WHO

Screening Saves Lives: Why Early Detection Matters

Cancer, Community Development, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Global warming, Health, Health Communication, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Monday Health Burst, Reproductive Health, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights /

Health screening and early detection are critical tools in the fight against cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Cervical cancer develops slowly and is often caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Screening allows precancerous changes and early-stage disease to be detected and treated before they progress into life-threatening cancer, significantly improving survival, reducing complications, and saving lives¹.

Early detection plays a decisive role in cervical cancer outcomes. When cervical cancer is identified at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment are very high. Evidence shows that women diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer have a five-year survival rate of over 90%, compared to much lower survival rates when the disease is detected late². Regular screening methods such as Pap smears, HPV testing, and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) help identify abnormal cervical changes early, long before symptoms appear³. Countries with strong screening programs have recorded substantial declines in cervical cancer incidence and mortality, demonstrating the life-saving impact of early detection⁴.

Detecting cervical cancer early also reduces the severity and complexity of treatment. Early-stage disease can often be managed with simpler procedures that preserve fertility and reduce long-term health complications. In contrast, late diagnosis frequently requires extensive surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, which can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial strain for affected women and their families⁵. In many low- and middle-income settings, late presentation remains a major challenge, contributing to high cervical cancer mortality rates.

Screening for cervical cancer is also cost-effective. Preventing cancer through early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions costs far less than treating advanced cervical cancer. Investing in routine screening programs reduces hospital admissions, lowers healthcare expenditure, and improves productivity by keeping women healthy and active in their communities⁶.

Despite the proven benefits of screening, many women particularly those in underserved and rural communities still lack access to cervical cancer screening services. Barriers such as poverty, limited health facilities, stigma, low awareness, and fear of diagnosis contribute to low screening uptake and late detection. These gaps underscore the need for sustained public health efforts to expand access to affordable, acceptable, and community-based screening services⁷.

Screening saves lives, but only when women act. CFHI calls on women to prioritize regular cervical cancer screening, caregivers, and community leaders to support awareness and reduce stigma, and policymakers and partners to invest in accessible and sustainable screening programs. Early detection of cervical cancer is not just a medical intervention it is a powerful step toward protecting women’s health, dignity, and lives.

 

 

References

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Cervical cancer – Key facts.
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
  2. American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer Survival Rates.
    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Comprehensive cervical cancer control: A guide to essential practice.
    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241548953
  4. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Impact of cervical cancer screening on incidence and mortality.
    https://www.iarc.who.int/research-groups/cancer-screening/
  5. National Cancer Institute. Cervical cancer treatment and outcomes.
    https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cervical cancer screening saves lives and reduces costs.
    https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer.
    https://www.who.int/initiatives/cervical-cancer-elimination-initiative

 

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Sexual Violence Against Women with Disabilities

Community Development, End FGM, Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Girl Education, Global warming, Health, Health Communication, Hygiene, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Reproductive Health, Stop FGM, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights /

Sexual violence against women with disabilities is a deeply troubling yet often overlooked dimension of gender-based violence that intersects with ableism, discrimination, and social neglect. Evidence shows that women with disabilities face a significantly higher risk of sexual violence compared to women without disabilities, in part because of societal attitudes that devalue their autonomy and normalize their marginalization. Research indicates that women with any form of disability may experience sexual violence at roughly double the rate of women without disabilities over their lifetimes, with heightened vulnerability among those with multiple or cognitive disabilities [1]. In some settings, women with disabilities are disproportionately likely to be victims of rape and other forms of coerced sexual contact, underscoring the urgent need to recognize their specific risks and experiences as part of broader violence prevention efforts [2].

The vulnerability of women with disabilities to sexual violence is driven by multiple factors including dependency on caregivers or partners for daily needs, limited mobility or communication barriers, and pervasive myths that deny their sexual agency and rights. These conditions not only increase exposure to abuse but also make it harder for survivors to report violence or access support services due to fear, shame, or lack of accessible reporting mechanisms. Global research highlights that women with disabilities are more likely to face not only sexual violence but also emotional and physical abuse, with long-term impacts on physical and mental health, autonomy, and quality of life [3]. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly called attention to the disproportionate risk of violence faced by women with disabilities and the necessity for better data, inclusive services, and tailored policies to protect their rights [4].

