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AXA Mansard Health’s WhatsApp ChatBot ‘Karis’ Helps Over 300,000 Enrollees Access Healthcare Faster

by Women Times on

 

In a move to minimize waiting times and facilitate quicker access to healthcare at its over 2,000 partner facilities across Nigeria, AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading Health Management Organisation, has introduced a new WhatsApp-based chatbot named Karis.

By adding Karis to their WhatsApp contacts, more than three hundred thousand AXA Mansard Health enrollees can now easily obtain treatment approvals, confirm authorizations, check their plan status, access plan benefits, purchase health plans, and receive immediate assistance during medical emergencies.

Tope Adeniyi, CEO of AXA Mansard Health Limited, explained that this innovative solution is another step in the organization’s commitment to putting customers first. “It is another way we are using to tell our customers that we deeply care about them, and we stop at nothing to ensure access to healthcare is simple, affordable and convenient,” he said.

Adeniyi highlighted that the manual process of authorization before treatment had been a major pain point, often discouraging people from seeking hospital care. He noted that with Karis, authorization can now be processed via a familiar and accessible platform like WhatsApp.

“With this new solution, our enrollees at the point of care can experience our service speed. Also, they can quickly ask Karis what their plans cover or otherwise, so we have empowered them. They can now search for hospital or specialist healthcare by interacting with Karis. It’s about making healthcare personalised for our customers,” he explained.

He added that Karis is more than just a tool; it is part of a wider vision to make healthcare accessible, personalized, and stress-free for everyone.

The introduction of Karis aligns with AXA Mansard Health’s broader strategy to leverage digital innovation for enhanced service delivery and improved customer experience. By streamlining access to healthcare support, the chatbot allows enrollees to focus on their well-being without being hindered by administrative hurdles.

Through initiatives like this, AXA Mansard Health continues to lead in digital healthcare solutions, making it easier for Nigerians to manage their health and access timely care with confidence. “Karis demonstrates our organisation’s commitment to leveraging technology for practical solutions that simplify lives and improve healthcare outcomes,” Adeniyi concluded.

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NewsHealth

‎ ‎𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 – 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

recent study provides new insights into why chronic pain often lasts longer in women than in men, pointing to biological differences in the immune system rather than psychological factors.

The research which was published on February 20, 2026, in the journal Science Immunology, the research, titled “Monocyte-derived IL-10 drives sex differences in pain duration” was led by Geoffroy Laumet, an associate professor of physiology at Michigan State University, along with first author Jaewon Sim and colleagues.

The study reveals that a specific subset of immune cells called monocytes plays a key role in resolving pain by releasing an anti-inflammatory molecule known as IL-10 (interleukin-10). These IL-10-producing monocytes help “switch off” pain signals by communicating with sensory neurons. In males, these cells are more active, leading to faster pain resolution. This heightened activity is driven by higher levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone.

In contrast, females have less active IL-10-producing monocytes, resulting in delayed recovery and more persistent pain. The researchers observed this pattern consistently in mouse models of inflammatory pain  and in human data from patients recovering from traumatic injuries, where men resolved pain more quickly and showed higher circulating levels of these monocytes and IL-10.

Experiments further confirmed the hormonal link: Blocking male sex hormones in mice reduced the activity of these pain-resolving monocytes, while treatments that boosted them (such as the lipid mediator resolvin D1) accelerated pain relief in both sexes.

For years, women have reported more frequent, severe, and prolonged chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and musculoskeletal issues, yet their experiences were sometimes dismissed. This study validates those reports with evidence of a clear biological mechanism, shifting focus from pain initiation to why it persists.

The findings could pave the way for targeted, non-opioid therapies that enhance pain resolution, especially for women. As Laumet noted in related coverage, the difference lies in the immune system’s ability to shut down pain signals, not in perception alone.

This research bares the importance of considering sex differences in pain management and medical research to develop more equitable treatments.

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NewsHealthPolitics

Oby Ezekwesili Shows Up at National Assembly Protest, Says Senate’s Trying to Make Election Rigging Easier

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili was right there with the protesters today outside the National Assembly gates in Abuja, making it clear she’s not letting this slide. The crowd has been out for days now, pushing hard for the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to lock in mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, no ifs, no buts.

