Endometriosis survivors share stories of strength and healing

• Say diagnosis is not death sentence, as ESIF marks 7th year

By Sola Charles 

For seven years, a group of women have joined forces to fight Endometriosis - a chronic and often painful condition that affects  an estimated one out of every 10 women of reproductive age.

In the Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Patient Support Group hosted by EndoSurvivors International Foundation (ESIF), there is a sanctuary where women battling the condition share their journeys, provide educational and psychosocial support to one another, raise awareness, celebrate their victories, advocate for better care, and find solace in solidarity.

Endometriosis is  common among women in Nigeria, presenting with symptoms like severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, nausea, and infertility. 

The courageous women who gathered to mark their milestone as an advocacy group, each  had a  story  of pain laced with resilience and a spirit that refuses to be broken, spoke in Lagos during the 2025 end-of-year get together and 7th anniversary activity.

Personal stories 

Leading the conversation, the Executive Director and Founder of EndoSurvivors International Foundation, Mrs. Olivia Nwankudu chronicled their personal and collective journeys through endometriosis.

“It's been an interesting journey. This support group started as my own response to what I suffered after getting diagnosed with endometriosis. 

“There was nobody to talk to about it or to really ask questions, so I just wrote something on Facebook and many people responded,  sharing their own stories.

“I was surprised at the number of responses because I had been told that endometriosis is rare among Nigerian women; following this I created an EndoSurvivors Support group on Facebook which caters to everyone affected [by] or interested [in] endometriosis. Shortly after, we were to have an Endometriosis Symposium in 2018 and some patients were to speak on a panel so I created a WhatsApp group to share information with the panelists - that WhatsApp group has grown into the thriving Patient Support Group today.”

Endometriosis mainly affects the pelvis, but can also impact other body parts, disrupting daily functions and mental health.  Women with the condition experience pain as a result of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and  adhesions.

Another member, Temitope opened the gathering with a touching story that resonated deeply, narrating how a simple introduction revealed the profound unity within their families and support network. She said it all began in her teenage years, when she faced an unexplainable situation.

"I had a 14-day heavy period, and I didn't know what was happening. My mother comforted assured me that it was normal, yet  the pain and inconveniences persisted.”

Marriage brought new challenges when she learned she had fibroids, underwent surgery, and believed her health woes were behind her. 

New challenges 

“But the pain returned", she continued. "Relentless and unyielding, my abdomen swelled and darkened. During a scan, and examination, the diagnosis became clear: endometriosis. It is a condition that I never thought I would have.”

Recalling that her journey was  marked by numerous interventions and surgeries, moments of despair, and fleeting hope, she recalled: "I almost lost my life during IVF treatment, through faith and the support of loved ones, I kept fighting, I believe in miracles. One day, I will be fully healed," she said softly.

Not a death sentence 

Olivia continued, “I want to encourage every one of you and let you know that a diagnosis of endometriosis is not a death sentence - as difficult as it is. By God's grace, we will thrive and we will get better. Work with an endometriosis specialist and seek new treatments if you have to. Find what works for you and stick with it".

Another member of the group who spoke up recounted the hidden pain, and struggle, her story woven with  silent tears. 

“After multiple surgeries, it was discovered that my internal organs were severely frozen together in a painful, unyielding grip of the endometrial growths. Sometimes I felt pain in my eyes, in my back, all over my body, it was worrying, and I wondered if I'll ever be free from this."

Her voice carried the weight of unspoken pain-pain that many women hide behind closed doors, yet her faith remained unshaken. 

Yet another speaker recalled  the agony of losing a pregnancy at seven weeks, despite believing she had conquered her fears. 

"I questioned God, and wondered why I was going through this, but amid sorrow, I found strength in  faith.  God knows what He's doing.  I am grateful for the children I have, and I trust that brighter days are coming."

Message of hope 

There were more stories, all chronicled resilience, woven together by a community that refuses to be defeated. 

Each woman's story is an inspiration to others to hold on, to participate, and to believe that healing of the body and the soul is possible.

"A diagnosis of endometriosis is not a death sentence, we will thrive, and we will heal. Don't give up," Olivia asserted.

With a common goal and shared memories the endo- warriors remain resolute. 

