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

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

by Women Times on

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nollywood’s Rising Queens: Women Directors Redefine a Global Giant.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

In a lit Lagos studio, Jade Osiberu tweaks the sound mix for her 2025 crime thriller The Shadow Runner, a pulse-pounding tale of a female ex-soldier turned vigilante. Released in January, it clocked 12 million streams on Netflix in its first month eclipsing Nollywood’s male-directed heavyweights like Kunle Afolayan’s latest and earned Osiberu a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Mo Abudu, dubbed “Africa’s Oprah,” oversees post-production on Widow’s Fire, a drama about a Nigerian woman defying patriarchal norms after her husband’s death. Launched through her EbonyLife-Netflix pact, it’s trending in 30 countries by March 2025. These women are the vanguard of Nollywood’s new wave, steering the world’s second-largest film industry churning out over 2,000 movies yearly—toward female-driven stories that resonate globally. Yet, with women making up just 15% of directors, their ascent battles funding droughts, entrenched sexism, and an industry slow to evolve. This story unpacks how they’re reshaping Nollywood’s DNA, probing whether their breakthroughs signal lasting change or a gilded anomaly.

Osiberu, 38, a former ad exec turned filmmaker, embodies the hustle Nollywood demands. Her 2025 hit, shot on a shoestring $80,000 budget, blends Lagos street grit with a heroine who’s “not here to be saved,” she tells me over Zoom. “Audiences crave real women, not props for male egos.” Her gamble paid off—The Shadow Runner outdid 2024’s top Nollywood earner, a male-led action flick, by 30% in global views. Abudu, 60, takes a different tack: her polished productions, backed by Netflix’s deep pockets, elevate Nigerian narratives to Hollywood sheen. Widow’s Fire, starring Genevieve Nnaji as a steely matriarch, has sparked X threads praising its “quiet power,” with 4 million views in its first week. Together, they’re flipping Nollywood’s script—once dominated by tales of rich men, juju curses, and docile wives—into a showcase for complex female leads who fight, grieve, and win.

But the shine belies the struggle. Industry data from the Nigerian Film Corporation shows women directors snag just 22% of available funding, often dipping into personal savings or crowdfunding. “Men get the big checks; we get skepticism,” says Funke Akindele, another rising star whose 2024 comedy grossed $1 million locally but stalled internationally for lack of marketing cash. Male producers, who control 70% of Nollywood’s purse strings, still balk at “risky” female-led projects, insiders say, citing a 2025 survey where 60% admitted preferring “proven” male talent. Abudu’s Netflix deal—rumored at $10 million over three years—makes her an outlier, not the norm. On X, fans hail “Nollywood’s queens,” but critics like @LagosFilmGuru

snipe: “It’s elite women winning, not the industry changing.” Even Osiberu admits the grind: “For every script I shoot, I pitch ten that get ignored.”

The stakes are high as streaming giants like Amazon and Disney+ circle Nollywood, drawn by its $1 billion annual haul. Female directors could ride this wave to parity—Osiberu’s next project, a sci-fi epic, has Amazon’s interest—but systemic hurdles loom. Training programs like the Women in Film Nigeria Initiative, launched in 2024, aim to boost numbers, mentoring 50 aspiring directors this year. Yet, with no government subsidies and a piracy-riddled market eating 40% of profits, progress crawls. Abudu, ever the optimist, sees a tipping point: “Every hit we make cracks the ceiling.” This dives into their victories—raw talent meeting global appetite while exposing the fault lines: an industry hooked on cheap, male-centric formulas, and a funding gap that keeps most women on the sidelines.

 

 

 

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Health

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

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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.

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.

 

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

by Women Times on

 

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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NewsHealth

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

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Veteran Actress Nkechi Nweje

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By Prosper Mene 

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is reeling from yet another devastating loss as veteran actress Nkechi Nweje passed away this morning, plunging fans and colleagues into deep sorrow.

The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with tributes pouring in for the beloved star known for her remarkable talent and warm presence.