Ezekwesili, who’s never one to mince words, told journalists straight up that the Senate is pushing an “ambiguous” clause that basically hands INEC the power to decide when or if results get uploaded electronically. She said: “If the Senate gets away with a provision that is ambiguous, that gives power of discretion to determine the ifs and the buts, instead of making the clause mandatory, that every vote must count in this country, then we are weakening the core principle of electoral transparency.”

She’s calling it what a lot of people are thinking: this could open the door wide for manipulation before 2027. The only way votes actually count, she stressed, is if transmission is compulsory and happens in real time from every polling unit straight to the IReV portal.

She wasn’t alone, former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and activist Omoyele Sowore were also there, along with groups like Situation Room, ActionAid, and labour folks under the Movement for Credible Elections. The protesters want the House version of the bill to win out in the end, because it reportedly keeps e-transmission mandatory, while the Senate seems ready to water it down or make it optional.

This comes right after the Senate already cut the time for INEC to publish election notices and rejected mandatory real-time uploads earlier this month. People are calling it everything from a “coup against democracy” to straight-up “programming rigging into law.”

Ezekwesili put it bluntly: the fight is about whether our votes will count or not. With 2027 not far off, the pressure’s on the lawmakers to sort this out without killing the transparency most Nigerians are demanding.

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NewsHealth

Lagos Urges New Midwives to Strengthen Maternal Health

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Lagos State Government has called on the final cohort of graduates from the Basic Midwifery Programme at the Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, to play a pivotal role in enhancing maternal health services across Nigeria.

The charge was delivered during the institution’s 7th convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, where the 2022 intake cohort celebrated the completion of their rigorous three-year academic and clinical training.

Representing the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, an official urged the new midwives to uphold professionalism in their practice, emphasising their potential to significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.

The college’s Provost, Dr. Ogunmuyiwa Ayodeji, commended the graduates for their resilience and dedication throughout the demanding curriculum. She highlighted the ceremony as a reflection of their discipline and sacrifice, encouraging them to embody core values of compassion, competence, and integrity in an era where modern healthcare requires both empathy and continuous learning.

Chairman of the LASCON Governing Council, Professor Olaide Edet, advised the alumni to see their graduation as a foundation for further academic and professional growth. She warned against mediocrity and urged them to serve as proud ambassadors of the institution.

Professor Edet also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Lagos State School of Nursing Alumni for their ongoing investments in nursing education infrastructure and curriculum development.

The event featured the presentation of awards to students who excelled in various academic categories.

Stakeholders at the ceremony reiterated the need for a renewed commitment to the noble principles of nursing, focusing on appearance, conduct, and accountability. They noted that while Lagos has relatively better maternal and child health statistics compared to other regions, continuous efforts are required to address persistent challenges.

The Lagos State College of Nursing remains committed to producing ethically grounded and globally competitive nursing and midwifery professionals, contributing to the state’s broader goals of improving healthcare delivery and reducing maternal mortality rates.

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NewsHealthLifestyle

Zamfara Unveils Safe Delivery Initiative to Boost Maternal Health

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By Prosper Mene

The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has launched the Safe Delivery Initiative, aimed at strengthening services across the state and reducing birth complications.

The initiative was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Unguwar Dallatu Primary Healthcare Centre in Gusau, the state capital.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, represented by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Hussaini Yakubu, described the programme as a pilot project starting with four health facilities in Gusau and Maru Local Government Areas. Plans are underway to expand it to 23 facilities across all 14 LGAs in the state.

“This initiative focuses on upgrading delivery rooms, enhancing antenatal and postnatal care, equipping facilities with essential drugs, and ensuring the presence of skilled birth attendants,” Dr Yakubu said.

He emphasised that the Safe Delivery Initiative aligns with Governor Dauda Lawal’s “Rescue Mission Agenda,” which prioritises reforms in the health sector to improve the wellbeing of citizens.

The launch comes on the heels of Zamfara’s recent recognition as the top-performing state in the North-West zone at the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge, an achievement credited to sustained investments in primary healthcare.

Dr Maradun thanked key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Acasus, International Rescue Committee, Premier Urgency International, and UNICEF, for their support. She urged continued collaboration to reduce complications during childbirth and rebuild community trust in the healthcare system.

The State WHO Coordinator, Dr Raji Mukhtar, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Zamfara Government and expressed readiness for further partnerships.

This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to lowering maternal and newborn mortality rates in Zamfara, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge in many rural areas.

