Health - Women Times

AXA Mansard Health Pledges Enhanced Service Delivery, Customer-Centric Approach at South-West Providers’ Forum

by Women Times on May 1, 2025

AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare to its millions of customers nationwide.

During the recent South-West Provider Forum held in Ibadan, CEO Tope Adeniyi emphasized that the event underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure affordable, accessible, and high-quality medical services across Nigeria.

Adeniyi explained that the forum serves as a platform for AXA Mansard Health to engage with its providers and explore innovative ways to enhance patient care. “At AXA Mansard Health, our core value is putting the customer first. This isn’t just a slogan—it’s the guiding principle behind everything we do, from product development and process improvements to CSR initiatives. We are built on protecting what matters most to our customers, and it’s through our providers—hospitals, clinics, labs—that this value is realized. Today’s gathering is about strengthening these partnerships to ensure our customers receive the best healthcare possible,” he stated.

He further highlighted, “Our customers always come first, followed closely by our providers. Maintaining this model will keep us at the forefront of healthcare in Nigeria. Our vision is to expand our reach across the country, bringing premium healthcare services to every Nigerian, because they deserve it. These forums are vital for building strong collaborations with our providers, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.”

Since its inception, the forum series has been held in major cities, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Ibadan, and Abuja, over the past four months. It reflects AXA Mansard Health’s commitment to bridging the healthcare gap and making quality services accessible beyond Nigeria’s urban centers. This nationwide approach fosters collaboration, sharing best practices, and addressing the distinct healthcare challenges faced across different regions.

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant hurdles, with just about 4.08% of GDP allocated to health and a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:10,000—far below the WHO recommendation of 1:600. Rural areas often experience limited access and higher out-of-pocket costs, underscoring the importance of initiatives like this Providers’ Forum to improve healthcare delivery for all Nigerians.

AXA Mansard Health remains committed to enhancing its offerings and the overall healthcare experience through these engagements. The company plans to host future forums in the Southeast region, further demonstrating its dedication to ensuring quality healthcare is within reach for every Nigerian.

“As we look toward 2025, the insights and feedback from these forums will be instrumental in shaping our strategies to improve customer experience and expand access to quality healthcare across Nigeria,” Adeniyi concluded.

Health Uncategorized

UNICEF Donates 1.4 Million Polio Vaccines to Adamawa, Aiding Women and Children’s Healthh

by Women Times on April 17, 2025

By Prosper Mene, 18 April 2025

In effects to eradicate polio in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1.433 million doses of polio vaccines to the Adamawa State government. This generous contribution, announced on April 17, 2025, targets children aged 0 to 59 months in an upcoming immunization campaign, reinforcing the state’s efforts to protect its youngest citizens from the crippling disease. Beyond its immediate goal of polio eradication, this initiative carries profound benefits for women in Adamawa, empowering them through improved child health, reduced caregiving burdens, and enhanced opportunities for personal and community development.

Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, can lead to irreversible paralysis, particularly in young children. Adamawa, like many regions in northern Nigeria, has faced challenges in achieving universal immunization coverage due to logistical barriers and socio-economic constraints. UNICEF’s donation addresses these gaps by ensuring a robust supply of vaccines, enabling health workers to reach even the most remote communities. The campaign will involve door-to-door vaccinations and community health outreaches, ensuring that every eligible child is protected.

For women in Adamawa, this initiative is a transformative step forward. Mothers, grandmothers, and female caregivers bear the primary responsibility for nurturing young children, including those affected by polio-related disabilities. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of caring for a child with polio can be immense, limiting women’s ability to engage in income-generating activities, education, or community leadership. By preventing polio through widespread immunization, UNICEF’s donation alleviates these burdens, freeing women to pursue opportunities that enhance their economic independence and social empowerment.

Moreover, the campaign creates ripple effects for women’s health and agency. Immunization drives often serve as platforms for health education, where women learn about childcare, nutrition, and disease prevention. These interactions strengthen community health networks, many of which are led by female health workers and volunteers. In Adamawa, where women make up a significant portion of the community health workforce, such initiatives amplify their visibility and influence, fostering leadership and advocacy for broader gender equality.

Adamawa’s health authorities have expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s support, noting that the vaccines will bolster routine immunization programs and strengthen the state’s health infrastructure. For women, this means not only healthier children but also a more resilient healthcare system that supports their families’ well-being.

