IWD: NSSF urges stronger health protection for women

The Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has urged  intensified efforts to protect women’s health, through equitable access to healthcare services and health insurance coverage.

The NSSF made the call in a statement  by Dr Fejiro Chinye- Nwoko, the Managing Director, of the group, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD).

Chinye-Nwoko said the day is to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women globally.

She added that the IWD also presents an opportunity to reflect on actions needed to improve the wellbeing and health security of women, especially those in underserved and informal sector communities.

She noted that women had continued to play critical roles in shaping families, communities and economies, yet many still faced significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare and financial protection, during health emergencies.

She noted that  limited awareness, financial constraints and systemic gaps in healthcare access, left  many women vulnerable at times when care was most needed.

She added that celebrating women must also include protecting their health and wellbeing.

“Ensuring that women have access to health insurance and quality healthcare is essential, not just for their wellbeing, but for the strength and resilience of our communities,” Chinye-Nwoko said.

She said through its advocacy and community engagement initiatives, the group had  continued to promote health equity, by encouraging greater awareness and adoption of health insurance, particularly among underserved populations.

Chinye-Nwoko explained that  as part of activities marking the 2026 IWD, the NSSF had launched a digital campaign to promote stronger health protection for women.

She explained that the campaign invited individuals and communities to participate by sharing photos and messages advocating improved access to healthcare and health insurance for women.

According to her, protecting women’s health is critical to building healthier families and stronger societies.

“When women have access to the healthcare and financial protection they need, the benefits extend beyond individuals, to entire communities,” she said.

The managing director reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing policies and initiatives that promote health equity and ensured women across Nigeria could access the care and protection they deserved.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NSSF is focused on addressing critical health challenges in Nigeria through advocacy, research and community-driven initiatives.

The organisation works to advance health equity by strengthening healthcare financing systems, promoting  health insurance awareness and uptake, as well as  supporting evidence-based policy conversations,  to improve access to quality healthcare for the  underserved populations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma