The maiden edition of Abuja Reproductive Health Week has brought renewed focus to fertility preservation and fibroid management, as medical experts and stakeholders engaged in discussions on improving reproductive healthcare in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The two-day event, organized by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in collaboration with Nordica Fertility Centre, addressed key reproductive health issues such as adenomyosis, onco-fertility, and advancements in fertility treatments.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services & Environment, FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the initiative as a significant step toward improving women’s health, particularly in line with International Women’s Month.
“This is good news to us in the FCT, knowing that we have this partnership that will give women a better quality of life,” she said. “Fibroid affects fertility, mental health, and overall quality of life, regardless of age or socio-economic status.”
She further highlighted the availability of non-invasive fibroid treatment, emphasizing that women can now have fibroids removed without surgery. “It is safe, effective, and does not affect a woman’s ability to have children. In fact, it enhances infertility treatment,” she added.
On affordability, Dr. Fasawe assured the public that the government is exploring ways to support fibroid treatment, either through out-of-pocket payments or health insurance. She also reiterated that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, pregnant women are already receiving free healthcare.
Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, emphasized the need for fertility preservation, particularly for cancer patients. He noted that with increasing survival rates among childhood cancer patients, addressing infertility caused by cancer treatments is crucial.
“We know that the FCTA, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, signed a multilateral agreement in August 2023 to support the health of women with cancer. That’s why fertility preservation is one of the first topics we are addressing,” he said.
Dr. Ajayi also commended the FCTA for fostering public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector. “This collaboration has been an eye-opener. If Nigeria operated like this everywhere, our healthcare system would progress much faster,” he remarked.
Another expert, Dr. Ajayi, described the arrival of the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine in Abuja as a breakthrough in reproductive healthcare, making non-invasive fibroid treatment more accessible.
“You can only benefit from what you are aware of, so we are starting with awareness creation. Once that is achieved, we will address other aspects step by step,” he said.
He also noted that Abuja serves as a strategic hub for northern Nigeria, making it a crucial location for expanding reproductive healthcare services.
With the success of the Abuja Reproductive Health Week, experts are optimistic that continuous partnerships and awareness campaigns will lead to lasting improvements in fertility preservation and fibroid care for women in the FCT and beyond.