News Health Women in Nigeria

Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigerian Women on the Frontlines as Caregivers Demand Support.

by Women Times on April 1, 2025

By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria grapples with a deadly Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed 118 lives in the first three months of 2025, women in affected communities are emerging as the unsung heroes, and unintended victims, of this public health crisis. With 645 confirmed cases reported across 33 states by March 31, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), women, often the primary caregivers in households, are bearing the brunt of the disease’s toll, particularly in hard-hit areas like Kano.

The outbreak, which has a case fatality rate of 18.3%, has exposed deep-seated gender dynamics in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. Women like Amina Yusuf, a 38-year-old mother of four from Kano, have found themselves thrust into the role of caregiver as family members fall ill. “My husband caught the fever last month, and I’ve been nursing him day and night,” Amina said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “There’s no one else to do it. But the clinics are far, and we don’t have enough medicine or information to keep us safe.”

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents or bodily fluids, thrives in Nigeria’s dry season, peaking between November and April. The NCDC reports that 3,465 suspected cases have swept through 91 local government areas this year, with Kano among the regions sounding the alarm. For women, the risk is twofold: caring for the sick exposes them to infection, while limited access to medical resources heightens their vulnerability.

Dr. Fatima Bello, a public health expert in Kano, emphasized the gendered impact. “Women are the backbone of caregiving in our communities, yet they’re often the last to receive protective equipment or education about prevention,” she said. “This outbreak is a wake-up call—we need targeted support for these women, from gloves and masks to awareness campaigns in local languages.”

The NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to 10 high-burden states, including Kano, and activated a national emergency operations center to coordinate efforts. Yet, challenges persist: delayed case detection, manpower shortages, and late hospital visits—often due to reliance on traditional remedies—continue to hamper containment. Of the 20 healthcare workers infected nationwide, many are women, underscoring the frontline risks they face.

In Kano’s markets and cramped homes, women like Amina are calling for change. “We need more help—more doctors, more supplies, and someone to tell us how to stop this,” she pleaded. Community leaders have echoed her plea, urging the government and private sector to bolster medical infrastructure and launch door-to-door education drives.

Health News Nigerian women Trending Uncategorized

Post-Mother’s Day Push: Activists Target Nigeria’s Skin-Lightening Crisis.

by Women Times on March 31, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt was more than a celebration of maternal love—it became a launchpad for a growing movement against Nigeria’s skin-lightening crisis. Today, March 31, activists report their efforts are gaining momentum, spurred by a women’s group that seized yesterday’s festivities to distribute “Love Your Skin” pamphlets, urging mothers to reject bleaching creams used by 77% of Nigerian women, according to World Health Organization data.

At a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Rivers Women Empowerment Network (RWEN) in the city’s Mile 1 district yesterday, volunteers handed out hundreds of flyers amid the singing of “Sweet Mother” and gift exchanges. The message was clear: embrace natural skin tones and protect the next generation from a practice linked to severe health risks like kidney damage and mercury poisoning. “Mothers shape our values—why not start with loving ourselves as we are?” said RWEN coordinator Blessing Amadi, speaking to reporters today..

The campaign struck a chord. By this morning, March 31, a viral video testimony from Chioma Nwankwo, a 39-year-old mother of three, had racked up over 50,000 views on Instagram. In the clip, recorded at yesterday’s event, Nwankwo shared how she quit bleaching creams two years ago after her daughters began asking why she “didn’t like her skin.” “I stopped for them—to show them beauty isn’t light skin,” she said, tearing up as the crowd cheered. Her story, hashtagged #LoveYourSkin, has since inspired local schools in Port Harcourt to schedule workshops for April, targeting both mothers and teens.

The skin-lightening crisis, declared a national health emergency by Nigeria’s drug agency in 2023, remains stubbornly entrenched, driven by cultural beauty standards favoring lighter complexions. The WHO’s 77% usage statistic—Africa’s highest—underscores the scale, with a 2025 BMJ study estimating thousands suffer from related health issues annually. Yesterday’s Mother’s Day push tapped into this urgency, framing mothers as key to breaking the cycle.

Today, RWEN reports that five secondary schools, including Government Girls’ Secondary School in Diobu, have committed to hosting “Love Your Skin” sessions, with plans to distribute educational kits funded by donations collected at the Mother’s Day event. “We raised N250,000 yesterday—enough to start,” Amadi said, noting the group aims to reach 1,000 students by mid-year.

