Stakeholders Push for National Uterine Health Strategy to Tackle Silent Epidemic Among Women

Key players in Nigeria’s health sector have advocated for the integration of uterine health into the country’s reproductive and maternal health systems. They emphasized the urgent need for early detection, better treatment options, increased public awareness, and comprehensive policy reform. This call was made during the Strategic Roundtable on Uterine Health in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday, under the theme “Elevating Uterine Health as a National Priority.” The event was organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria and Youterus Health.

Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health at the Ministry, opened the session by calling for a broader view of women’s health beyond pregnancy and childbirth. “Uterine health is central to a woman’s overall wellbeing and deserves national attention,” she said, emphasizing the need for lifelong care from adolescence to menopause and beyond.

Julie Otieno, Chief Operating Officer of Youterus Health, described the meeting as a turning point, noting that uterine health has historically been overlooked despite affecting millions of women. “We’re declaring uterine health a national priority by coming together today,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Uju Anwuka, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health (represented by Mr. Augustine Akpaku), called for full alignment among stakeholders and government agencies to support the initiative. Dr. Nana Chidi Emmanuel, Chair of White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, highlighted the burden of untreated uterine health issues—physically, mentally, and emotionally—on Nigerian women. She noted the impact of stigma, high costs, and poor diagnosis of conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS.

The high-level gathering brought together medical experts, civil society groups, international partners, policymakers, and women with lived experience. Key recommendations included the creation of a National Uterine Health Strategy, enhanced training for frontline healthcare providers, curriculum inclusion in medical and school education, subsidized care for low-income women, promotion of public-private partnerships, and increased investment in reproductive health research. Participants also advocated for a national uterine health registry and robust public education campaigns to combat myths and misinformation, with the involvement of traditional and religious leaders.

The roundtable marked a pivotal moment in addressing a long-neglected area of women’s health, with many attendees hopeful that the discussions will translate into concrete policy actions. As Dr. Ukaire stated, “A thriving woman means a thriving nation. The time to prioritise uterine health is now.”