Endometriosis has no known cure and carries significant health, social, and economic challenges, often leading to stigma and isolation. 

Treatment focuses essentially on symptom management through medication, surgery, fertility options, physiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring fair access to diagnosis and treatment are vital for improving the quality of life for women with endometriosis.

The event shone a spotlight on the heroes-individuals and organisations whose dedication has shone like a guiding light; and awards were given to the most outstanding. From volunteers to advocacy groups, each recipient was celebrated for their courage and commitment.

 "The support group exists because of brave souls who dared to stand up, your stories and participation have made an indelible impact.

"The next seven years will bring more breakthroughs, more impact, more children, more love, more of everything that makes life worth living. With continued strength, understanding, and compassion, we will win this fight", Olivia added.

One of the participants summed up this way: "We are not just survivors; we are warriors. Together, we will conquer.”

ESIF has helped over 3,000 endometriosis patients and caregivers by providing counselling, educational, psychosocial and financial support, while connecting patients with endometriosis experts in Nigeria - all at no cost to beneficiaries.

The EndoSurvivors' Endometriosis Support Group has members dispersed all over the country, in the US and UK. The Annual Hangout/7th Anniversary event was held in Abuja and Port-Harcourt at the same time with the Lagos event.

WHO says global war against leprosy far from over

By Sola Charles 

To mark the 2026 World Leprosy Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for the  elimination of the social stigma surrounding the disease, which is one of humanity's oldest diseases.

Themed  "Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma", WHO renewed its commitment to a leprosy-free world announcing a five-year extension  of the partnership with Novartis  through 2030 to ensure that multidrug therapy (MDT), which is the only cure for the disease, is provided free of charge to every patient worldwide.

The theme highlights the harsh reality that social exclusion often lasts much longer than the medical infection.

While 55 countries reported zero new cases in 2024, the fight remains urgent as 172,717 new cases were detected globally in the same year.

Left untreated, leprosy, which is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leads to permanent nerve damage and physical disabilities, though it remains entirely curable when caught early.

WHO Goodwill Ambassador Yohei Sasakawa, marking his 25th year in the role, warned that discrimination remains a stubborn challenge that often persists beyond the end of treatment.

He highlighted that survivors frequently face forced divorces, job loss, and social isolation, enduring the pain of exclusion even after being medically cleared. The push against leprosy is now a central part of the broader mission to wipe out Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

With World NTD Day approaching on January 30, health leaders are calling for a combination of science, equity, and global solidarity to ensure that stigma no longer stands in the way of a total cure.

Nigerian govt and IITA partner to boost food security, sign MoU on fertiliser, soil health

By Sola Charles 

Towards improving national food sovereignty, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Nigeria's agricultural sector through advanced soil science.

The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony in Abuja, officially launches the Nigeria Farmers' Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS), a presidential initiative designed to shift the nation away from traditional farming methods toward a data-driven, precision-based ecosystem.

Speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, underscored the fundamental importance of the partnership, it is a cornerstone of a broader strategy to increase productivity and ensure the nutritional quality of the nation's food supply.

Kyari said the Agreement would provide farmers with data driven recommendations for fertiliser use and crop selection, to help optimise yields and reduce costs.

The collaboration would also focus on enhancing land management and climate services, developing national expertise, and establishing a model for regional cooperation.

Both parties would work together to tackle issues such as soil nutrient depletion, erosion, and climate change effects using advanced technologies.

“Beyond food availability and affordability, the government was committed to ensuring nutritional quality and safety. If the soil is not healthy, no matter the effort, the desired results cannot be achieved,” he noted.

On his part, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi said  the MoU is anchored on three fundamental objectives.

These are: to strengthen Agricultural Land Management and Climate Change Services with emphasis on Soil Health and Fertiliser Management in Nigeria; to build National capacity through applied research, soil fertility practice management data systems, and policy support and Promote a model of collaboration that can inspire and inform similar efforts across the ECOWAS region.

“This scheme is designed to remove guesswork for Nigerian farmers by giving them facts, what to plant, where to plant, and the type of fertilizer required for each soil type”.

Laboratories sited across 774 local government areas, will enable farmers to submit soil samples for analysis and receive recommendations similar to medical laboratory tests.