For activists, Mother’s Day offered a rare spotlight. “Yesterday was about honoring moms—today, it’s about empowering them to change Nigeria,” Amadi said. As the campaign rolls forward, this post-Mother’s Day push could mark a turning point in the battle against a pervasive health and cultural crisis.

Health

Workplace Wellness Takes Centre Stage in AXA’s Mind Health Report 2025

by Women Times on March 26, 2025

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a leading insurance provider in Nigeria, has unveiled its AXA Mind Health Report 2025, a detailed study that highlights the pressing need for mental health awareness in the workplace and among young individuals.

Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, General Counsel and Human Resource Director at AXA Mansard, explained that the Mind Health Report is part of the company’s ongoing effort to promote mental well-being and combat stigma through comprehensive strategies.

“The global mental health scenario remains concerning, with many individuals grappling with mental health issues,” Adewusi remarked. “This fifth edition of our report reveals alarming trends among youth and also examines how workplace environments can either bolster or hinder mental health.”

The findings of the report shed light on the mental health challenges faced by young adults and employees. Notably, it reveals that 44% of young adults aged 18-24 are currently dealing with mental health conditions, with excessive social media usage and financial uncertainty cited as leading factors. Furthermore, work-related stressors, such as overwhelming workloads, tight deadlines, and insufficient work-life balance, continue to be significant challenges for employees.

Adewusi stressed the necessity of prioritizing mental health within organizational structures, stating, “Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, and companies must adopt policies that support their workforce.”

At AXA, this commitment is embodied in the We Care Programme, which offers employees benefits like flexible working hours, access to professional counseling, monthly health workshops, a supportive work environment, and extended leave options for caregivers and new parents.

“The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to tackle mental health challenges, both at work and among youth. We urge business leaders, government bodies, and other stakeholders to cultivate a wellness culture that supports individuals in achieving their full potential,” she added.

Conducted in partnership with IPSOS, the 2025 study surveyed 17,000 respondents across 16 countries in an effort to identify and address mental health and wellness issues in today’s society.

News Beauty Health Trending

Skin-Lightening Crisis: Nigerian Mothers Speak Out on Child Bleaching Risks.

by Women Times on March 25, 2025

By Prosper Mene

Skin bleaching, A growing public health crisis unfolding in Nigeria as the widespread use of skin-lightening products, often applied to children by their own parents, sparks alarm among medical experts and regretful mothers. In a country where lighter skin is frequently equated with beauty, success, and social privilege, the practice of “bleaching” has reached alarming levels, with devastating consequences for the youngest and most vulnerable.

Fatima, a mother of six from Kano, recently shared her harrowing experience with the BBC, detailing how her decision to use skin-lightening creams on her children—ranging in age from two to 16—left them with burns, scars, and lasting social stigma. “My sister gave birth to light-skinned children, but mine were darker,” Fatima explained. “I noticed my mother favored my sister’s kids because of their skin tone, and it hurt me. I just wanted my children to be loved too.” She purchased unregulated creams from a local supermarket and applied them diligently, unaware of the harm they would cause. Initially, her efforts seemed to work—her mother warmed to the children—but the physical toll soon became undeniable.

Fatima’s story is not an isolated case. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products regularly, the highest rate in Africa. Experts estimate that a significant number of these women extend the practice to their children, some as young as infants, driven by cultural pressures and a belief that fair skin offers better opportunities. In Nigeria, where colonial legacies and modern media often glorify lighter complexions, the demand for these products has fueled a billion-dollar industry—one that operates with little oversight.

Dr. Isima Sobande, a Lagos-based dermatologist, recalls her shock at encountering a two-month-old infant covered in boils after his mother applied a mixture of steroid cream and shea butter to lighten his skin. “It’s distressing,” Sobande told AFP. “For many Nigerians, this is seen as a standard procedure, a gateway to beauty and success. It’s a mindset that has eaten deep into society.” She warns that the chemicals commonly found in these products—hydroquinone, steroids, mercury, and lead—can cause severe health issues, including skin cancer, kidney damage, and developmental deformities in children.

