Bukola Afeni
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health(SSAP- WH), Dr. Adanna Steinacker has disclosed that the Renewed Hope Agenda initiative of President Bola Tinubu is focusing on access , and quality care for women’s health,through the Renewher project.
While stating that the project aligns with government’s emphasis on human capital development.
She made the disclosure while briefing journalists at a meeting with members of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in Abuja.
According to her, through the RenewHer initiative, the government will ensure continuity of care throughout every woman’s lifetime which is key to driving national development.
“We have unveiled a three-pillar mission aimed at transforming women’s health in Nigeria, with a focus on digital advocacy, priority health campaigns, and high-level collaboration with government, civil society, and global partners,” Dr. Steinacker said.
“The first pillar is on national digital media and advocacy platform designed to build health literacy, counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and promote evidence-based information. “Most of us, our children, and friends seek health information online. That’s a risk if the information is not accurate, but it is also an opportunity to improve health literacy,” she said.
Dr. Steinacker added that the digital platform will guide home-based care with accurate advice and rely on partnerships to collect and disseminate reliable information to the public.
“The second pillar is a geopolitically anchored flagship campaign focusing on priority areas, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and healthcare workforce and access. “Mental health is often neglected due to cultural and traditional barriers, but it matters. Our goal is to raise awareness, help people recognize symptoms early, and ensure women and girls get the care they need,” Dr. Steinacker explained.
She noted that initiatives will be implemented through existing institutions and professional bodies.
The government aide further highlighted the importance of mental health and access to skilled care.
“Let us look at maternal health addressing the three delays; women not knowing when to seek care, lack of access, and facilities lacking skilled professionals,” Dr. Steinacker said.
” The third pillar involves high-level symposiums, summits, and coalition building, bringing together government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to strengthen systems and support sustainable, locally-owned programs.
“This is the biggest example of collaboration, and I am approaching this role with a collaborative lens,” she said. Speaking in support of the initiative, the President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammed, said the body will address gaps in women’s health advocacy.
She advised media practitioners to verify health information before disseminating it to the public.
“Accurate information is critical. Last year, one of the popular foreign media platform published a report on maternal mortality which included catastrophic claims without proper verification.
” Through our association we platform will bring in experts to share reliable, evidence-based information,” she said.
According to her the medical body participates in conferences, media channels, and forums where they disseminate information to the public about their health.
In the same vein, she added that MWAN is set to hold it’s flagship campaign which will target priority regions, such as the northern states with the highest maternal mortality rates.
“Focus areas include family planning, maternal health, mental health, and ensuring women have access to skilled healthcare professionals.
“The initiative is not just about reproductive health; it is about empowering women with knowledge, access, and professional care to reduce preventable deaths,” Dr. Muhammed added.
