The World Health Organisation (WHO) says women’s leadership has strengthened the health system in Nigeria, leading to women being at the frontline of the country’s disease detection and response.
WHO, in a statement on Friday, stated that women work had been driving faster reporting, higher vaccination coverage and stronger trust between communities and health services.
The UN heath agency cited the experience of a mother in Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State, as a reflection of what was happening across many parts of Nigeria.
“When my son developed a rash, I was scared but the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State, said.
Her experience reflected what is happening across many parts of Nigeria.
When health threats emerged, women were often the first to respond.
They supported families, countered misinformation and connected communities to care.
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers.
Measles remained one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine
Women health workers mobilised immediately.
They went door to door to share accurate information, encouraged early reporting of symptoms and explained when and where to seek care.
Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women formed many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services .
They provided essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.
Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relied heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.
WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.
“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders.
“When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve,” Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, said.
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added: “Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”
From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women were strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.
Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families said they felt better prepared.
“Now, we know what to look for, and we report quickly.
“The women health workers helped us protect our children,” Hauwa Mohammed said.
Nigeria had made progress, but gaps remained in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
The UN health agency, however, called to action for policymakers to invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce and for partners and donors to support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance.
“Also, for communities to continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunisation.
“Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria but they are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives,’’ it added. (NAN)
