By Melody Agwom Dauda
In order to promote women’s health and empowerment, Acemedix Foundation recently held its first Women & Maternal Health Action Summit (WOMHA 1.0).
The event, which took place on March 7, 2025 in Abuja, brought together key health experts and advocates, all united under the theme “Action for Life: Pioneering Change in Maternal Health and Women’s Empowerment.”
The summit aimed to address the critical issues surrounding maternal health, emphasizing the urgent need for change in both policy and healthcare systems.
The founder of Acemedix Foundation, Dr. Nnadozie Livinus Abugu, expressed his enthusiasm for the summit. In his statement, he highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it aims to bring together experts in the field to address pressing issues concerning maternal health.
To educate women on other health issues, Dr. Tessy Ahmadu, a consultant Radiator and Clinical Oncologist at FMC Jabi, discussed the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases, particularly cancer, in Nigeria.
According to her, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Nigeria, accounting for 60% of female cancer cases. She noted that breast cancer is now more common than lung cancer globally.
“Lung cancer used to be the most common cancer worldwide but as of 2023, breast cancer has taken over.
“Cancer is fast becoming the household name when you talk about non-communicable diseases and it is also among the three leading causes of death between the age group of thirty to sixty nine”.
Additionally, Dr. Tessy emphasized that the need for early detection through screening and education is very important.
“We need to educate women on the importance of early detection and screening for common cancers, identify and address the factors that prevent women from seeking timely medical care, such as the influence of alternative treatments and limited access to healthcare services”.
She also touched on the broader societal impact of cancer on women’s health, including economic productivity and community support.
Dr. Asmau Ribadu, a gynecologist at FMC Jabi, In her speech, highlighted the challenges faced in accessing healthcare. She provided an example of a pregnant woman’s struggle to obtain emergency medical care, emphasizing systemic issues such as inadequate medical supervision, financial barriers, and transportation difficulties.
“A 30-week pregnant woman, unnamed and with unspecified blood pressure issues, faced a life-threatening situation. She had not received any medical care during her pregnancy, only community health support.
“Despite efforts with medications and an emergency cesarean section, her late prenatal care led to severe complications.
“Financial constraints and the distance to the hospital, coupled with the lack of transportation, exacerbated her situation. The woman survived, but the case raised questions about the adequacy of community healthcare for high-risk pregnancies and the need for accessible, affordable medical services”.
Meanwhile, Acemedix Foundation is committed to transforming healthcare landscapes with the goal of empowering women through better health services and policy reform.
At the conclusion of WOMHA 1.0, attendees departed with a revitalized resolve to champion reforms in maternal health and to strengthen their collective dedication to women’s health and empowerment.