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NewsHealthWomen in Nigeria

Osun Community Declares End to Female Genital Mutilation, Pledges to Report Offenders

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The people of Akinlalu community in Osun State have publicly declared their total abandonment of female genital mutilation (FGM) and vowed to report anyone found practising or promoting it to law enforcement agencies.

The historic declaration was made on Thursday during a well-attended public event organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Speaking on behalf of the community, the traditional ruler, Oba Israel Oluwabusola, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, announced the collective decision to end the harmful traditional practice.

“As the monarch of this town, I have consulted widely with my people and we have all agreed to completely stop the practice of female genital mutilation in Akinlalu,” Oba Oluwabusola said.

“We will continue to collaborate with the NGO, health officials, and security agencies to ensure that no one engages in this harmful act. Anyone caught will be promptly handed over to the appropriate authorities,” he added.

The monarch attributed past adherence to the practice to ignorance of its severe health consequences, including complications that can lead to stillbirths.

“Our forefathers did not know that many of the problems we faced, including stillbirths, were caused by FGM. Now that we are aware of the dangers, we are committed to protecting our daughters,” he stated.

He urged residents to spread the message throughout the community, emphasising that education and awareness are key to ensuring future generations live healthier lives.

Fatima Idris, Programme Officer at Action Health Incorporated, described the declaration as a significant milestone in the fight against FGM in Osun State.

Mrs Mary Bifarin, founder of Mary Care Foundation – a community-based partner organisation – praised the inclusive approach of the sensitisation programme.

“We ensured that the monarch, chiefs, religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian faiths, and the entire community were fully involved. Today’s public declaration sends a clear message that Akinlalu is no longer a place where female genital mutilation will be tolerated,” she said.

The Akinlalu declaration is part of broader ongoing efforts in Osun State to eradicate FGM. Recently, AHI, with support from UNFPA and in partnership with the Osun State Ministry of Education, trained adolescent students from five secondary schools in Ilesa on comprehensive sexuality education, with a strong focus on the dangers of FGM and the importance of reproductive health rights.

Community leaders and health advocates have hailed the development as a powerful example of how tradition can evolve when armed with knowledge, unity, and commitment to the well-being of the girl child.

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Health

Breast Cancer: Polaris Bank and C.O.P.E Celebrate 30 Years of Saving Lives and Empowering Women

by Women Times on

The Care. Organization. Public. Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) marked three decades of transformative work in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with a heartfelt celebration held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together healthcare experts, survivors, donors, and corporate allies, with Polaris Bank, the organization’s longstanding partner and key sponsor taking center stage in commemorating this significant milestone.

In his address, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, reflected on his first encounter with founder Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, praising her as “a passionate visionary whose dedication has revolutionized breast health in Nigeria.” He highlighted that C.O.P.E has grown into a national force, offering free monthly breast screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial aid to women in need.

“Over the past ten years, Nigeria has seen remarkable improvements in breast cancer survival rates, thanks to early detection and ongoing education,” Professor Osagie stated. “We are also now importing breast prosthetics for women post-mastectomy, available at the C.O.P.E Centre, to help restore confidence and comfort.” He announced plans to establish a permanent C.O.P.E Centre featuring screening facilities, a conference hall, and accommodation for women undergoing treatment or recovery.

Founder and CEO Mrs. Ebunola Anozie shared an emotional reflection on how personal loss fueled her lifelong mission. “C.O.P.E was born from grief but transformed into a purpose that endures,” she said. “Starting as a modest awareness campaign in 1995, we’ve grown into a national movement educating millions and saving countless lives through early detection. Our next goal is to have a dedicated centre,a sanctuary of hope, healing, and care for every woman.”

She expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and other partners whose unwavering support has sustained and expanded C.O.P.E’s life-saving work through the years.

A poignant highlight was the heartfelt testimony of Mrs. Agatha Obi, a breast cancer survivor who found hope through C.O.P.E. “In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced a mastectomy,” she recalled. “It was overwhelming. But through C.O.P.E, I found community, courage, and hope. Thirteen years later, I am alive and thriving, grateful for the support I received during my darkest days.”

Representing Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi delivered a message of ongoing commitment, affirming the bank’s pride in partnering with C.O.P.E. She stated:

“Reaching 30 years of dedicated service and advocacy is a remarkable achievement. C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope, resilience, and societal impact. At Polaris Bank, we remain committed to supporting the fight against breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and continuous care. Together, we will empower women, strengthen families, and uplift communities.”

