and uterus (fibroids, endometriosis, etc) and medical consumables (urethral catheters, delivery instruments, etc) with support from DAK Foundation Australia, Stryker Australia and International Health Awareness Network IHAN)
27th March 2024 – We attended the official unveiling of the offices of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme RIVCHPP
29th to 30th March – How to publish quality research in quality journals.
Upcoming activities
April 2024
1. NEC Meeting
2. MWAN in partnership with Pathfinder International, Paediatrics Association, DCL – and NPHCDA Primary on Prevention of Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination roll out in Phase 2 States Webinar
May 2024
1. Dear Young Doctor, Let’s talk – An MWAN Webinar for young doctors and clinical students on May 1st from 6pm.
2. NMA Calabar ADM holding in Calabar May 5th – 12th May 2024
3. MWIA NEAR Conference in Livingstone Zambia 8th – 10th May
4. Menstrual Hygiene Day Activities
5. Children’s Day Activities
6. Phase 2 of National HPV Vaccination Roll Out
June 2024
The African Women in Medicine, Health and Wellness Conference June 26-29th 2024 at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja
July 2024
NEC Meeting in Lagos
Dr Vetty Agala, National Coordinator
Fig 1. MWAN National executive 2023-2025 biennium
Fig. 2 Upcoming Conference