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

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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

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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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HealthLifestyle

Nigerian-Born US Nurse Urges Free Annual Cancer Screenings for All Nigerians

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By Prosper Mene 

A US-based Nigerian nurse practitioner and oncology researcher, Edith Declan, has urged the Federal Government to provide free annual preventive health screenings to every citizen, emphasizing that early detection and prevention are the most effective and affordable strategies to curb cancer deaths in Nigeria.

Speaking from her position as a clinical translational research and community engagement nurse practitioner at Texas Southern University (TSU), Declan highlighted the lack of structured preventive healthcare and public awareness as major barriers to cancer control in the country.

“The first step in the cancer management continuum is prevention,” she said. “Our environment is filled with carcinogens in food, water, and air. We must start with awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes—areas where government policy can have the greatest impact.”

Declan, a former oncology nurse with five years of experience, advocates making prevention the cornerstone of Nigeria’s cancer strategy. She proposes a national health card system entitling all citizens to free annual screenings, including prostate-specific antigen tests for men, mammograms and cervical cancer screenings for women.

“Early detection saves lives and reduces costs,” she stressed, noting that Nigeria’s cancer burden is exacerbated by delayed diagnoses and the absence of evidence-based policies.

Rather than creating new infrastructure, Declan recommends strengthening existing oncology institutes and research centers. She also called for partnerships with global pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Moderna, GSK, and Sanofi to conduct local cancer research. “These companies are eager to collaborate if invited,” she added.

Declan’s expertise stems from her focus on breast and prostate cancer prevention. She is leading a $2 million grant-funded program in Texas, offering free breast cancer screenings to 2,400 women and health education to 15,000 over three years. She plans to replicate this model in Nigeria soon, introducing free screenings for breast, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers alongside awareness campaigns.

“Cancer is enormous and multidimensional, affecting patients physically, mentally, and financially,” Declan said. “Without insurance, treatment is devastating. It often leads to depression and anxiety.”

She pinpointed modifiable risk factors driving Nigeria’s cancer rates, including excessive alcohol, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, smoking, and high-sugar foods. “Nigerians’ love for sugary drinks, fatty foods, and even high-glycemic staples like rice, combined with environmental hazards, multiplies the risks,” she warned.

Declan also criticized the scarcity of reliable medical and genetic data in Nigeria, which hinders identifying hereditary risks. “Many don’t know their family history and attribute cancer to witchcraft. Genetics plays a huge role—if a first-degree relative had cancer, your risk rises significantly.”

As founder of Penn Health Institute and a former educator who trained over 1,000 nursing students, Declan integrates data-driven research into her teaching and community outreach. “I teach nurses evidence-based decision-making in class and healthier living in the field,” she explained.

Urging a shift from treatment-focused spending, she said: “Treatment is costly and inaccessible to most. Prevention is cheaper and saves more lives—it’s the smartest government investment.”

For aspiring oncology nurses, Declan advised: “Know your ‘why.’ It’s emotionally demanding, patients can deteriorate rapidly but the fulfillment from making a difference is immense.”

Declan, a global advocate for cancer awareness, remains committed to her homeland. “Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With awareness, screening, and lifestyle changes, we can drastically reduce deaths in Nigeria.”

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NewsHealth

Katsina First Lady Calls for United Front Against Polio: “Every Child Deserves Protection

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By Prosper Mene 

October 24, 2025 –

Hajiya Zulaihat Radda, the First Lady of Katsina State, has rallied residents, community leaders, and health stakeholders to unite in the fight to eradicate polio once and for all. Speaking at a high-level media dialogue on immunization organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Katsina State Government, she emphasized that collective action is the only path to a polio-free future for the state’s children.

“Polio is not just a health challenge; it’s a threat to our children’s dreams and our shared prosperity,” Hajiya Radda declared. “We must all play our part—parents, fathers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media—to ensure no child is left behind. Vaccines are free, safe, and our greatest weapon. Let us commit today to a Katsina where every family thrives without fear of this preventable disease.”

The event, held in the state capital, focused on the upcoming Integrated October Polio Vaccination Campaign, which aims to reach at least 4.8 million children aged 9 months to 14 years with measles-rubella vaccines and 2.3 million under-fives with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). This initiative comes as Katsina remains one of Nigeria’s “Axis of Intractable Transmission” states, grappling with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). Earlier this year, the state reported 16 cases across five local government areas, underscoring the urgency of intensified efforts.

Hajiya Radda’s remarks built on her ongoing advocacy, including a December 2024 gender mainstreaming program that engaged men’s groups like “Majalisar Riga-kafi” to boost immunization rates. UNICEF Kano Field Office Chief Rahama Farah, who addressed the dialogue, praised the First Lady’s leadership, noting that her involvement has been pivotal in targeting over 45% fully immunized children by year’s end. “With partners like the First Lady, we’re not just vaccinating, we’re transforming communities,” Farah said. “The governor’s support and these male involvement strategies will help us end transmission and close the zero-dose gap.”

Health experts at the forum highlighted operational challenges, such as security issues in hard-to-reach areas like Batsari LGA, where 98% of recent cases originated. World Health Organization (WHO) representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting door-to-door campaigns and directly observed oral polio vaccination (DOOPV) to reach every eligible child. “Nigeria is close to certification as polio-free, but Katsina’s role is critical,” said WHO State Coordinator Dr. Abdulnasir Adamu. “Through relentless outreach, we’re ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, aligning with our triple billion targets.”

The First Lady’s call loudens broader African initiatives, where first ladies have historically championed polio eradication, from the 2015 African Union pledge to recent continent-wide summits. In Katsina, her efforts are part of a multi-pronged strategy: community sensitization, media mobilization, and accountability measures to reduce missed children, a persistent hurdle identified in past studies, where non-compliance rates once hovered near 50%.

While the vaccination campaign kicks off, officials urge parents to present children at designated posts and dispel myths about vaccine safety. “This is our moment,” Hajiya Radda concluded. “Together, we can vaccinate our way to victory and build a healthier Katsina for generations to come.”

 

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Health

Revolutionizing Healthcare Access: AXA Mansard Introduces Digital, Installment-Based Health Insurance

by Women Times on

In a significant stride to improve healthcare accessibility across Nigeria, AXA Mansard Health Limited has introduced a fully digital health insurance product featuring flexible monthly payment options. This innovative offering allows customers to spread their premiums over up to 10 months, replacing the traditional single annual payment and making health coverage more affordable for millions of Nigerians.

Designed to meet Nigerians where they are, the new product eliminates common financial and procedural barriers that have historically hindered access to quality healthcare. The solution is entirely digital, enabling seamless onboarding and management through an intuitive, mobile-friendly platform.

“Health insurance shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a lifeline,” said Mrs. Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer at AXA Mansard. “With our extended solution, we’ve simplified the journey. Nigerians can now access the protection they need—anytime, anywhere—without the burden of a large upfront payment. It’s affordable, flexible, and accessible.”

Addressing a key challenge in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape—low insurance penetration due to cost and accessibility—the new offering aims to reach a broader demographic, including students, artisans, young families, and professionals. By removing paperwork and incorporating digital onboarding, AXA Mansard is bringing innovation to the market and empowering more Nigerians to prioritize their health.

“This isn’t just another health insurance product; it’s a gateway to quality healthcare that everyone can afford,” Mrs. Surakat added. “Customers can choose from tailored plans that suit their income and health needs. The platform’s user-friendly design ensures a quick, seamless experience.”

Nigerians can explore and enroll in the new health insurance plans easily online by visiting [https://www.axamansard.com/health/plans-details](https://www.axamansard.com/health/plans-details).

 

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