The risks are compounded by the lack of regulation. In bustling markets across cities like Kano and Lagos, vendors openly mix and sell potent concoctions, often exceeding safe chemical limits. A recent BBC investigation revealed salesmen adding excessive amounts of kojic acid—a skin-lightening agent—to creams intended for babies, with customers requesting products to make their children “glow” or “radiant.” Many of these transactions occur without prescriptions or awareness of approved dosages, despite efforts by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to crack down on the trade.

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, a NAFDAC director, acknowledges the challenges. “We’re raiding markets and seizing ingredients at borders, but some are transported in unlabeled containers,” he said. “Without lab testing, it’s hard to identify what’s inside.” In February 2023, NAFDAC’s director general, Moji Adeyeye, declared skin-lightening a “national health emergency,” citing links to diabetes, hypertension, and organ toxicity. Yet, enforcement struggles to keep pace with demand.

For Fatima, the consequences of her actions are a lifelong burden. Her daughters, now 14 and 16, face discrimination, with peers mistaking their darkened knuckles—a common side effect of bleaching—for signs of drug use. “They point fingers and call them addicts,” she said. The scars on her children’s skin may fade, but the emotional wounds remain. After confiding in her mother, who apologized upon learning of the dangers, Fatima is now determined to warn others. “I’ll never forgive myself if their scars don’t heal,” she said. “I want parents to know the truth.”

Health advocates are calling for stricter regulations, public education campaigns, and a cultural shift to combat colorism—the root of this crisis. Dermatologist Dr. Olufolakemi Cole-Adeife has labeled the bleaching of children’s skin “child abuse,” urging lawmakers to criminalize the practice. “Children’s skin is thinner and absorbs more,” she warned. “You don’t want to be battling these side effects in someone under six.”

News Global women right Health

HIV Drug Shortage Threatens Nigerian Women as U.S. Aid Freeze Bites.

by Women Times on March 25, 2025

By Prosper Mene

A serious crisis looms over Nigeria’s healthcare system as a shortage of HIV drugs, triggered by a U.S. foreign aid freeze, threatens millions of lives, particularly women, who bear a disproportionate burden of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm this week, warning that Nigeria is among eight countries at risk of exhausting its supply of life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medicines in the coming months, a fallout from President Donald Trump’s January decision to pause aid funding.

In Nigeria, where nearly two million people live with HIV—ranking it second only to South Africa globally—women account for a significant portion of those affected. Health experts note that women, especially young girls and mothers, are more vulnerable due to social and economic factors, including limited access to education and healthcare. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s HIV response for over two decades, has been a lifeline, providing ARVs to millions. But with the aid freeze now in its third month, clinics are reporting empty shelves, and patients are being turned away.

“We’re seeing desperation,” said Dr. Amina Yusuf, a public health worker in Abuja. “Mothers come to me begging for drugs to keep their viral loads down—not just for themselves, but to protect their babies. Without these medicines, we’re risking a surge in mother-to-child transmission.”

The WHO estimates that disruptions could lead to over 10 million new HIV cases and three million deaths worldwide, with Nigeria poised to suffer heavily. “This could undo 20 years of progress,” warned WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference on March 18. For Nigeria, where HIV prevalence hovers around 1.9% and women are disproportionately affected, the stakes are dire..

The aid freeze, enacted on Trump’s first day back in office as part of a spending review, has slashed funding to PEPFAR and other programs, leaving Nigeria scrambling for alternatives. While a partial waiver was issued in late January to resume some “life-saving” assistance, confusion persists, and supplies remain stalled. “The waiver is a bandage on a gaping wound,” said Chukwudi Okeke, a Lagos-based health advocate. “We need consistent funding, not stopgap measures.”

Personal stories underscore the crisis. Grace, a 32-year-old single mother from Port Harcourt, told reporters she’s been without her ARVs for two weeks. “I don’t want to die,” she said, echoing fears voiced across the country. Health workers warn that interruptions in treatment could spike viral loads, increase transmission, and foster drug-resistant strains—setting back Nigeria’s fragile gains against the epidemic.

With economic growth offering hope elsewhere, this health emergency casts a shadow over the nation’s progress. The government faces mounting pressure to bridge the gap, but resources are thin. As the clock ticks, Nigerian women and their families hang in the balance, awaiting a resolution that may not come soon enough.

