IWD: NSSF urges stronger health protection for women
The Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has called for stronger efforts to protect women’s health through equitable access to healthcare services and health insurance coverage.
The organisation made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by Dr Fejiro Chinye- Nwoko, Managing Director, NSSF.
Chinye- Nwoko said that while the day was often used to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women globally, it also presented 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 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.
According to her, limited awareness, financial constraints and systemic gaps in healthcare access leave many women vulnerable at times when care is most needed.
She said 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 that through its advocacy and community engagement initiatives, the organisation continued to promote health equity by encouraging greater awareness and adoption of health insurance, particularly among underserved populations.
Chinye-Nwoko said that as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, 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 ensure women across Nigeria can access the care and protection they deserve.
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, and supporting evidence-based policy conversations to improve access to quality healthcare for underserved populations.