 Abdullahi  lauded the IITA for strong collaboration and multi-faceted partnership with Nigeria over the years, focusing on transforming our agriculture for food security and economic growth through research, innovation, capacity building and technology transfer targeting climate resilience, data-driven farming and youth/women empowerment.

The Director – General, IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, said that the agreement would support the Nigeria Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) and the continued development of the Nigerian National Soil Information System (NNSIS).

He said the partnership as a policy and delivery commitment is designed to provide farmers with data-driven, location-specific recommendations rather than “generalized messages”.

Implementation would be channelled through the Regional Hub of Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, hosted by IITA, to ensure coordination, common standards, and shared learning across countries.

“This approach assures a standards-based system rather than isolated interventions, while allowing Nigeria to benefit from regional expertise.”

He emphasised that the initiative would deliver crop and location-specific fertilizer recommendations for key staples such as rice, maize, sorghum, wheat and yam alongside integrated soil fertility management, improved laboratory standards, digital soil information systems and capacity building.

The IITA would provide research and technical expertise, training, soil testing support, and monitoring frameworks to ensure measurable outcomes.

“The real test of this MoU will be results-improved soil health systems, higher fertilizer use efficiency, stronger national capacity and accelerated progress towards food security,” he added.

RISA Fund closes out in Nigeria with strong potential for local partnerships

By Sola Ogundipe

A new era of  demand- driven innovation is transforming  Nigeria's agric  and food security landscape, through the  Research and Innovation Systems for Africa - Knowledge and Commercialisation Cohort (RISA-KCC) project.

A strategic initiative funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),  the  RISA Fund Nigeria project was implemented by Adam Smith International.

At the close-out event  in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Systems, Showcasing Impact & Building Sustainable Partnerships”  following the conclusion of a three-year implementation in Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Abass, the National Technical Advisor on the RISA-KCC project, described the impact as nothing short of amazing.

"We found an ecosystem that was ready to move but lacked coordination. In just over three years, we have triggered catalytic changes by bringing government-funded research institutions, fabricators, processors, and farmers into one room.

"The centerpiece of this success is the creation of the Coalition of Stakeholders in Agricultural Mechanisation  (CONESAM). This coalition has broken down the 'silos' that previously hindered progress, bringing together agencies like the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), FIIRO, and NISPRI to work alongside regulators like NAFDAC, SMEDAN, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).”

Further, Abass stated that  the project's philosophy was that  research should solve problems, not just satisfy curiosity.  At least 35 agricultural technologies ranging from completely new inventions to vital iterations of existing tools were involved.

 "For the first time, regulators like SON provided specific guidelines during the development phase, ensuring that Nigerian-made machines meet international standards for commercialisation.

"We are moving research from ideation to commercialisation. Our institutions will no longer address research from a point of enthusiasm, but through a demand-based approach."

Also speaking during the close-out session, Chisom Udemezue, the Technology and Innovation Adviser with  FCDO-Nigeria, said the conversation has shifted from funding  to future-proofing.

“The success of the project isn't measured by the money spent, but by the systems left behind that no longer need external aid to thrive.

“By strengthening the links between government, industry, and academia, RISA has moved Nigerian research out of dusty laboratory files and onto commercial shelves.

"Strong research and innovation enable growth.  We wanted to ensure Nigeria doesn't just have research capabilities, but the ability to scale those ideas into actual products that create businesses.

"Through the CONESAM coalition, local manufacturers who once worked from head knowledge are now using digital tools to build standardized, high-quality machinery,” Udemezue remarked.

On her part, Professor  Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, a Professor of Electrical & Electronics Engineering at the University of Lagos, said  RISA is transforming Nigerian universities into innovation hubs.

“For decades, the traditional path for a brilliant Nigerian engineering graduate was often a one-way ticket abroad, now,  in Unilag and 13 other institutions a quiet revolution is turning Japa into a startup.

“Through the Innovation to Market project, Nigerian universities are no longer just teaching theory; they are building the infrastructure to turn students' ideas into profitable businesses.

Failed IVF cycles don't define you

Survivors and specialists rewrite narrative

at FAAI forum

By Sola Ogundipe

 

 

At a fertility awareness programme convened by the Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative (FAAI), with technical support from Nordica Fertility Center, Lagos, fertility advocates and married couples who have experienced both successful and failed IVF cycles laid bare the emotional toll of IVF failure, an issue specialists say is more common, more painful, and more misunderstood than many care to admit.

