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NSSF urges Robust Policy Reform to Revamp Maternal Health Equity

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The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has called for a robust policy reform and financial commitment to revamp maternal health equity through health insurance. This is contained in a statement signed by Ms Esther Anolu, Head, Marketing and Communications, NSSF, and made available to Newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

The Managing Director/CEO, NSSF, Dr Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, reaffirmed its commitment to championing maternal health equity in Nigeria during the 7th edition of its Fireside Chat Series in Abuja.
Chinye-Nwoko said that the theme of the chat, “Breaking Barriers to Maternal Health Equity: The Role of Health Insurance in Promoting Women’s Wellness,” was apt considering the staggering statistics of maternal health in the country.
“Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains unacceptably high with over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. “This cannot continue.“We are here to ask the hard questions: how can we ensure that when a woman needs care, she can access it without money in her pocket and without delay? “That’s what health insurance is meant to do, and it must be inclusive and accessible.” During the panel discussions, Dr Mojisola Odeku, Senior Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored the need to leverage donor support to improve access to women’s health services. Prof. Chima Onoka, representing the Director– General/CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), highlighted the Authority’s work in expanding insurance coverage and digitizing registration processes.Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director and Head, Family Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, discussed national interventions, including free emergency cesarean sections (C-sections) and treatment for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in over 20 states. Chinye-Nwoko added:“We know from our work in the field that women are not just uninformed — they’re unregistered, unempowered, and underserved. Awareness is low. Access is difficult.“But we have the tools, the data, and the partnerships to change that. What we need now is policy implementation and financial commitment that match the urgency of this crisis.”According to the statement, one of the most urgent conversations that emerged from the event was the question: “Who pays for the health of the poor?”It said the question sparked robust dialogue around the need for sustainable financing models that ensure maternal care is not a burden for vulnerable women. The statement said that there was a consensus that without strong financial support systems including government-subsidized health coverage, millions of women will continue to fall through the cracks. “Another key theme was the importance of prevention as a cost-saving strategy. “Panelists agreed that scaling up preventive care, such as screenings, mental health support, and access to contraception, would significantly reduce maternal deaths and lower long-term healthcare costs. “NSSF also shared insights from its grassroots work, including field experiences in Ekiti State and its WeNaija Impact Cohort programme. “These programmes have revealed the real-world barriers women face, including misinformation, lack of trust, affordability concerns, and difficulties navigating the enrollment process,” the statement said.It expressed the commitment of the fund to transforming the resolution of the conversation into action. The NSSF would be developing a set of targeted policy briefs, capturing the key insights shared at the Fireside Chat, and presenting them to relevant stakeholders in government, health institutions, and civil society. “These briefs will offer actionable recommendations aimed at shaping inclusive, gender-sensitive health insurance policies that prioritize maternal wellness. “As part of our next steps, we are also adapting some of these learnings into our internal programmes, particularly through the WeNaija Impact Cohort. “This is where community advocates are integrating innovative solutions such as insurance education, wellness voucher models, and localised engagement strategies to improve maternal health access at the grassroots,” the statement said.(NAN)

NEWS

NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.

The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.

According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.

“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.

Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she stated

The Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.

“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.

She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.

The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.

The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.

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Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.

Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.

Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.

“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.

The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.

Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.

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CRIME

Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).

Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.

During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.

Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

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