Ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has called for a strategic partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDSC) to address health issues affecting women and girls in Nigeria.
This appeal was made by the Acting National President of NCWS, Mrs. Geraldine Etuk, during the visit of LDSC representatives to the NCWS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
In her address, Mrs. Etuk highlighted the critical challenges Nigerian women face amid the nation's economic difficulties, rising inflation, and security concerns. She noted that the adverse effects of poverty have worsened the health and wellbeing of many women, emphasizing the urgent need for health screenings, particularly for cervical cancer, which remains a leading cause of death among Nigerian women.
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"We thank Almighty God for your visit at a time when Nigerian women and their families are navigating numerous hardships," Mrs. Etuk stated. "With the insecurity that hinders farming activities and recent flooding that displaced many from their homes, our people are facing an increase in malnutrition and lack of healthcare access."
Mrs. Etuk referenced data from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) indicating that 22 women die daily from cervical cancer, with 32 new cases diagnosed each day. She attributed this high rate to factors such as lack of awareness, poverty, inadequate screening programs, and limited access to affordable treatment. To combat this, Mrs. Etuk urged LDSC to support NCWS’s efforts to expand screening initiatives.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, Nigeria must vaccinate 90% of women against cervical cancer, screen 70% of women between ages 24 and 55, and treat 90% of cervical diseases by 2030 to eliminate cervical cancer. While the government has taken strides, such as initiating free vaccination for girls aged 9-14, Mrs. Etuk stressed that achieving the WHO goals would require significant support from philanthropists, NGOs, and humanitarian organizations.
"The life-touching, Christ-like humanitarian efforts of your organization are commendable," she told LDSC representatives. "We look forward to a collaboration that will impact the lives of women and children across Nigeria."
In response, Tamara Runia, First Counselor of the Young Women General Presidency, and Tracy Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency of LDSC, expressed their commitment to supporting NCWS’s initiatives. They assured NCWS of their interest in a partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare access for women and children and addressing issues of gender equality.
The LDSC delegation also presented an award, the "Tree of Life," to Mrs. Etuk, symbolizing God’s love for humanity and reaffirming the church’s dedication to humanitarian work. Runia and Browning commended NCWS’s advocacy for women’s rights and pledged their support in empowering Nigerian women and girls.
The call for collaboration is particularly timely as Nigeria approaches the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Mrs. Etuk expressed hope that the proposed partnership with LDSC would bring new resources and initiatives to address pressing health issues, particularly for the nation’s most vulnerable women and girls.