Health

Kebbi State Takes Bold Step: 100 Disabled Women Enrolled in Health Insurance Scheme

by Women Times on March 15, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In a bold move to enhance healthcare access and promote inclusivity, the Kebbi State Government has enrolled 100 women with disabilities into the Kebbi State Contributory Health Management Agency (KECHEMA). The initiative, announced on Saturday, marks a significant stride toward addressing the health disparities faced by one of Nigeria’s most underserved populations.

The enrollment ceremony, held earlier today in Birnin Kebbi, saw state officials and community leaders gather to celebrate the milestone. The 100 beneficiaries, selected from various communities across the state, will now have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services through KECHEMA, a state-run insurance program designed to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.

“This is about dignity and equity,” said a senior official from the Kebbi State Ministry of Health, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These women have faced barriers to healthcare for too long—physical, financial, and social. Today, we’re breaking down those walls.

The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with significant healthcare challenges, particularly for people with disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs due to poverty, stigma, and inaccessible facilities. For women, these challenges are often compounded by gender-based inequalities, making Kebbi’s targeted intervention a beacon of hope.

Local observers have hailed the move as a step in the right direction. Amina Suleiman, a disability rights activist based in Kebbi, told reporters, “This isn’t just about insurance; it’s about recognizing these women as equal citizens with rights. We hope this sets a precedent for other states to follow.”

The enrolled women, ranging in age and disability type, expressed gratitude and relief. Fatima Usman, a 34-year-old mother of two who lost her sight five years ago, shared her story: “I’ve struggled to afford treatment for myself and my children. Now, I feel like I have a safety net. It’s a new beginning.”

KECHEMA officials noted that the program covers a wide range of services, including maternal care, routine checkups, and treatment for chronic conditions—services that are critical for women with disabilities who often face higher health risks. The state government has pledged to monitor the initiative’s impact and explore expanding coverage to more vulnerable groups.

While the move has been widely praised, some observers are calling for greater transparency on funding and sustainability. “It’s a commendable start, but we need details on how this will be maintained long-term,” said Dr. Ibrahim Garba, a public health analyst in Sokoto. “The success of this program could inspire national policy if it’s backed by solid planning.

Health

World Health Day 2025: WHO to Spotlight Women And Babies’ Survival

by Women Times on February 24, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially announced the theme of World Health Day 2025, Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, which will focus on improving maternal and newborn health and survival.

World Health Day is marked around the world on 7^th April, the anniversary of WHO’s founding in 1948. Each year, it draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.

“The focus of this campaign comes at a crucial moment, aiming to help countries regain lost progress while showcasing new research and evidence that will enhance the health of women and babies globally,” said Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO. “As rollbacks to humanitarian assistance jeopardize a critical lifeline for millions, it will also be an opportunity to step up support and collaboration for global health – and deliver hope to those in urgent need of lifesaving care.”

Helping every woman and baby survive and thrive

According to the most recent estimates, close to 300 000 women lose their life due to pregnancy or childbirth each year; over 2 million babies die in their first month of life, and around 2 million more are stillborn. This is roughly 1 preventable death every 7 seconds – losses which bring tremendous sadness and heartache to millions of families around the world.

While maternal and newborn deaths occur in all regions, the vast majority are in the poorest countries and those facing conflict and other crises. When health care facilities close, facilities are attacked, access routes denied or supplies disrupted, pregnant women and babies – who need regular access to health services – face severe, often life-threatening risks.

Based on current trends, a staggering 4 out of 5 countries are off track to meet the United Nations’ global targets for improving maternal survival by 2030; 1 in 3 will fail to meet targets for reducing newborn deaths. Current funding constraints could further jeopardize progress, as many programmes providing critical health services have stalled alongside important medical research focused on pregnant and breastfeeding women and children.

This year’s campaign, which will run until 2026, will urge governments, donors and the health community to invest in proven, high-impact interventions, as part of efforts to improve overall quality of care. These include pregnancy related services to detect complications and lifesaving emergency obstetrics – noting that the vast majority of maternal and newborn deaths happen during or shortly after birth – as well as special care for small and preterm babies. Complications relating to prematurity are now the leading cause of death of children under-5 worldwide.

WHO will also highlight the evolving need for health systems to address the many underlying health issues that impact maternal and newborn health. These include not only direct obstetric complications but also mental health conditions, malnutrition (including under and overnutrition as well as nutritional deficiencies), and an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases.

