The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has warned that preventable maternal deaths remain a “national crisis” in Nigeria, as it honoured women leaders in healthcare during its 2026 International Women’s Day 2026 commemoration in Lagos.
At the event themed “Give 2 Gain”, the association called on governments at all levels to expand access to healthcare, increase funding, and fully implement universal health coverage to ease the financial burden on patients.
MWAN President, Ime Okon, said while women are making strides in leadership across medicine, academia, and public service, maternal mortality continues to undermine progress.
“A healthy woman is a healthy nation,” she said, stressing that many deaths are preventable with timely care.Speakers highlighted that Nigeria accounts for a significant share of maternal deaths in Africa, with conditions such as postpartum haemorrhage and preeclampsia still claiming lives due to poor access to quality care and weak health systems.
Award recipient Pamela Ajayi described maternal mortality as one of the most pressing challenges facing women, calling for stricter regulation of health facilities, improved antenatal services, and better monitoring of pregnancies to ensure early intervention.
The event also recognised leading female professionals, including Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and Modupe Elebute-Odunsi of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, alongside top medical directors and public health leaders.
Participants called for collective action to address systemic gaps, including poverty, limited education for girls, and harmful cultural practices, warning that without urgent reforms, many Nigerian women may continue to face avoidable risks during childbirth.