In Nigeria, too, gender-based violence is addressed under laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against individuals, including sexual violence. While such legal frameworks exist, enforcement, awareness, and protection for women with disabilities remain inconsistent, with many survivors still falling through gaps in reporting, healthcare, and justice systems [5]. It is therefore critical for policymakers, health systems, community leaders, and service providers to mainstream disability-inclusive approaches that recognize the intersecting vulnerabilities that these women face.

At the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), addressing violence against women especially among vulnerable populations like women with disabilities is integral to our community health work. CFHI integrates gender-based violence awareness and response into school and community engagements, ensuring that information on rights, reporting pathways, and support services reaches diverse audiences. Through partnerships with health facilities, community leaders, and referral networks, CFHI also supports safe and confidential reporting channels, linking survivors to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid where available. By advocating for inclusive prevention strategies and survivor-centred responses, CFHI reinforces that violence against women with disabilities is not inevitable it is preventable and must be confronted collectively.

Ending violence against women with disabilities requires an intersectional approach that dismantles harmful social norms, strengthens legal protections, and ensures that services are accessible and responsive to the unique needs of survivors. Education and awareness campaigns must challenge myths about disability and sexuality, while community-level prevention programmes should promote respect, consent, and equality for all women regardless of ability. Health workers, educators, and law enforcement must be trained to recognise and respond to sexual violence sensitively and without bias. Importantly, women with disabilities themselves should be engaged as leaders in advocating for change, ensuring that policies and interventions are shaped by their lived experiences.

The fight against sexual violence is not only a matter of law or policy it is a moral imperative rooted in human rights, dignity, and justice. As communities, governments, and organisations, we must commit to creating environments where vulnerable women anf girls can live free from the threat of violence, access support without barriers, and assert their rights with confidence and respect.

 

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among People with Disabilities. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/sexual-violence-and-intimate-partner-violence-among-people-with-disabilities.html (CDC)
  2. Z. C. et al. Sexual Violence Against Women With Disabilities: Experiences With Force and Lifetime Risk. American Journal of Preventive Medicine (lifetime risk higher among women with disabilities). (Reddit)
  3. Health and Socioeconomic Determinants of Abuse among Women with Disabilities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (higher prevalence and lower escape rates). (MDPI)
  4. World Health Organization. WHO calls for greater attention to violence against women with disabilities and older women. WHO. (World Health Organization)
  5. Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (Nigeria). Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_Against_Persons_%28Prohibition%29_Act_2015 (en.wikipedia.org

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Understanding Risk Factors and How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cancer, Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Monday Health Burst, Reproductive Health, VVF, WHO, Women Education /

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers affecting women globally and in Nigeria. In 2022 alone, about 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths were recorded worldwide, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries where access to prevention and care is limited [1]. The disease develops in the cervix and is caused almost entirely by persistent infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus that often shows no early symptoms [1].

Several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. These include early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, and weakened immunity, especially among women living with HIV [1]. Women with HIV are up to six times more likely to develop cervical cancer due to reduced immune response to HPV infections [2]. In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women, and many cases are detected late due to low screening uptake and limited awareness [2].

The good news is that cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable when detected early. The HPV vaccine, recommended for girls aged 9–14 years, can prevent up to 70–90% of cervical cancer cases linked to high-risk HPV types [1]. Regular screening through HPV testing or Pap smears helps detect precancerous changes early, allowing timely treatment before cancer develops. However, misinformation, cost, fear, and limited access continue to hinder screening in many communities [3].

In 2023, CFHI partnered with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Women Advocates for Vaccine Access, Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center, and other relevant partners to support HPV vaccine introduction in Nigeria, train ten vaccine champions, and sensitise over 4,000 persons in Bwari LGA, Abuja.

Every woman deserves the chance to prevent cervical cancer. Get screened regularly, ensure eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, and share accurate information within your community. Together, we can reduce preventable deaths and protect women’s health.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Cervical cancer. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
  2. World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. Cervical cancer early detection saves lives (Nigeria). Available from: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/news/cervical-cancer-early-detection-saves-lives
  3. BMC Women’s Health. Cervical cancer screening and vaccination awareness in Nigeria. Available from: https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-023-02345-9

 

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Silent Reproductive Health Struggles

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Women’s reproductive health is fundamental to their overall well-being, yet millions of women globally and in Nigeria face persistent, often silent challenges that compromise their health, autonomy, and quality of life [1]. Despite progress in some areas, vast inequities remain in access to services, information, and rights leaving many women vulnerable to preventable health problems [2].

