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Major Shift in Women’s Health: PCOS Officially Renamed PMOS – What This Means for Nigerian Women

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a major development that could reshape how women’s health is understood and managed across Nigeria and beyond, the condition long known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

The change, announced on May 12, 2026, follows 14 years of global research and collaboration involving experts, patients, and over 50 professional organizations. It was detailed in a major paper published in The Lancet and endorsed by leading bodies including the Endocrine Society.

Why the Name Change Matters

The old name, PCOS, focused heavily on “polycystic” ovaries — small, immature follicles visible on ultrasound. However, many women with the condition do not have cysts at all, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or dismissal of symptoms, especially in resource-limited settings.

PMOS better reflects the condition’s true nature:

Polyendocrine: Involves multiple hormones beyond just the ovaries.

Metabolic: Highlights insulin resistance, energy processing issues, and increased risks for type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Ovarian: Retains focus on reproductive impacts like irregular periods and infertility.

This is not merely cosmetic. The rename aims to drive more holistic diagnosis and care, addressing the full spectrum of symptoms rather than treating fragmented issues like acne at a dermatologist, weight at a dietitian, or infertility at a fertility clinic.

Impact on Nigerian Women

In Nigeria, where PCOS/PMOS is a leading contributor to infertility, the condition affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age. Studies report prevalence rates ranging from about 6–18% depending on criteria and population, with higher figures (up to 16–27%) among women seeking infertility care.

Many Nigerian women experience delayed or missed diagnoses. Symptoms such as irregular periods, unexplained weight gain (even in slim women), acne, hirsutism, hair thinning, and mood changes are often attributed to stress, “spiritual attacks,” lifestyle, or simply dismissed. A 2025 study highlighted low awareness levels among Nigerian female undergraduates, contributing to late detection — often only when infertility becomes an issue.

Cultural factors, including heavy reliance on faith-based solutions for health concerns and fragmented healthcare, exacerbate the problem. The new name equips women with stronger language to advocate for comprehensive testing: fasting insulin (not just blood sugar), full hormonal panels, metabolic screening, cardiovascular risk assessment, and mental health support.

What Nigerian Women Should Do Now

Existing diagnoses remain valid — but push for updated conversations with your doctor about metabolic and long-term risks.

Seek comprehensive evaluation if experiencing symptoms: irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving, stubborn weight issues, severe acne, or excessive hair growth.

Lifestyle measures like balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management (even modest losses help) remain foundational, alongside potential medications like metformin for insulin resistance.

A 3-year global transition period is underway, so guidelines and awareness campaigns will evolve.

Health researcher and writer Jennifer Orisakwe, emphasized that this rename corrects a misleading label and could reduce years of silent suffering for Nigerian women.

This global update underscores a wider push for better women’s health recognition in Nigeria. As awareness grows, experts hope for earlier interventions, reduced infertility stigma, and fewer long-term complications.

Women are encouraged to consult qualified endocrinologists, gynecologists, or reproductive health specialists for personalized advice. Early action with PMOS can significantly improve quality of life and future health outcomes.

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NewsHealth

University of Ibadan Nursing Student Who Wrote UTME 5 Times Becomes Registered Nurse, Shares Inspiring Story

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a remarkable tale of perseverance and determination, a young Nigerian woman named Esther has triumphed over repeated academic setbacks to become a Registered Nurse at the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI).

Esther, known on X (formerly Twitter) as @itses_ther, recently shared her seven-year journey, highlighting how she sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME, also known as JAMB) five times before securing admission to study Nursing at UI in 2019.

In a heartfelt post reacting to a viral call for “growth” photos, Esther posted side-by-side images from 2019 and 2026, writing:

“2019 vs 2026. I wrote JAMB 5 times. Every single time, I missed the University of Ibadan Nursing cut-off mark by just 1 or 3 marks. Today, I’m a final year student at the University of Ibadan and also a Registered Nurse. Thank God for growth.”

Her story underscores the intense competition for Nursing at UI, where cut-off marks are notoriously high. Despite narrowly missing the target multiple times, Esther refused to give up, rewriting the exam until she finally gained admission. She has since completed her clinical requirements and was officially inducted as a Registered Nurse.

The post quickly went viral, drawing widespread admiration and congratulations from social media users who praised her resilience.

Reactions to Esther’s Success Story

@Beautyugo1: “This is awesome. I’m glad you didn’t give up. Congratulations Esther.”

@thefiola_: “I’m so happy for you…. Congratulations, you shall graduate well.”

@Justin176798381: “No this isn’t growth, but a success story.”

Many commenters described her achievement as motivational, especially for students facing repeated failures in entrance examinations.

Esther’s story comes at a time when the University of Ibadan recently inducted dozens of nursing graduates amid concerns over healthcare workforce challenges in Nigeria. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that persistence can overcome significant obstacles.

As she enters her final year, Esther’s experience is expected to inspire thousands of young Nigerians chasing their dreams in competitive fields like medicine and nursing.

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Health

Dr Omolola Salako Launches ‘The GIFTS of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer’ to Redefine Cancer Survivorship in Nigeria

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a powerful gathering of policymakers, healthcare leaders, development partners, cancer advocates, and survivors, renowned oncologist Dr. Omolola Salako officially unveiled her groundbreaking new book, The GIFTS of Survivorship: You Are Bigger Than Cancer.