Mrs. Oluyadi praised the C.O.P.E team for their unwavering dedication to public enlightenment and healthcare access, promising that Polaris Bank will continue to champion initiatives that save lives and promote national well-being.

The celebration concluded with renewed pledges from partners and donors to support C.O.P.E’s vision of establishing a permanent Centre, a symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.

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NewsHealthSpecial Report

Wearing padded bras may cause nipple dryness, say experts

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In the quest for the perfect silhouette, millions of women worldwide turn to padded bras for that seamless, confidence-boosting lift. But what if the very padding designed to smooth and conceal is quietly wreaking havoc on one of the body’s most sensitive areas?

Experts are sounding the alarm: prolonged use of padded bras could be contributing to nipple dryness, irritation, and long-term discomfort, urging a rethink on everyday lingerie choices.

The warning comes amid growing awareness of how everyday undergarments interact with delicate skin. Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that while padded bras offer aesthetic benefits, like preventing nipple show-through on thin fabrics, they can trap moisture and create friction against the nipples. “The added layers can reduce airflow, leading to dryness, chafing, or even exacerbated conditions like eczema in prone individuals,” she notes. This isn’t just anecdotal; medical sources corroborate that ill-fitting or overly restrictive bras, including padded varieties, are a common culprit for nipple soreness and dryness, especially during hormonal shifts or in dry climates.

At the heart of the issue is biology meets fashion. Nipples, rich in nerve endings and sebaceous glands, rely on natural oils and ventilation to stay hydrated. Padded bras, often made with synthetic foams and fabrics, can disrupt this balance by compressing tissue and limiting breathability. A recent health advisory in Nigeria highlighted this exact concern, quoting experts who link constant padding to not just dryness but potential sagging from undue pressure on breast tissues.a00830 “It’s like wearing a cozy sweater on a summer day—comfortable at first, but it builds up heat and irritation over time,” adds Dr. Ayesha Haque, another dermatology specialist.

The ripple effects extend beyond aesthetics. Women report itchy, cracked skin that worsens with sweat or hormonal cycles, sometimes mimicking symptoms of thrush or contact dermatitis.

For active individuals, the problem intensifies during workouts, where motion amplifies chafing. Fitness enthusiasts on forums like Reddit echo this frustration, with many ditching padding for lighter alternatives to avoid the “pokey” discomfort that backfires into dryness. Even broader risks lurk: some padded bras contain trace chemicals like formaldehyde, flagged as potential irritants or carcinogens by consumer watchdogs, though regulators maintain they’re safe in low doses.

Not all experts agree on the severity, some, like lingerie designer Lily Flast of Soutien NYC, argue that well-fitted padded bras are harmless for most and preferable to chafing from unpadded options.

However, the consensus leans toward moderation. “Rotate your bras and prioritize cotton or moisture-wicking materials,” advises the Cleveland Clinic, recommending over-the-counter lanolin creams or petroleum jelly for relief. For those with persistent issues, a dermatologist visit is key to rule out underlying conditions.

As lingerie brands race to innovate, think seamless, ventilated paddings and eco-friendly foams consumers are empowered to demand better. Sarah Thompson, a 32-year-old marketing executive from Lagos, swapped her daily padded routine for wireless alternatives six months ago. “My nipples haven’t felt this soft in years,” she shares. “It’s a small change with big payoffs.”

This story serves as a gentle nudge: comfort isn’t just about the fit—it’s about listening to your skin. Next time you reach for that padded push-up, pause and ask: Is it lifting you up, or holding you back?

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NewsHealth

Ogun State Commits to Empowering 10,000 Rural Girls with Free Sanitary Pads Initiative

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to distribute free sanitary pads to 10,000 girls in rural communities across the state in a bold step toward tackling period poverty and promoting menstrual hygiene

The initiative, unveiled today by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aims to ensure that adolescent girls in underserved areas can attend school without the burden of menstrual challenges.

The program, dubbed “Pad for Every Girl,” will target secondary school students in remote local government areas, including Ifo, Ado-Odo/Ota, and Yewa North, where access to affordable hygiene products remains a significant barrier. Officials estimate that the distribution will commence in early December, with partnerships from local NGOs and health organizations to facilitate logistics and education sessions on menstrual health.

“This is more than just providing pads; it’s about breaking the cycle of absenteeism and stigma that affects our girls’ education and future,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. “In Ogun State, we believe every girl deserves dignity and opportunity. By addressing this basic need, we’re investing in healthier, more empowered communities.”

