The World Health Organization (WHO) says women’s leadership is strengthening Nigeria’s health system, placing them at the frontline of disease detection and response.
In a statement on Friday, WHO said women have been driving faster reporting, higher vaccination coverage and stronger trust between communities and health services.
The UN health agency cited the experience of a mother in Tudu, Keffi, Nasarawa State, as a reflection of what is 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 reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria.
When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine immunisation.
Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care.
Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women make up many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services. They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and programmes of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Serving a population of around 220 million people, Nigeria’s health system relies 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 are 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 say they feel 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 has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
The UN health agency, however, called for action by 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.
It also urged 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.