The launch, held on March 29, 2026, at GAIA Africa Club in Lagos, is a bold step toward transforming how Nigerians view and experience life after a cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Salako, Founder and CEO of Sebeccly Cancer Care, Oncopadi Technologies, and Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, drew from two decades of clinical practice, thousands of patient interactions, and deep personal reflection to create the book. Recently named one of the 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology globally in 2025, the only Nigerian on the list, she described the work as “born from the real stories and experiences of real people.”

“This book is a reminder that even in the most difficult moments, there is strength, there is hope, and there is life beyond cancer,” Dr. Salako told the audience.

The GIFTS of Survivorship is not just another cancer memoir or medical textbook. It is a practical, evidence-based self-help guide designed specifically for cancer patients, survivors, and their family caregivers. Structured around a unique five-part, ten-pillar framework (the GIFTS model), the book covers spirituality, knowledge-building, robust support systems, treatment navigation, and inner peace. Readers receive step-by-step strategies to manage treatment side effects, handle financial pressures, strengthen family relationships, and rediscover purpose and joy after diagnosis.

Far beyond survival statistics, the book reframes survivorship as a journey of transformation, turning a cancer diagnosis into a catalyst for existential clarity and purposeful living. It blends scientific insight with spiritual wisdom and real-life survivor stories to equip readers with tools for thriving, not merely enduring.

The star-studded launch featured high-profile guests including Dr. Claudina Sanwo-Olu (First Lady of Lagos State), Hon. Lola Akande (Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sweden), Dr. Babatunde Salako (CEO, Hadiel Health), elder statesman Dr. Fred Omojole (the author’s father), and Engr. Clementina Adetoro (Board Member, Sebeccly Cancer Care). Special Guest of Honour Osayi Alile, CEO of ACT Foundation, praised the initiative: “Survivors are not defined by what has happened to them, but by who they become.”

The Chief Launcher, Dr. Kola Adesina (represented by Dr. Adebayo), commended Dr. Salako for bridging science and humanity. Heartfelt testimonies came from survivors Oluwaseunfunmi, who first encountered the GIFTS principles in 2017 during counselling with Dr. Salako and Oluwatosin, a colon cancer survivor who described the book as an “essential companion” for anyone touched by cancer.

Dr. Salako’s vision extends far beyond book sales. Every copy purchased supports Sebeccly Cancer Support Centre, and the movement aims to distribute 10,000 free copies to patients and families across Nigeria. The book is now available for purchase at ₦25,000 on Amazon, Selar, and for local pickup at Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital in Lekki.

Dr. Salako’s message is clear: Cancer does not have the final word. You are bigger than cancer.

About the Author

Dr. Omolola Salako is a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist, passionate advocate for cancer prevention, early detection, and holistic survivorship care. Through her organisations, she has supported thousands of Nigerian families affected by cancer.

Get the Book

Available now on Amazon and Selar.co. Visit dromololasalako.com/gifts-of-survivorship for details and bulk/support options.

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NewsHealth

The #SMEARIT Campaign Ignites Nationwide Advocacy For Cervical Cancer Prevention And Early Detection

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a country where cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, a bold, fun, and powerful movement is changing the narrative. The #SMEARIT Campaign, spearheaded by the Exquisite Magazine Cancer Care (EMAC) Foundation, is lighting up social media feeds and communities across Nigeria, turning awareness into action and saving lives through early detection and prevention.

Cervical cancer is preventable. Yet, every year, thousands of Nigerian women are diagnosed, with many losing their lives due to late detection. According to the World Health Organisation, over 300,000 women die globally from this disease annually, the majority in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria where access to screening and vaccination remains a challenge. The culprit? Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). But here’s the good news: with HPV vaccination, regular screening (Pap smears, HPV testing, or Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid – VIA), and timely treatment of pre-cancerous cells, cervical cancer can be stopped in its tracks.

Enter the #SMEARIT Campaign – a creative, stigma-busting initiative that has been igniting nationwide advocacy since its launch.

Founded by Dr. Tewa Onasanya, the driving force behind Exquisite Magazine and the EMAC Foundation, the campaign uses a simple yet unforgettable challenge to get everyone talking: Smear lipstick on your face, snap a photo or video, post it on social media with #SMEARIT, tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation, and challenge your friends to do the same. Men are encouraged to join the movement too –by holding up a #SMEARIT sign – because prevention is everyone’s business.

“Cervical cancer is preventable, yet too many women lose their lives due to late detection. Through this free screening initiative and the #SmearIt campaign, we are encouraging women to get screened, learn about HPV prevention, and spread awareness. Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Tewa Onasanya.

The campaign has partnered with brands like Amali Cosmetics to offer free cervical cancer screenings in key areas such as Jakande, Lagos, especially around Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (January) and World Cancer Day (February 4). These efforts include education sessions, HPV vaccination drives, and on-ground screenings that have already reached thousands of women. The goal? To normalise conversations, break down myths (no, it doesn’t only affect certain women, and screening isn’t painful or scary), and make prevention accessible nationwide.

How You Can Join the #SMEARIT Movement Today:

Smear your lipstick (or hold the sign if you’re a guy) and take a fun selfie or video.

Post it with #SMEARIT and tag @emac_cervicalcancerfoundation.

Challenge 5–10 friends to join – the more, the merrier!

Visit www.smearitafrica.com to find screening centres near you, book a free or low-cost test, or learn more about the HPV vaccine.

Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or any corner of the country, your small action creates a powerful ripple. Awareness leads to screening. Screening leads to early detection. Early detection saves lives – and entire families.

Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. With #SMEARIT, Nigeria is rising to eliminate it.

Small action. Powerful impact. Cervical cancer is preventable.

 

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Health

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

by Women Times on

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

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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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