The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) remains steadfast in its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children while promoting the professional growth of female doctors and dentists across Nigeria. This report highlights key activities and achievements of the Association during the period under review, particularly around the 24th Biennial Conference and subsequent engagements.
24th Biennial and Scientific Conference
The 24th Biennial and Scientific Conference of MWAN was successfully held from 31st August to 3rd September 2025 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The event brought together medical professionals, policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging health issues affecting women and children in Nigeria.
The conference was graced by distinguished personalities including federal and State government officials. The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which is the umbrella association of all medical doctors in Nigeria, Professor Bala Audu, also graced the occasion.
The conference featured scientific presentations, plenary sessions, and networking events, all of which provided a platform for sharing knowledge, research, and innovations in healthcare.
Swearing-In of the New Executive Council (NEC)
A major highlight of the biennial event was the swearing-in ceremony of the new National Executive Committee (NEC), which took place on 4th September 2025 in Kaduna State. The new leadership has since commenced activities for the new biennium, with a renewed commitment to advancing MWAN’s objectives and strengthening partnerships that enhance women’s health and empowerment. The list of the new NEC members includes:
• Dr Zainab Kwaru Mujammad Idris: National President.
• Prof Maryrose Uzoma Agwu: National President-Elect.
• Dr Anisah Yahya: National Coordinator.
• Prof Hajaratu Umar Sulayman: National Treasurer.
• Dr Nana Awaya Emeribe: Assistant National c.
• Dr Batulu Isa Muhammad: National Internal Coordinator.
• Dr Abiodun K Ajeigbe: National Financial Secretary.
• Dr Ekemini Johnson: Young Doctors Forum Coordinator.
• Prof Rosemary N Ogwu: Immediate Past National President
• Dr Vetty R Agala: Immediate Past National Coordinator
• Dr Obelebra Adebiyi: Immediate Past National Treasurer
• Dr Nneka Iloanusi: Editor Journal of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria
Post-Conference Activities and Strategic Planning
Following the conference, the newly inaugurated NEC convened to deliberate on the strategic direction for the 2025–2027 biennium. Key outcomes of these deliberations include:
• Development of a Strategic Plan for the Biennium,
• Identification of priority health advocacy areas, and
• Formulation of partnership frameworks with local and international organizations to advance MWAN’s mission and vision.
Local Secretariat activities
Since inauguration, the secretariat was able to conduct and facilitate the following activities:
• Selection and inauguration of 20 National Working Committees (NWC): A total of 20 NWC were inaugurated consisting of Chairpersons, secretaries and members. The NWC are saddled with the responsibility of working with NEC to help in executing the strategic plan of the biennium as it relates to their various Committees. They include Fund Raising; Research, Documentation, and Knowledge Management; Scientific/Grants; HPV, Cervical Cancer and Other Cancers; Gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV); Welfare; Women’s Health; Maternal and Child Health, including immunization and childbirth spacing (CBS); Adolescent Health; Diaspora and External Communications; Outreaches and Community Engagements; Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Webinar Series; Vulnerable Populations; Trafficking, and Disability Inclusion; Dental and Oral Health; Technical, Advocacy and Legislative Working Group/UN CSW; Nutrition; Food Systems, and Food Security; Endowment, scholarship, and educational development; ICT, Website, and Directory Development; Mental Health and Substance Use; Special Projects, MWAN Secretariat and Wellness Village Center Development.
• The secretariat has also been conducting monthly meetings for the National Executive Committee members to guide the affairs of the association. An expanded meeting was also conducted with the state presidents and the NWC chairpersons and secretaries where the roles and responsibilities and also the Terms of Reference for the NWC was discussed.
• Preparation for the golden jubilee: The association will celebrate its Golden Jubilee in September 2026. The special project committee has been mandated to organize the activity with the support of the Bot, Past presidents, NEC members and other NWC. This is an opportunity that the 2025-2027 is privileged to have.
• Goodwill messages to states as they handover: The Secretariat has also sent Goodwill messages to the states that sent an invitation for their handing over and investiture.
• Support to state branches: The secretariat has also been supporting the various state branches and NWC with information and documents that will facilitate smooth operation at state and NWC levels.
Local and International Partnerships and Collaborations
The association was also able to develop some partnership and collaborations with other Non Governmental organisations and agencies. These include:
• Partnership with Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) on Measles and Rubella vaccine (MRV) Introduction Advocacy Project across all states of Nigeria and the FCT.
• Partnership with the North East Development Corporation (NEDC) to conduct cervical cancer prevention activities in the 6 states of the north east region of Nigeria.
• Partnership with Belcrest institute on Breast Cancer Awareness Outreach on 1st November 2025 where MWAN FCT represented the association.
• Partnership with The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to provide volunteers for the Nigeria International Airshow (NIA) 2025, that took place from 2nd – 4th December 2025 in Abuja. This was made possible with the support of MWAN FCT and the outreach Committee.
• 14-days free medical and surgical outreach program in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria in collaboration with Sharing Hope Medical Mission USA, from 5th -18th October, 2025
• Capacity Building Program for Sickle Cell Warriors and Caregivers in collaboration with Lafiya Sickle Cell Foundation, Minna. 27th to 28th of September, 2025
• In discussion with Arewa Health Tech for a partnership in the use of digital innovation to improve maternal health
• Partnership with My Family Companion for a Guiness world record on innovation in maternal health which is being facilitated by the Maternal, Child health and Childbirth Spacing (CBS) committee.
• Partnership with French embassy in Nigeria on the fight against Gender-Based violence
International Activities including Meetings, Conferences & Workshops
• Participation in the Africa healthtech summit in Kigali, Rwanda on the 10th of October 2025.
• Participation in 33rd International Congress of Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) the MWIA triennial conference that was held in Cairo, Egypt from 12th to 14th October 2025.
• Preparation to attend the CSW70 2026 which is being anchored by the TALWC/UN CSW committee. Thirty (30) members have been registered.
Grants Obtained
• Received a grant from the French embassy of Nigeria to promote the fight against Gender-Based balance
Conclusion
The activities undertaken over the past few months have laid a strong foundation for the association’s continued growth and impact. The partnerships and collaborations established, along with active participation in local, regional, and international meetings, conferences, and initiatives, have enhanced the association’s visibility and strengthened its networks. In addition, the successful acquisition of a grant represents a significant milestone, providing valuable resources to support and scale future initiatives. Effective coordination of internal activities has also reinforced organizational cohesion and readiness. Building on these achievements, the association is well positioned to deepen collaborations, expand its engagement at all levels, and pursue new opportunities that will further advance its mission and long-term objectives.
Fig 1. MWAN National President, Dr Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris and the National President Elect Prof Uzoma Maryrose Agwu and other MWAN members during the MWAN 24th Biennial conference investiture dinner
Fig 2. This is the MWAN National President, Dr Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris and the First Lady of Nigeria, her excellency Senator Remi Tinubu during the Measles Rubella Vaccine flag off ceremony in State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.