With trembling voices and tearful testimonies, they recounted failed cycles, financial strain, and the quiet loneliness of infertility, while psychologists, counsellors and doctors said hope lies in shared stories and support. 

FAAI is an organisation built by people who know the sharp pain of IVF failure, the tears after a negative test, the financial strain, and the loneliness that comes with infertility.

Opening the dialogue, the Vice President of FAAI, Mrs. Vivian Patrick spoke with a voice that carried weight of someone who had lived the story she was trying to tell.

“Fertility journey is not simple, it is a journey I have been through, and thousands have gone through, and that is why we came together to give warmth, support, and a shoulder to lean on.

“I did so many things, heard so many suggestions, people’s advice, myths, pressures, I tried everything and none worked.”

First IVF cycle

She recalled that her first IVF cycle had produced more than a dozen eggs, yet not a single embryo; the second cycle delivered the same result.

“By the third attempt, hope had thinned, only five eggs were retrieved, two were bad, two were immature, and just one was usable, yet even that one failed to fertilise.

“When they called me I cried, I told God, ‘I’m done. Whatever you want to do, please do it.’ I had nothing left.”

But something unexpected happened. The lab called days later to say that from what seemed like nothing, three embryos had formed.

“Three, from nothing!” she repeated, her face breaking into a smile. An embryo transfer followed and months later, she held her son - her living miracle.

Failure to triumph

Her story, steeped in failure before triumph, became the emotional anchor of the forum   organised to confront the realities of IVF failure, an issue specialists say is more common, more painful, and more misunderstood than many care to admit.

Her testimony paved the way for layers of  conversation after failed cycles, the blame that ricochets between partners, and the crushing financial sacrifices people make for a chance at a child.

Vivian reminded the audience that they were not alone, and that FAAI existed to break the silence, the myths, the shame, and the fear. She brought along her son, the bright, healthy 7-year-old boy born through IVF up to the front. She wanted people to see his energy and  brilliance, to see that IVF children are not different.

One after another, the men and women opened up - voices trembling, eyes damp, hearts trying to steady themselves as they revisited moments they had tried so hard to forget. They relieved how they had done everything right and still faced failure.

Six failed cycles

There was a woman who had endured six failed IVF cycles, each  complicated by a difficult embryo transfer. The experts explained possible causes as another  woman, visibly trembling as she spoke, said she had removed both fallopian tubes on doctor’s advice and then used her one chance at IVF through a grant.

“The cycle failed, since then I have been confused, I keep asking myself what I did wrong.” Her voice broke.

Possibilities of failure

Doctors answered gently explaining that removing the tubes was not the cause, saying there were other possibilities such as embryo quality, sperm quality, the state of the uterus, and the cervix.

IVF failure, they explained, is rarely one reason, rather it is often a collision of many invisible factors.

In another part  of the hall, a woman shook as she recalled the loss of her baby after a successful IVF pregnancy.

“The child was stillbirth, since then, I have not been able to conceive again.” The doctors reminded everyone listening that a previous pregnancy, even one that ended in heartbreak, is evidence that the body can conceive again. “It gives hope, even when everything else feels lost,” one expert assured.

IVF as last hope

“IVF is often seen as the last hope, when it fails, it doesn’t just break the cycle. It breaks people. The experts emphasised it is not merely a clinical process, rather, a journey that requires support, clarity, and compassion.

Mr. Pillot Gbolahan,  a psychologist noted:   “Infertility is one of the deepest emotional wounds a person can carry and yet it is the one we hide the most.

It can make even the strongest marriages tremble. However, an IVF failure does not mean the end of your story. It is just a chapter, you can rise again, you can try again, and you do not have to walk through this darkness alone.”

“IVF failure is not just a medical result, but it is a form of grief. Couples mourn not only the loss of a pregnancy, but the loss of hope, identity, control, and sometimes dignity,” he avowed.

Role of stress

Gbolahan explained that chronic stress releases hormones that can interfere with fertility treatment outcomes.

