The event, themed “Empowering First Ladies, Strengthening Maternal and Reproductive Health in Benue State”, aimed to equip the first ladies with knowledge and tools to support maternal and reproductive health initiatives in their communities. Discussions focused on cervical cancer, digital birth registration, and national actions on women, peace, and security.
First Ladies as Catalysts for Community Health
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Theresa Ikwue, emphasized the influential role of first ladies as community leaders and advocates for family welfare. She encouraged them to actively engage with women at the grassroots level, listen to their concerns, and support community-based health education and outreach programs.
Mrs Ikwue stressed the need for the first ladies to advocate for policies that protect the health, dignity, and rights of women and children, while promoting access to quality healthcare and family planning services to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
PPFN Highlights Importance of Reproductive Health Advocacy
Representing PPFN, Clinical Officer Celine Ingbian described the organization as a leading national advocate for sexual and reproductive health, founded in 1958. She explained that PPFN’s partnership with the first ladies is intended to address reproductive health challenges such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and child abandonment.
Ingbian also emphasized PPFN’s compliance with international accreditation standards and its focus on integrated health services for vulnerable groups, including women, adolescents, children, persons with disabilities, and key populations.
Cervical Cancer Prevention and HPV Vaccination
Maternal and Child Health Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Aondowase Apinega, highlighted that the major cause of cervical cancer is long-term untreated HPV 16 and 18 infections. He noted that about 20% of cervical cancer deaths could be prevented through routine immunization, particularly for adolescents aged nine to 14.
Apinega urged first ladies to organize awareness campaigns, promote HPV vaccination, support screening centers, and encourage regular check-ups for women to detect and treat cervical cancer at an early stage.
First Ladies Pledge Support
Mrs Sandra Neji, wife of the Kwande LGA chairman and chairman of the Women Affairs Liaison Group of Nigeria (WALGON), thanked the Ministry of Women Affairs and PPFN for the initiative. She pledged the support of first ladies to implement policies that benefit women at the grassroots.
First ladies from Vandeikya and Katsina-Ala LGAs, Mrs Phelomena Guda and Mrs Mercy Shaaku, also promised to prioritize the welfare of women and adolescent girls in their communities.
Call for Collective Action
Mrs Magdalene Andor, Director of Women Affairs, called for collective action to address issues affecting women, warning that unresolved challenges could hinder societal growth.
Mrs Sarah Ingbian, Adult Volunteer Chairperson of PPFN, encouraged the first ladies to join the organization as volunteers to support women and girls in their localities.