By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Niger State Government has raised concerns over the lack of reliable data for research on women’s health conditions.
Niger State Demands Stronger Data on Women’s Health
The Niger State Government on Monday in Niger State called on the Federal Government and health agencies to fund and deploy resources for a comprehensive women’s health database, as Commissioner for Health Dr. Murtala Bagana spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Youterus Health in collaboration with White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria to prioritise menstrual and reproductive health through evidence-based research.
Dr. Bagana said policymakers had ignored women’s health concerns for years. He noted that inadequate data limited effective planning and intervention.
According to him, research findings would guide better policy decisions. He added that the state government plans to participate actively in field research.
“We want to engage directly because we will implement the findings,” he said.
Furthermore, he disclosed that Niger State would push for adoption of the research outcomes at the National Council on Health meeting scheduled for November 2026. He expressed hope to lead discussions on the study’s recommendations.
Stakeholders Call for African-Led Research
Dr. Fatou Wurie, Chief Executive Officer of Youterus Health, stressed the need for tailored research on African women’s uterine health. Similarly, Chief Tonte Ibraye, Executive Director of White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, highlighted the impact of poor data collection.
They explained that limited data has kept many African women’s health issues hidden. Therefore, they urged authorities to “unmute the womb” through focused research and open dialogue.
Dr. Wurie said Nigerian women develop fibroids earlier than women in Western countries. She noted that while Western women develop fibroids between ages 40 and 46, Nigerian women often face the condition between 35 and 37.
In addition, she revealed that 57.4 percent of Nigerian adolescent girls experience heavy menstrual bleeding. However, many delay seeking medical care for over 20 years after symptoms begin.
She also pointed out the absence of a national screening programme and patient registries. According to her, Nigeria lacks dedicated research funding for uterine health. As a result, women’s health remains under-researched and poorly measured.
Why Reliable Data Matters for Women’s Reproductive Health
Health experts at the event agreed that strong data systems improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Moreover, evidence-based policies can reduce long-term complications among women.
Stakeholders therefore urged federal and state authorities to prioritise funding and policy reforms. They maintained that investing in women’s reproductive health would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system overall.
