• Super Admin
• 07 Mar, 2026

Women across the globe are celebrated every March 8 for their resilience and the crucial roles they play in society. This year's theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. for all women and girls," by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the need for equal access to quality, affordable healthcare. "At the heart of this year's theme, women's right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health is not a sectoral issue, but one that is central to equitable, resilient and sustainable societies," the WHO noted. In Nigeria, women have driven transformative change in health, from curbing the Ebola virus disease to protecting citizens from fake foods and drugs. BusinessDay spotlights the remarkable contributions of these women shaping the country's health sector.Here are some women making phenomenal impacts in Nigeria's health sector. Dr. Adaeze Oreh is a physician, public health specialist and advocate for universal health coverage with nearly two decades of experience across clinical practice, health policy and health systems strengthening. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria's blood safety, availability, and distribution systems, contributing to the National Blood Policy review. She also led research, planning, and data-driven strategies at the National Blood Service Commission, promoting evidence-based healthcare decision-making. As founder of Kaibeya Care Foundation Africa, she champions health access, education, and empowerment for underserved populations. Her work spans maternal, newborn, and child health, universal health coverage, health financing reforms, and system strengthening, earning recognition as a 2019 Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow and 2023 Global Health Leadership Fellow. She trained at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and advanced in global health at Imperial College London and LSHTM. Now Rivers State Health Commissioner, she pursues transformative leadership to advance health equity across Africa. A seasoned physician and healthcare executive, Dr. Awele Vivien Elumelu serves as the chairperson of Avon Medical Practice Limited and Avon Healthcare Limited. She also leads healthcare investment initiatives at Heirs Holdings, the investment company founded by Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony Elumelu. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Benin. With more than a decade of clinical experience, Vivien Elumelu has combined medical practice with advocacy for stronger health systems across Africa. Her work has focused on advancing universal health coverage, with particular emphasis on improving maternal and child health outcomes and expanding immunization access. In recognition of her advocacy, she was appointed a Champion for Immunisation in Africa by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, where she has helped drive awareness about vaccine equity and the fight against preventable diseases. Her contributions to healthcare and national development earned her one of Nigeria's highest honours when former president Muhammadu Buhari conferred on her the national title of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2023. Stephanie Omoarebun is a medical laboratory scientist, public health professional, and founder of The LabCoat Agency, a platform dedicated to strengthening Nigeria's health systems, promoting preventive healthcare, and advancing health equity. Through the organization, she leads community-centered initiatives aimed at bridging healthcare gaps, reducing avoidable disease burdens, and lowering out-of-pocket spending through prevention, early detection, and structured community engagement. She has organized free medical outreaches in underserved communities and actively advocates for cancer prevention through public health education, vaccination awareness, and early detection,particularly for vaccine-preventable cancers such as cervical cancer (HPV) and liver cancer (Hepatitis B). Omoarebun also mentors young girls and emerging professionals, encouraging careers in healthcare, especially laboratory science and public health. Currently serving as the national secretary of the Young Medical Laboratory Scientists Forum (YMLSF), she works to influence health policy in areas including cancer prevention, diagnostic integration, vaccination equity, and health systems strengthening to ensure preventive services are accessible and affordable within primary healthcare. Salamatu Suleiman is a Nigerian humanitarian, development advocate, and founder of the Isolycia Foundation, whose work focuses on the intersection of social development and public health. Through years of humanitarian efforts centered on women, children, and underserved populations, she has supported vulnerable communities by addressing key social determinants of health, including education, poverty, and access to basic welfare. Her foundation organizes community outreach initiatives, provides educational support for children, and empowers widows and disadvantaged women with resources that improve family wellbeing and stability. Her leadership in philanthropy and development has earned her international recognition, including being named among inspirational women highlighted by Forbes. She currently serves as special adviser on Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) to the Governor of Edo State, where she works to align state development priorities with the United Nations SDGs, many of which directly promote health and wellbeing. Paulett Ogeah is a Pharmacologist, a Health Educationist and chief executive of Paracletworld Service Limited, a consultancy platform dedicated to helping the social wellbeing of entrepreneurs and building social development. Her experience working with women, girls, and vulnerable communities in various non-profit organisations made her discover critical gaps in economic empowerment, social protection, and sustainable impact systems, which led to the establishment of the organisation. With a background in Pharmacology Technology and a Master's degree in Health Education, she is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Education, to position herself in building a global and integrated social enterprise, where she can guarantee the social protection of women and girls in underserved communities. Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/iwd-spotlighting-women-transforming-nigerias-healthcare/