One of the major silent struggles is limited access to essential reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal care, and safe delivery support. In sub-Saharan Africa, one in four women who wish to delay or stop childbearing do not use any contraceptive method, reflecting gaps in availability, choice, and quality of reproductive care [1][5]. These shortfalls contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Globally, about 800 women die each day from pregnancy-related causes, many of which are preventable with proper services and support [1].

In Nigeria, reproductive health disparities are stark. A survey of reproductive health concerns found that sexual health, contraception, infections, fertility issues, and reproductive cancers were among the most pressing worries for women, indicating broad unmet needs across the reproductive spectrum [3]. Despite various policies, only a few Nigerian states meet benchmarks for women’s participation in decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, reflecting systemic barriers rooted in socio-cultural norms and limited autonomy [4]. Economic challenges also contribute, with millions of women lacking access to modern contraceptives and comprehensive family planning services due to cost, misinformation, fear of side effects, cultural opposition, and weak health systems [5][6].

Another under-recognized struggle is infertility, which affects a significant portion of women yet remains stigmatized and poorly supported. Recent WHO guidance highlights infertility as a major public health concern, with more than one in six people of reproductive age affected [7]. Access to affordable fertility evaluation and treatment is limited in many countries, forcing women to choose between financial hardship and their desire for children [7].

Maternal health remains a critical issue. Globally, approximately 287,000 women die yearly from complications in pregnancy and childbirth, with nearly all these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income settings where health systems are weak and resources scarce [1]. In areas affected by conflict or economic strain, such as parts of northern Nigeria, women face even greater risks due to disrupted services, insecurity, and collapsed care infrastructure [8].

The impact of these struggles extends beyond physical health. When women cannot access respectful, quality reproductive care, the consequences ripple into social and economic domains limiting educational opportunities, reducing workforce participation, and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality [2].

Improving women’s reproductive health requires a holistic approach that ensures affordable and accessible services such as contraception, antenatal care, skilled delivery, and emergency support reach even the most underserved communities [1][5], while also equipping women with accurate, culturally sensitive information to make informed choices about their bodies and health [2]. At the same time, policies must actively protect women’s autonomy and reproductive rights by challenging harmful norms and discrimination [2][4], supported by strong, well-funded health systems with trained personnel to guarantee continuity of care, especially in fragile settings [1][8]. Integrating affordable infertility care and psychosocial support into routine reproductive health services is also essential to address the often hidden emotional and social burdens many women silently endure [7].

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-base violence and gender-bias.

References

  1. WHO Regional Office for Africa. Women’s Health. Available from: https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/womens-health
  2. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). New UNFPA report finds 30 years of progress in sexual and reproductive health has mostly ignored the most marginalized communities. Available from: https://www.unfpa.org/press/new-unfpa-report-finds-30-years-progress-sexual-and-reproductive-health-has-mostly-ignored
  3. Sa’adatu TS, Dieng B, Danmadami AM. Reproductive health issues of concern among Nigerians: an online survey. Int J Community Med Public Health. Available from: https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20234114
  4. Premium Times Nigeria. Only eight Nigerian states meet women’s health benchmark – Report. Available from: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/830200-only-eight-nigerian-states-meet-womens-health-benchmark-report.html
  5. World Health Organization. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH): Family planning and contraception. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research-%28srh%29
  6. Ballard Brief. Barriers to Family Planning for Women in West Africa. Available from: https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/barriers-to-family-planning-for-women-in-west-africa
  7. WHO releases first global guideline on infertility care. Reddit; 2025. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/EmbryologyIVFSupport/comments/1pcjrzh/who_releases_first_global_guideline_on/
  8. AP News. Pregnancy has become a nightmare for many women in Nigeria’s conflict-hit north. Available from: https://apnews.com/article/c5846961ed87cddd8a24d1c2b04564a0

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Cervical Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

Cancer, Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Female Genital Mutilation, Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Health, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Monday Health Burst, Stop FGM, VVF, WHO, Women, Women Education /

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern for women both globally and in Nigeria, yet it is largely preventable and treatable when detected early. Understanding its causes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and interventions is critical for improving women’s health outcomes. Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. In 2022, an estimated 660,000 new cervical cancer cases were reported globally, with about 350,000 deaths attributed to the disease, largely in low- and middle-income countries due to disparities in prevention and care access [1].