  “Stress is not good for any human body, and in IVF treatment, it can significantly reduce success rates.  One of the most stressful periods for couples is the 10–14 day wait after embryo transfer, 24 hours can suddenly feel like 96 hours. People check their bodies for imaginary symptoms, some test too early out of fear. The emotional tension is enormous.

 “Partners should create safe spaces for expressing grief, anger, or confusion without judgment and without dismissing feelings. Fertility treatment is not a woman’s journey, men must be involved in appointments, decisions, emotional support, and treatment steps.”

Also speaking on “The role of Counselling in Assisted Reproductive Technology / IVF”, a fertility counselor,  Mrs. Precious Balogun, harped on the fact that infertility is not a private shame, but a  medical condition for which solutions exist.

She said counselling is not an optional add-on but a critical part of the treatment. It guides patients before, during, and after IVF, offering information, emotional support, and clarity about expectations. 

The counsellor noted that IVF often triggers a mix of fear, guilt, pressure and uncertainty. “Patients worry about every stage: the first scan, the egg retrieval, the embryo transfer, and the silent, nerve-racking wait for pregnancy test results. Sometimes, fear makes you conclude on yourself before life gives you a chance.

“Counselling prepares patients mentally for procedures, especially injections. Many women dread needles but must learn to self-inject daily. Some face panic before routine checks, imagining the worst. Support makes the fear bearable, and people cope better when surrounded by those who understand the journey.”

Marital strain

She also highlighted the strain IVF can place on marriages. Because women undergo more visible procedures, many people assume men are unaffected. But men have their own fears ranging from poor semen parameters, pressure from family, and the silent expectation to be strong even when they are crumbling. 

“Without counseling, couples often misunderstand one another’s pain. The process becomes filled with blame, resentment, or emotional distance. Counselling teaches communication, helps couples understand each other’s emotional needs, and encourages joint decision-making on issues like the number of embryos to transfer or when to attempt the next cycle.”

One of the strongest points she raised was the weight of past trauma. 

“Many women fear starting IVF again because of previous miscarriages, failed treatments or lost pregnancies. Even those who achieve a positive result sometimes remain numb, unable to celebrate because they fear another loss.

“Counselling helps process painful memories so that past grief does not swallow present hope. Support is not just for women, men, too, need a place to express vulnerability, talk about pressure from family, fear of failure, or the shame that often keeps them silent. Counselling gives them a voice and teaches couples to face the journey as a team.

Why IVF cycles fail

In a presentation entitled: “Why IVF Cycles may fail”, a fertility specialist with Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr.  Victor Ajayi, explained the delicate science behind the procedure.  

“Some cycles are better done frozen than fresh. In situations where a woman’s hormone levels are too high, transferring embryos immediately reduces the chances of success. Freezing them, allowing the body to recover, and returning in a calmer cycle can give hope another chance. 

“The same applies to women with endometriosis – an illness that silently disrupts the uterus, making implantation difficult. For them, collecting eggs, fertilizing them, and storing the embryos before embarking on months of treatment is often the safest path.

“But science was only half of the truth. The other half, raw, painful, human, rested in the stories of women who had done everything right and still faced failure.”

Ajayi described how couples sell land, cars, even relocate across continents chasing hope. “IVF is often seen as the last hope. When it fails, it doesn’t just break the cycle. It breaks people. Understanding failure is so difficult, patients are told their embryos look ‘excellent’ yet no pregnancy occurs. 

“People ask, ‘Why not one embryo? Why didn’t even one stay?’ They wonder if changing doctors or hospitals would help. But the truth is, even in the best centers in the world, IVF can fail.

“Science is delicate. Eggs and sperm must both be of good quality, they must meet, fertilize, and develop into genetically normal embryos. The lining of the womb must be receptive, like good soil waiting for a seed. Even when everything looks ideal, implantation may still not occur. IVF remains, in many ways, a miracle shaped by biology, timing, and chance.”

Do your due diligence

In the view of the Medical Director/CEO Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, “Do your investigation about IVF centres with due diligence, don’t rely on casual sources, you need to crosscheck the facts. It is important for us to keep searching and not be lazy. Some patients are given information about side effects, but doctors don’t always put that in writing or explain it clearly. 

“Don’t give anyone the right to control your life. Science depends on integrity, that’s the way to get reliable information, it’s better to search based on evidence, not just opinion. That’s why you need to know what real research looks like, you need to investigate, not just accept information blindly. Don’t take anything as 100 percent proven without checking. 