The announcement comes amid growing national conversations on menstrual equity in Nigeria, where economic pressures have driven up the cost of sanitary products, now averaging ₦500–₦800 per pack in many markets. Studies from organizations like UNICEF indicate that one in four girls in rural Nigeria misses school during their periods due to lack of supplies, contributing to higher dropout rates among female students.

This government-led effort builds on previous NGO-driven campaigns in the state. For instance, the Pamilerin Foundation’s “Give A Girl Child A Pad” initiative distributed 12,000 pads in Ogun in 2022, while more recent programs by groups like Padbank have reached thousands through school outreaches in Lagos and Ogun.

However, state officials emphasized that the scale of this new program, reaching 10,000 beneficiaries marks a significant escalation, with a budget allocation of ₦50 million from the state’s social welfare fund.

During the launch event at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, beneficiaries from pilot schools shared testimonials. “Before, I would stay home for days every month because we couldn’t afford pads. Now, I can focus on my studies,” said 14-year-old Fatima Adebayo from a rural school in Ijebu-Ode.

The initiative will also include workshops on reusable pad alternatives and hygiene practices, in collaboration with health experts, to foster long-term sustainability.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, hailed the program as a cornerstone of the state’s gender equity agenda, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Advocates praise the move but call for nationwide replication. “Ogun’s commitment sets a precedent. Federal support could amplify this to millions,” noted Chioma Okoro, executive director of a Lagos-based women’s rights NGO.

As distributions roll out, the state anticipates measurable impacts: reduced school absenteeism, lower infection rates from poor hygiene, and boosted confidence among rural girls.

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Health

Walk for Her: Women in Advertising Leads Industry-Wide Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

by Women Times on

 

Women in Advertising (WIA), an initiative of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), has taken a proactive stance on health advocacy by successfully launching the “Walk for Her” Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Lagos. Held in observance of World Cancer Day, the event united the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry in a collective effort to fight breast cancer.

Organized by WIA in partnership with sectoral groups including the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), the Media Independents Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the walk showcased the industry’s commitment to leveraging creativity and communication for public health advocacy.

Participants embarked on a three-hour walk covering key areas such as Ikeja GRA, Opebi, Oregun, and Agidingbi, culminating at the AAAN Secretariat in Alausa. The route, passing through vital parts of Ikeja, served as a powerful reminder that the fight against breast cancer must be active, inclusive, and ongoing.

Beyond symbolic visibility, the event provided tangible benefits, offering free breast cancer screenings to 200 participants, hosting expert-led discussions on early detection and care, and facilitating interactive sessions on preventive practices. The initiative seamlessly combined advocacy with community service, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention.

Oluwaseyi Layade, Chairperson of Women in Advertising, described the initiative as personal and purpose-driven. She highlighted that breast cancer impacts many women and stressed that early detection saves lives. Layade emphasized that the walk was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a strategic movement to empower women, normalize breast cancer conversations, and inspire community action. She expressed gratitude for sector-wide support and reaffirmed WIA’s commitment to sustaining these efforts through partnerships, survivor stories, and outreach programs.

In his remarks, Lanre Adisa, President of AAAN and Chair of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), recognized the significance of the initiative. He praised the WIA leadership for organizing the walk and urged the industry to embrace its role in fostering healthier communities. To ensure the initiative’s longevity, he recommended establishing a working committee tasked with developing a long-term strategy for collaboration, client engagement, and public education.

Other industry leaders joined the call for a healthier Nigeria, including Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN; Adeola Odesanya, President of WOHAN and OAAN Executive Council Member; Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of MIPAN; Onome Odili, Chair of NIMN Ikeja; Roseline Abaraonye, Assistant Secretary of NIMN Ikeja; and Eunice Braimah, Vice Chairman of Women in Advertising. Together, they pledged to partner with NGOs, health organizations, and stakeholders to sustain and amplify the fight against breast cancer.

The “Walk for Her” initiative has set a new standard for industry collaboration—merging creativity, communication, and compassion toward a common goal. More than a one-day event, it marks the beginning of a sustained movement. Future activities include webinars, survivor storytelling sessions, NGO partnerships, and digital outreach to keep the message alive.

As participants marched under the pink banner of hope through Lagos, one message rang clear: the IMC industry is committed not only to building brands but also to building a healthier future for all.

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