Almost all cervical cancers, over 99%, are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. While most HPV infections are naturally cleared by the immune system, persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, can lead to abnormal cell changes and eventual cancer over many years if not identified and treated [2]. Beyond HPV infection, several factors increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. HIV infection and weakened immunity accelerate cancer progression [1]. Smoking impairs immune response and promotes cellular changes [3]. Early onset of sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and long-term use of certain hormonal contraceptives also contribute to heightened risk [4].

Cervical cancer is highly preventable and much more treatable when detected early. HPV vaccination, administered to girls typically aged 9 to 14, is highly effective at preventing infections that cause most cervical cancers [1]. Regular screening through Pap smears or HPV tests allows for the detection of precancerous changes before they progress to cancer, significantly improving treatment outcomes [2]. Despite these preventive measures, in Nigeria, cervical cancer remains the second most frequent cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related death [5]. Awareness and screening uptake are low, particularly in rural areas, due to financial barriers, limited access to screening facilities, and insufficient information about prevention [6].

To further reduce the burden of cervical cancer, it is essential to scale up HPV vaccination campaigns targeting adolescent girls before exposure to the virus, expand the availability and affordability of cervical cancer screening at primary healthcare levels, and strengthen health education to promote understanding of cervical health through sustained community engagement. Addressing gender and social barriers that limit women’s access to preventive care is also critical. Cervical cancer should not be a life sentence. With knowledge, preventive action, and supportive community health services, every woman can protect her health and future.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer fact sheet. Dec 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus-%28hpv%29-and-cervical-cancer
  2. World Health Organization. Cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and screening overview. Available from: https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/cervical-cancer/en/
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical Cancer Risk Factors. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/risk-factors/index.html
  4. National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/causes-risk-prevention
  5. World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. Cervical cancer early detection saves lives (Nigeria). Available from: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/news/cervical-cancer-early-detection-saves-lives
  6. The Guardian (Nigeria). Screening, awareness gaps slow cervical cancer elimination. Available from: https://guardian.ng/features/health/screening-awareness-gaps-slow-cervical-cancer-elimination/

 

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When Healthcare Costs Become a Form of Bias

16DaysOfActivism, Child Labour, Cultural practices in Africa, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Health, Health Communication, International Day of Rural Women, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights /

When healthcare costs rise beyond the reach of ordinary people, they silently become a form of bias one that decides who lives, who suffers, and who is forced to endure preventable pain. In Nigeria today, access to quality healthcare is increasingly determined not by need, but by ability to pay. For millions of women and girls, especially in low-income and underserved communities, the cost of care has become a cruel barrier that denies them their most basic right: the right to health. This hidden injustice affects lives, futures, and communities.

The impact of this bias is devastating. Pregnant women delay antenatal care because consultation fees are unaffordable, adolescent girls are denied reproductive health services, and survivors of gender-based violence cannot access timely medical attention due to cost. These barriers fuel inequality, worsen health outcomes, and perpetuate cycles of suffering. When healthcare becomes a privilege instead of a right, women and girls bear the heaviest burden, trapped in a system that marginalizes them and ignores their dignity.

The financial strain of out-of-pocket spending is crushing. Families are forced to choose between food, education, and medical care, often at the expense of women and girls. This reality exposes a health system that has failed to protect those most vulnerable, leaving them at risk of illness, neglect, and further gender-based harm. A functional, responsive healthcare system should uplift women and girls, not push them into vulnerability. Every woman and girl deserve care, respect, and protection regardless of income.

The Nigerian government must act decisively. Investing in maternal, reproductive, and gender-sensitive health services, strengthening primary healthcare, implementing effective insurance schemes, and ensuring accountability at every level are not optional, they are urgent obligations. Health must be treated as a national priority, because no society can prosper while its women and girls remain unwell, unprotected, and underserved. A fair and just society is one where access to healthcare is based on need, not income. Ending cost-driven bias in healthcare requires collective action from policymakers prioritizing women’s health financing, to institutions delivering quality care, to communities demanding equitable systems.

The call to action is clear: the government, stakeholders, and citizens must commit to ensuring healthcare is affordable, accessible, and equitable for all. Healthcare should heal, protect, and empower women and girls, and not discriminate against them. Until costs no longer determine who can access care, gender-based bias will continue to persist quietly, unfairly, and at an unacceptable human cost.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-base violence and gender-bias.

