By Abujah Racheal
The Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN) has reaffirmed its mission to connect, empower, and celebrate women across all sectors of the healthcare ecosystem, with renewed focus on wellness, mentorship, and leadership.
Prof. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Chair of the WIHCN Board of Trustees, on Friday in Abuja, gave the reassurance, at the network’s annual conference.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference highlighted WIHCN’s strides in building a supportive platform for women professionals through impactful initiatives, including virtual learning sessions, mentorship programmes, and wellness campaigns aimed at empowering healthcare practitioners nationwide.
Elebute-Odunsi said the group was founded with a “simple but powerful vision” to create a community where women in healthcare can connect, learn, unlearn, and be empowered to lead.
Founded just two years ago by 15 women, she said the network has rapidly grown into a dynamic movement of more than 300 members across Nigeria and beyond, with active chapters in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Kingdom.
“Our contributions as women in healthcare often go unrecognised.
“The Women in Healthcare Network exists to change this narrative, celebrate women’s impact, amplify their voices, and strengthen leadership across the health ecosystem.”
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Health, Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, who represented the Vice President, praised Nigerian women in healthcare as the silent custodians of the nation’s survival.
Rochas-Anwukah described them as “unseen, uncelebrated, but always indispensable” in safeguarding the health and continuity of the country.
She lauded the sacrifices of female healthcare workers who have served the nation through decades of medical challenges, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, displaying courage and resilience that sustain the country’s well-being.
According to her, those who heal are the custodians of a nation’s continuity.
“The story of our survival through storms of disease and despair is written in the quiet heroism of women who have chosen to serve even when the odds were cruel.
“The Vice President paid tribute to women who have made historic contributions during national health emergencies, including the late Dr Stella Adadevoh, who helped contain the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and Dr Amarachukwu Allison, who detected Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case in 2020,” she said.
Also speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, and driven by wellness, empathy, and innovation.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, praised women healthcare professionals for their transformative impact on Nigeria’s health system.
He described them as “unwavering pillars of strength, innovation, and compassion whose work continue to inspire hope and progress.”
Meanwhile, Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, acknowledged the leadership of women in both the public and private sectors.
Salako noted their remarkable impact as clinicians, innovators, policymakers, and administrators advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