“I usually tell clients: your right as a patient is to ask questions, even if they seem silly. If you don’t, you’re not being fair to yourself, no matter the question, ask, even if you’re unsure, cross‑check. And as I always say, because I’m in the medical space, experience matters. What you will see from experienced professionals is invaluable.

“When in doubt, ask the doctor. Without reliable guidance, the path to parenthood through IVF risks being overshadowed by confusion, fear, and mistrust. The goal of all this is that at the end of the process, you want to have a child. If you lose focus on the goal and start chasing other things, you won’t get the result. When you start to force the little things, trying to micromanage, trying to push too hard, it becomes counterproductive.

As part of the forum, one lucky subscriber emerged the winner for a free IVF cycle through an electronic spin-the-wheel selected. Four other lucky persons were randomly picked from the hall and from the online participants. It was a moment of levity in a gathering built on stories of pain and perseverance.

Treat mental health as national security, FG charged

•As Kings Psychiatry debuts, seeks policy reforms

By Sola Ogundipe

Worried by the increasing spate of mental health challenges among Nigerians, a mental health specialist, Dr Oluwatoyin Oladejo has called on the Federal government to place mental health on the same priority level as national security and physical healthcare.

 Oladejo, a US trained healthcare entrepreneur, and Co-CEO of Kings Psychiatry, a Lagos-based mental health outpatient facility, warned that Nigeria's silent mental health epidemic was being fueled by stigma, poor policy integration and chronic shortage of specialists.

 Speaking at the unveiling of the mental health facility, Oladejo decried the increasing spate of mental health challenges warning that Nigeria may be sitting on a time bomb if urgent measures are not taken to stem the tide.

"This is a national issue, if the nation’s leaders and people are not mentally well, decision-making is affected and society cannot progress. 

 "Until we start talking about mental health openly, many more lives will be lost unnecessarily. Mental health is health, and Nigeria must treat it as such. 

"What we are proposing to the federal government is the integration of mental health screening into primary healthcare. When people come for routine checks like hypertension, diabetes or antenatal visits, they should also be screened for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues," she remarked.

Such integration, she explained, would help identify chronic conditions early and prevent tragic outcomes.

 "Primary healthcare providers should be empowered to start basic treatment immediately instead of waiting for a psychiatrist the patient may never be able to see.

 "If we intervene early in schools, we can reduce online abuse, workplace violence and broken families. Mental health is not a luxury; it is a national productivity issue. Untreated mental illnesses reduce workplace output, destabilise families and place a heavy financial burden on the country.

Calling for stronger engagement with faith-based organisations, she observed that churches have influence, noting that leaders should but educated to offer guidance on seeking professional mental health care and support.

A major policy gap, she argued, is the absence of routine mental health screening in Nigeria's primary healthcare system.

She said deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental illness forces families to hide affected relatives rather than seek help.

On his part, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, and also Co-CEO of Kings Psychiatry, lamented that fewer than 300 psychiatrists in Nigeria were dangerously inadequate.

Oladejo, a former Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations in Lagos and past Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, described the criminalisation of attempted suicide as outdated and counterproductive.

"Someone who attempts suicide is not a criminal but a patient in crisis. They need urgent medical and psychological support, not arrest or prosecution," he said, adding that the Centre would actively support advocacy for legal reforms in line with global best practices.

"Our goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate and confidential mental healthcare in an environment that restores dignity to patients. Mental illness should not be treated like a crime or hidden away in shame," he affirmed.

Kings Psychiatry meets international standards, with focus on privacy, professionalism and patient confidentiality.

It would offer psychiatric evaluations, counselling, psychotherapy, substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention services. 

The new Centre, which operates strictly on an outpatient basis through appointment, offers discreet and affordable care. 

It plans large-scale community outreach, targeting educational institutions, worship houses and workplaces, with plans to address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, anxiety, and attention disorders from an early stage.

Lagos records breakthrough in Routine & HPV Immunisation with VaxSocial Project

By Sola Ogundipe

Lagos State has recorded a major breakthrough in routine and HPV immunisation awareness, and uptake through the Nigeria Vaccination Coverage (VaxSocial)  – a digital demand generation initiative reaching a total of 191,520 caregivers, supporting 92,219  on their routine immunisation journey and 98,601 guided on their HPV vaccination journey.