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Ensuring Health Services Reach Everyone

16DaysOfActivism, Community Development, Cultural practices in Africa, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Global warming, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO /

 

Ensuring that health services reach everyone remains one of the world’s most urgent development challenges, especially as global progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) continues to slow. Worldwide, more than 4.6 billion people still lack access to essential health services, leaving millions at risk of preventable illness and financial hardship [1]. Although the global service coverage index has risen from the mid-50s in 2000 to around 71 in 2023, the gains remain uneven and fragile [2]. In Nigeria, persistent gaps in primary healthcare, maternal and newborn services, limited staffing, shortages of essential supplies and unreliable electricity continue to restrict access for many communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas [3,4].

Electricity is one of the most basic requirements for safe and functional health care. In many low-resource settings, including parts of Nigeria, frequent power interruptions limit the ability of facilities to conduct safe night-time deliveries, sterilize equipment, store vaccines, or run lifesaving laboratory tests. Evidence shows that roughly one-third to two-fifths of Nigeria’s primary health care centres still lack stable electricity, forcing some to rely on kerosene lamps, phone flashlights or fuel-powered generators that often fail when needed most [5,6]. Without reliable light and power, both mothers and newborns face heightened risks, and health workers struggle to provide the standard of care for which they are trained.

These structural challenges contribute to persistent health inequalities. Nigeria retains one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, despite substantial global declines since the early 2000s [2,7]. Skilled birth attendance an essential determinant of maternal and newborn survival has improved in some regions but still varies widely across northern states, where many young women remain unable to access skilled care at birth [4]. Preventive services such as immunisation have also fluctuated, with pandemic-related disruptions causing setbacks. Although recovery efforts are ongoing, routine immunisation coverage remains below global and regional benchmarks, leaving children in remote communities at disproportionate risk [3,8].

Nonetheless, evidence from recent interventions demonstrates that targeted, practical investments can quickly strengthen essential health services. Solar electrification of primary health care facilities, particularly through durable systems designed for maternal and emergency care, has been shown to improve night-time service delivery, stabilize cold-chain systems and increase overall service availability [6,9]. When paired with training and continuous supervision, such interventions support proper equipment use, routine maintenance and long-term sustainability an approach consistently endorsed by global health experts and backed by facility-level assessments [7]. Furthermore, integrating community engagement, leadership participation and strong referral mechanisms encourages service uptake and strengthens public trust.

To accelerate progress, policymakers, donors, and community leaders must prioritize primary healthcare revitalization, commit to electrifying facilities, invest in continuous staff training, and support service delivery models proven to work. Ensuring that health services reach everyone is both achievable and urgent. With collective action, equitable investment and strengthened partnerships, Nigeria can move closer to a future where every individual regardless of geography or socioeconomic status receives the essential care needed to live a healthy and dignified life.

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. Universal health coverage (UHC) fact sheet. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-%28uhc%29
  2. World Bank. Tracking Universal Health Coverage — 2025 Global Monitoring Report. 2025 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/universalhealthcoverage/publication/2025-global-monitoring-report-gmr
  3. WHO. Nigeria Country Health Profile — Health System Performance, Immunisation & Primary Care Indicators. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.who.int/countries/nga
  4. Afape AO, et al. Prevalence and determinants of skilled birth attendance among young women in Northern Nigeria. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11389318/
  5. World Health Organization. Electricity in health-care facilities. 2023 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electricity-in-health-care-facilities
  6. Sustainable Energy for All. Powering primary healthcare in Nigeria. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://www.seforall.org
  7. World Bank. Maternal mortality ratio — Nigeria. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT?locations=NG
  8. UNICEF. Immunisation data and analysis. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/immunization/
  9. Nigeria Health Watch. Solar power solutions for primary healthcare centres. 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 12]. Available from: https://articles.nigeriahealthwatch.com/a-solar-power-project-is-keeping-primary-healthcare-centres-running-in-abuja/

 

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UHC Day 2025: Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!

16DaysOfActivism, Breast Care, Cancer, Climate change, Community Development, Drugs, Events, Gender, Gender Equality, Global warming, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights /

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is a global reminder that access to quality health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. This year’s theme, “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”, speaks directly to one of the biggest barriers facing millions of Nigerians: skyrocketing healthcare costs and the widening gap between health needs and the ability to pay.