Listening to women and supporting families

Moving beyond actions to save lives, the campaign will urge increased global attention to women’s longer-term health and well-being. This includes advocating for laws and policies that safeguard their health and rights, such as paid maternity leave and other critical employment protections, and access to vital family planning services.

“It is not sufficient that women survive childbirth, they must also be able to enjoy their lives in good health,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO. “Women and girls everywhere need access to health providers who listen to their concerns and meet their needs, while ensuring they can plan their fertility, take charge of their futures, and protect their health.”

Efforts are also needed to address the particular risks of climate change for pregnant women and newborns, as evidence shows an association between higher temperatures and preterm births, stillbirth, hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as infant mortality.

An investment, not a cost

In low- and middle-income countries, every US$1 invested in maternal and newborn health is estimated to yield around US$9 to 20 in return. Evidence shows that spending on maternal and newborn health leads to economic development and happier, healthier societies.

Around the world, WHO is supporting essential maternal and newborn health programmes including through:

Intensive support to 55 countries through the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere initiative, which is working to expand access to lifesaving emergency obstetric and newborn care units, family planning and other critical services;
Guidance relating to diverse aspects of maternal and newborn health through pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. New recommendations will be published later this year to help clinicians manage postpartum haemorrhage, one of the world’s leading causes of maternal deaths, and noncommunicable diseases in pregnancy;
Research to improve clinical care options for pregnant women and newborns, including during epidemics when it is critical to ensure high-risk populations are not left behind;
Ensuring maternity and newborn care during humanitarian emergencies, like mobile clinics and health posts in Syria and Sudan, where millions of women and babies would otherwise miss out on lifesaving medical screenings, vaccinations and treatments.
Support for health workers providing essential care to pregnant women and babies, such as efforts to strengthen the vital role of midwives within health systems through training, accreditation and related guidance.

Get involved

Here’s what you can do to support the campaign

Spread awareness: share information about the campaign using #HopefulFutures and #HealthForAll;
Participate: attend our global events to learn more about what it will take to end maternal and newborn mortality; organize your own local activities;
Donate: contribute to the WHO Foundation, which supports WHO’s work to protect mothers and babies in countries around the world;
Share personal experiences: Across its platforms, WHO will be launching new content to help women share birth stories and lived experiences from around the world, and to thank those who provide quality care.

Health

AXA Mansard Health Employees Partner with LUTH to Donate Blood

by Women Times on February 24, 2025

Nigeria’s leading Health Insurance Company, AXA Mansard Health has partnered with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LUTH to donate over 250 pints of blood.

According to the insurance firm, this was done under the company volunteering programme, tagged AXA Hearts in Action, the initiative saw more than 100 employee of AXA donate blood during the drive.

AXA Hearts in Action (AHIA), is AXA’s global programme aimed at contributing to positive societal and environmental impacts through employee volunteering, and expertise related financial support and in-kind donations.

“Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future.

We share our time, knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters through initiatives like this”, said the Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard, Rashidat Adebisi.

Adebisi said the blood drive is a shining example of the philosophy in action, where collective contributions serve as a reminder that true impact often involves giving more than just money. It’s about putting one’s heart in action – an idea embedded in AXA’s corporate culture”.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health Limited, Tope Adeniyi, said With hospitals frequently experiencing blood shortages, events like these serve as a lifeline for patients in need.

However, “We are proud to contribute to the local healthcare sector and provide much-needed support to hospitals such as LUTH, ensuring that they have resources essential to saving lives.”

The Head of Corporate Services and Public Relations at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Omolola Olubukunola Fakeye, also expressed gratitude, stating, “The generous support from AXA Mansard has made a meaningful difference to our blood bank and ultimately to the lives of patients.

Blood donations are invaluable in many critical treatments, and initiatives like AXA Mansard’s blood drive bring immense relief to healthcare system.

We are sincerely grateful for this partnership and the dedication of AXA Mansard’s employees.”

AXA Hearts in Action operates globally, she urging AXA employees everywhere to engage with and give back to their communities. Through diverse projects – from health initiatives like this blood drive and medical outreaches to environmental efforts like the AXA Week for Good “Trash-to-Treasure” waste management project – AXA staff have opportunities to make a lasting difference on issues that matter.

For AXA Mansard, every act of social service brings them closer to the communities they serve, helping build a world where giving back is not only about charity but about lasting, positive change.