Lara Adejoro
Sightsavers, an international non-governmental organisation has lamented that women and girls face inequalities that increase their risk of disease, disability, gender-based violence, and mortality in Nigeria and worldwide.
In a statement signed by its Communications Officer, Joy Tarbo, in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day, the organisation said when it comes to health care, the gender gap is huge.
The organization stated, “In Nigeria, and worldwide, women and girls face inequalities that increase their risk of disease, disability, gender-based violence, and mortality.
“And for many women, getting their health issues addressed is at the bottom of a long list of challenges and priorities.
“This International Women’s Day, Sightsavers is calling for all health services to be inclusive and accessible for women and girls, including those with disabilities.”
Sightsavers also noted that an estimated 56 million women suffer from Female Genital Schistosomiasis
It said FGS impacts women’s reproductive health and that the current lack of information about the prevalence and consequences of the disease in Nigeria is hindering effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A research associate at Sightsavers Nigeria, Omosefe Osinoiki, said, “Investing in women’s health is a strategic move towards society’s wellbeing. It creates a ripple effect that elevates their community. When women are empowered, in their education as well as their health, they are able to sustainably take care of their families, both physically and otherwise.
“It’s important, useful and it will be meaningful for the communities that we work in, whether it’s for neglected tropical diseases, inclusive health, inclusive education, whatever it is that we do in the communities that we work in, it’s important that we involve and expand our reach to deepen community engagement and also advocate for policy changes that will prioritise women’s health.”
The Country Director of Sightsavers, Dr Joy Shu’aibu said the organization is committed to women’s health, adding, “As we mark International Women’s Day, we stand committed to addressing the urgent health needs of women and girls worldwide. Through our work in Nigeria, we are dedicated to combating female genital schistosomiasis, ensuring that no woman or girl suffers in silence. Together, we can break barriers, empower women, and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.”
PUNCH Healthwise reports that Sightsavers works with partners to improve access to health services for all, including women and people with disabilities, such as treatments to protect against neglected tropical diseases and sight-restoring operations.
It also works to ensure women have access to information on health issues such as reducing disease transmission and maternal and newborn health services.
According to the organization, since its inception, it has helped 70,000 women to access treatment for trachoma, protected 560 million women from devastating diseases including schistosomiasis, and fought for access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and girls with disabilities in eight countries.
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