While achieving UHC requires multisectoral commitment, one of the most critical systems needed to bridge this gap is health insurance, an essential mechanism designed to protect individuals from financial hardship, ensure continuity of care, and promote equitable access to essential services. Yet, despite the existence of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and state-level schemes, enrolment remains abysmally low. Out-of-pocket payments still account for over 76% of total health spending in Nigeria, pushing millions deeper into poverty every year.

Health insurance providers cannot succeed alone; they face chronic underfunding, limited subsidies, weak enforcement, and low public awareness. Sustainable progress requires stronger government leadership, increased premium subsidies for the poor, upgraded health facilities, and digital systems that make enrolment seamless.

Yet progress is possible, and CFHI is proving it every day.

Through relentless community mobilization and strategic partnerships with philanthropists like Satoshi Koiso and development partners such as the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), CFHI has successfully enrolled 224 vulnerable individuals into NHIA-supported health coverage this year alone.

These are not just numbers.

They are mothers who no longer skip medication.

They are children who can see a doctor without their parents selling assets.

They are families now protected from choosing between medicine and food.

Health insurance must be affordable, accessible, and functional for every Nigerian. It is not just a policy tool; it is a lifeline that protects households from falling into poverty and guarantees timely care, especially for vulnerable groups.

On UHC Day 2025, our message is unequivocal:

No Nigerian should be denied quality care because they cannot afford it.

We call on federal and state governments to:

  • Fully subsidize premiums for low-income and vulnerable households
  • Strengthen primary health care facilities that deliver insured services
  • Enforce mandatory coverage and streamline digital enrolment

It is time to end the era of unaffordable health costs.

Health care is a right for every Nigerian, irrespective of socio-economic status.

Together, we can make “We’re sick of it” a rallying cry that finally delivers results.

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Protecting Our Children from Common Illnesses

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Children remain highly vulnerable to common illnesses, and preventing these diseases is essential to safeguarding their growth and wellbeing. In Nigeria, infections such as diarrhea, malaria, and acute respiratory infections continue to be among the leading causes of sickness and death in children under five, despite being largely preventable. Evidence shows that environmental and structural factors contribute significantly to this burden. Research highlights that improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are strongly associated with reduced childhood diarrhea and respiratory infections (1). Additionally, findings from Nigeria’s Demographic and Health Surveys indicate that poor housing conditions including overcrowding and inadequate ventilation are major predictors of child illness across the country (2).

The impact of these illnesses extends far beyond short-term discomfort. Children who frequently experience diarrhea or respiratory infections are at increased risk of stunting, and spatial health research in Nigeria reveals that these conditions often overlap, creating compounded threats to child growth and development (3). Preventable infections such as measles also have long-term consequences on immunity and overall health in later life, as demonstrated in studies tracking early-life measles exposure (6). Even though effective vaccines exist, childhood immunization coverage remains suboptimal in many regions, prompting the introduction of innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence systems to increase vaccine uptake (5). Reliable hospital data further confirm that pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal diseases remain major contributors to child mortality in Nigerian healthcare settings (4). Alongside medical treatment, community-based interventions such as hygiene promotion, nutrition counselling, and timely referral are essential to reducing morbidity. Globally, standardized caregiver resources like UNICEF’s “Facts for Life” continue to guide families on preventing and responding to common childhood illnesses (7).

The Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) plays a critical role in reducing the burden of childhood illnesses through targeted community programs. CFHI supports maternal, newborn, and child health activities, including MNCH weeks where children receive essential interventions such as vaccinations, deworming, vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, and malnutrition screening (8). The organization also drives WASH improvements aimed at reducing disease spread and implements extensive community health education on hygiene, sanitation, immunization, and early care-seeking. Through capacity-building efforts, CFHI strengthens the skills of health workers and volunteers to deliver quality child health services (9). CFHI’s approach is evidence-based and community-centered, ensuring that interventions respond to local needs and contribute meaningfully to child survival and development.

Protecting children from preventable illnesses requires collective responsibility. Caregivers should ensure full vaccination, practice proper handwashing, maintain clean household environments, and seek medical care early when their children show signs of illness. Community members must actively share health information and support local awareness programs. Policy and government actors should invest in clean water systems, sanitation infrastructure, and housing improvements to create healthier environments for children. Finally, individuals and organizations can strengthen CFHI’s efforts by volunteering, partnering, or supporting programs that promote child health. Together, these actions can secure a safer, healthier future for every child.

