The Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State Branch, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the pressing issues of maternal and infant mortality in the state's underserved communities. The ambitious plan was announced in Lagos on 17 November 2025 during the association's 24th Biennial Conference and Investiture.
A New Administration's Health Priority
The newly inaugurated President, Dr Ime Maria Edwin Okon, a seasoned public health physician and Medical Director of Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, declared that reducing preventable deaths among mothers and children will be a cornerstone of her leadership. She passionately asserted that childbirth should never be a death sentence, stating, "no woman should die in the process of her natural duty of creation."
Dr Okon detailed that MWAN Lagos will intensify sensitization programs, focusing on educating pregnant women in hard-to-reach areas about early danger signs. "We want to teach women the warning signals and red flags during pregnancy, so once they see them, they can quickly go to the health centre," she explained. She also issued a stern warning to caregivers against delaying treatment for sick children, noting that many deaths occur because families wait too long at home or arrive at health facilities when medical intervention is no longer effective.
Leveraging Media and Existing Infrastructure
To ensure its message reaches every household, the association plans a multi-platform media blitz. Dr Okon confirmed that MWAN Lagos will utilize Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and other digital platforms, alongside conventional radio, television, and print media. She also sought to reassure residents about the availability of healthcare infrastructure, pointing out that across Lagos's 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs, there is at least one functional Primary Health Centre (PHC) staffed with doctors and midwives. "People should know where to go," she emphasized.
Building on a Legacy of Service
The outgoing President, Dr Funmi Ige, highlighted the significant achievements during her tenure, which included successful HPV vaccination drives, heightened awareness for cervical and breast cancer, numerous medical outreaches, and community education initiatives. She described her term as being guided by the principles of "visibility, inclusion, wellness, and impactful service," all aimed at advancing the health of women and children and empowering female doctors.
Adding her voice, a past President, Dr Helen Boyo-Ekwueme, urged members to uphold the association's core values. She shared insights from her extensive career, including roles as Chief Consultant Pathologist in Lagos State and a consultant for the Federal Ministry of Health on vaccines, reaffirming her lifelong dedication to women's empowerment through various initiatives.