Overall, there were 3,900 immunisation-related facility visits in Lagos State during the course of the pilot project.

The project, sponsored by Gavi and supported by Nivi Inc, working closely with Save the Children in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, is a digital-first immunisation initiative designed to reduce vaccine hesitancy, boost confidence, and make vaccination more convenient for families. 

At the close-out ceremony of the project last week, the Programme Manager, VaxSocial Project, Dr. Felicia Mairiga, said it was a pilot to demonstrate if digital platforms can really work in supporting improving vaccination coverage. 

“In these last 18 months, we've done a lot, we've learned a lot, and we want to use that information and be context-specific about Lagos State, because there is opportunity for this to be scaled, not just in Lagos State, but in other states in the country. 

"This is a digital platform; it is in no way replacing all the immunisation projects in Lagos State. We just want to be sure that immunisation is carried along in this new wave of the use of digital spaces.

She noted that for the lessons learned not be lost, the initiative should be adopted into the Lagos state immunisation strategy, with expanded funding for HPV vaccination, motivation and incentivisation of health workers especially in hard-to-reach communities.

The recruitment of more frontline personnel to ease workload pressures, and guarantee consistent vaccine supply in every primary health centre were also recommended towards ensuring a future where no child or adolescent in Lagos misses vaccination because of misinformation, lack of access, or low confidence.

"It was a partnership between Save the Children and AskNivi - a digital platform and a digital-based organization, they support people to get access to the platform, and once you have access, you're able to get the correct information regarding routine immunisation and, of course, the HPV vaccine.  

“And then the way it is such that having access to the platform leads the caregiver on a journey to dispel all of their misinformation and to motivate them to take action fast and to refer them to the appropriate facilities. 

 “These people now have access so that they can continue to interact with this child, which goes even beyond immunisation to other health-related matters that they will need.  So that platform remains available, which they can access, through the QR code, through the WhatsApp number, or even on social media platforms, and continuously, whatever questions they have, continue to be addressed as they come.  

Also speaking, Veronica Obi, the Project Coordinator Nigeria Nivi Inc., stated: “VaxSocial is about digital demand generation, and we do this using awareness, where we do digital marketing online, creating awareness about routine immunisation and HPV vaccinations from our social media campaigns, and as we ran online, we had over 71 million impressions, which are how many people get to see this information or saw the information we passed about, HPV vaccination or routine immunization.

“We had over 13 million social media accounts reached, and over 100,000 people came in to chat with us on the chatbot about routine immunisation and HPV vaccination, and they received referrals to healthcare facilities. 

"The AskNivi platform is launched on WhatsApp, it is a Meta platform. and we leverage the security features of Meta, so the chats are end-to-end encrypted, they are 100 percent confidential. Currently, the people who chat most with us are 19 to 29 years, then we have the second highest number, which is 30 to 44 years.”

So far with the results we've recorded, we've had great feedback from the users who have used the AskNivi chatbot, and we hope to do more even though we're closing out.  We have a network of these users on the chatbot that anytime, even beyond the project, they can continue to chat with us and get health information.”  

On his part, John Oluwafemi, the Policy Advocacy and Campaign Officer, Save the Children, noted that the chatbot was designed with the mind that there are more English-speaking people in Lagos.

“But in our normal physical engagement with the community, they would rather prefer that we speak in Yoruba, contrary to the belief that Lagos is a place where English is the lingua franca. 

One of the observations in the process was the fact that a lot of people actually want to use technology. 

“Before you can be qualified to use the AskNivi platform, you must have a smartphone, while some people have smartphones, they don't have data; some have internet; but don't have data, and also, the people want to know if they can actually trust the platform,” he remarked.

Recounting some of the lessons learned, Dr. Magdalena Obande, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Assistant on the VaxSocial Project, noted, "Among lessons we learned from the project is that nothing is built without trust. We are in a digital age, an AI age, but if the people don't trust the system, or are not good with what we do, they wouldn't have given us an open hand.  So trust paved a whole lot of ways for us to implement this project and for community-held volunteers to be able to onboard as much as they did in the project.