Nkechi Nweje, a respected figure in Nollywood, reportedly succumbed to a brief illness, though details surrounding her death remain limited at this time. The announcement of her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from across the industry, as colleagues and admirers reflected on her impactful career and the indelible mark she left on Nigerian cinema.

Movie producer Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, was among the first to confirm the tragic news. In an emotional statement shared on social media, he wrote, “Nollywood in tears as we lost one of our vibrant Nollywood actresses, @nkechi.nweje, after a brief illness. Couldn’t post since morning because it was like a dream to me. Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha, rest in peace ma’am, my best friend.” His words captured the profound shock and sadness felt by many who knew and worked with her.

Nkechi Nweje was celebrated for her compelling performances, particularly in motherly roles that resonated deeply with audiences. With a career spanning over a decade, she brought authenticity and heart to every character she portrayed, earning her a special place in the hearts of fans and a lasting legacy in Nollywood. Hailing from Onicha Ado in Anambra State, she embodied the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through her work, inspiring countless young actors and actresses along the way.

Fellow Nollywood stars have joined in mourning her loss. Actress Rita Edochie shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, posting a candlelight image with the caption, “This world is really not our home.” Actor Asa Ikuku also paid his respects, writing, “Rest in peace mummy Nkechi Nweje TV (Nwanyi Onisha). You are indeed a blessing to us. But God knows the best. We will miss u so much great Nollywood actress. Rest on legend.”

The news of Nkechi Nweje’s passing comes at a time when Nollywood has faced a series of losses, further deepening the sense of grief within the industry. Just days ago, the community was still mourning other fallen stars, and Nweje’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

As fans and loved ones bid farewell to this iconic actress, they hold onto the memories of her vibrant spirit and the stories she brought to life on screen. Nkechi Nweje leaves behind her husband, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

May her soul rest in peace.

 

 

 

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LifestyleNews

Struggling to Survive: The Plight of the Average Nigerian Woman Amid Economic Hardship”

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By Prosper Mene

As Nigeria grapples with persistent economic challenges, the average woman finds herself bearing a heavy burden in an environment marked by soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and limited opportunities. With the nation’s inflation rate climbing to an estimated 31.6% in 2024 and projected to moderate only slightly to 20.7% in 2025, according to the African Development Bank, the cost of living has spiralled beyond the reach of many households. For women, who often manage family finances and shoulder caregiving responsibilities, this economic strain is particularly acute.

The typical Nigerian woman, whether a trader in Abuja’s bustling markets, a hairdresser in Lagos, or a farmer in the rural north or south, faces daily struggles to make ends meet. Take Amina, a 34-year-old mother of three in Kano, who spoke of her reality: “Food prices have doubled, but my income hasn’t moved. I sell vegetables, but after paying for transport and rent, there’s barely enough for one meal a day.” Her story exposes a broader trend, with the World Bank estimating that 38.9% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line in 2023—a figure likely worsened by recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and naira devaluation.

Women’s economic participation, while resilient, remains constrained.

The social fallout is stark. UN Women data indicates that 13.2% of women aged 15-49 experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in 2018, a figure experts suggest may rise as economic pressures fuel household tensions. Moreover, with only 35.6% of women’s family planning needs met with modern methods as of 2018, reproductive health remains a distant priority for many amidst financial strain. For rural women, the situation is bleaker still, as agriculture, a key employer, grows slowly, leaving them disconnected from urban-centric service sector gains.

Government reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including efforts to boost oil production and stabilise the naira, promise long-term growth, with GDP projected to rise to 3.4% in 2025. However, analysts warn that these benefits may take years to trickle down. For now, the average woman relies on grit and ingenuity—selling wares, bartering goods, or joining savings groups—to survive. “We don’t wait for help,” said Blessing, a 29-year-old tailor in Port Harcourt. “If I stop, my children don’t eat.”

Calls for targeted support are growing. Advocates argue that affordable loans, improved market access, and investment in rural infrastructure could ease the burden on women, who constitute half of Nigeria’s 230 million population.

 

 

 

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Health

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

by Women Times on

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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