 

References

  1. Oyebanji TO, Chandra-Mouli V. Burden of Common Childhood Diseases in Relation to Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) among Nigerian Children. PubMed [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29895758/
  2. Olusanya BO, Odeyemi OA, Abimbola S, Adebowale SA. Housing conditions as predictors of common childhood illness: Evidence from Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys, 2008–2018. PubMed [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33476186/
  3. Gai T, Cunningham E, Chukwuogo O, et al. Spatial Co-Morbidity of Childhood Acute Respiratory Infection, Diarrhoea and Stunting in Nigeria. PubMed [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35162859/
  4. van den Berg GJ, von Hinke S, Vitt N. Early life exposure to measles and later-life outcomes: Evidence from the introduction of a vaccine. arXiv [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.10558
  5. Kehinde O, Abdul R, Afolabi B, et al. Deploying ADVISER: Impact and Lessons from Using Artificial Intelligence for Child Vaccination Uptake in Nigeria. arXiv [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.00017
  6. Morbidity and Mortality Pattern of Childhood Illnesses Seen at the Children Emergency Unit of Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Nigeria. AMHSR [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.amhsr.org/articles/morbidity-and-mortality-pattern-of-childhood-illnesses-seen-at-the-children-emergency-unit-of-federal-medical-center-asaba-nigeria.html
  7. Facts for Life. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facts_for_Life
  8. Centre for Family Health Initiative. 2020 Annual Report. Abuja: CFHI; 2020. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CFHI_2020-Annual-Report.pdf
  9. Centre for Family Health Initiative. Who We Are. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.cfhinitiative.org/who-we-are/

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Community Development, Gender, Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Men, Men's Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Nation Building, WHO /

Hygiene and Health for Every Man

Good hygiene is not only a personal responsibility but a fundamental aspect of disease prevention, dignity, and overall well-being for men across all ages. Research shows that poor hygiene contributes significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, inadequate hygiene practices account for nearly 432,000 deaths annually from diarrheal diseases alone (1) with millions more suffering from preventable infections linked to poor personal and environmental hygiene. Studies also reveal that men are statistically less likely than women to engage in consistent hygiene routines, including regular handwashing, oral care, and preventive health screenings. A 2022 global survey noted that over 65% of men admit to skipping basic hygiene routines (2) increasing their vulnerability to infections, skin diseases, urinary tract complications, and communicable illnesses. Poor hygiene also affects mental health, social interactions, productivity, and overall quality of life, especially in environments where men are primary earners and caregivers.

The implications of poor hygiene for men extend far beyond physical health. Lack of proper personal and environmental cleanliness can affect workplace productivity, family health, and community wellness. For example, studies show that effective handwashing alone can reduce respiratory infections by over 21% (3) yet many men either neglect this simple act or lack access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities. Globally, 3.5 billion people still lack safe sanitation (4) and this affects men in marginalized communities disproportionately, often exposing them to contaminated environments and increasing their risk of illness. Oral hygiene is another overlooked aspect; research indicates that men are 40% less likely than women to seek dental care (5) leading to higher rates of gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Hygiene is not just cleanliness it is a cornerstone of preventive health.

As we commemorate International Men’s Day and World Toilet Day, we encourage, admonish, and advise men everywhere to stay true to hygiene and neatness. Cleanliness is strength. Hygiene is responsibility. And taking care of your health is an act of leadership and self-respect. Men must break free from harmful cultural norms that label hygiene awareness as weakness or unmanliness. True masculinity includes caring for one’s body, environment, and overall well-being. A healthy man becomes a healthier father, partner, colleague, and community member. The global theme for this period emphasizes dignity, safe sanitation, and improved well-being for everyone and men must be active participants in this movement.

Wash your hands often, maintain proper grooming, care for your oral health, keep your environment clean, use toilets responsibly, practice safe sanitation, and seek regular health checks. Small habits save lives. Hygiene is health, and health is power. Let this be a reminder that healthier men build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

For enquiries, partnerships, or to invite CFHI for sensitization programs, kindly contact us via: info@cfhinitiative.org 

 

References

  1. World Health Organization. Diarrhoeal disease. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease
  2. Global hygiene behaviours survey results. 2022. Available from: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/health/articles-reports
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Show Me the Science – How to Wash Your Hands. 2023. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html
  4. World Health Organization & UNICEF. Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2023 update. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240073347
  5. American Dental Association. Oral health and men’s health. 2022. Available from: https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute

 

 

 

 

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