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.