By Omagha Idam and Cynthia Batuta
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Nordica Fertility Centre have intensified efforts to enhance reproductive health awareness in Abuja through the maiden edition of the Abuja Reproductive Health Week.
The unique two-day event brought together medical experts and the public to discuss critical issues, including fertility preservation, fibroid management, and adenomyosis treatment. Experts also provided insights on onco-fertility focusing on preserving fertility for cancer patients and explored ways to improve reproductive healthcare access.
Commenting on the initiative, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services & Environment, FCTA, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the program as a significant step toward improving women’s health in the FCT, especially during 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 does not respect age or socio-economic status, but it affects fertility, the mind, and overall quality of life.”
Dr Fasawe highlighted the introduction of non-invasive fibroid treatment, emphasizing that women can now remove fibroids without surgery. “It is safe, effective, and does not affect fertility. In fact, it enhances infertility treatment,” she explained.
On the affordability of reproductive healthcare, Dr. Fasawe reassured the public that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, free healthcare is already available for pregnant women, and discussions are ongoing to make fibroid treatment more accessible through insurance or other financial support mechanisms.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, emphasized the importance of fertility preservation for cancer patients. He noted that with increasing survival rates among childhood cancer patients, it is essential to address infertility caused by cancer treatments.
“Now that many of them are surviving, how do they have children after cancer? That’s what we are discussing today,” he stated.
Dr. Ajayi also praised the FCTA for its support in fostering partnerships to improve reproductive healthcare services. “This collaboration has been an eye-opener. If Nigeria was like this everywhere, our healthcare system would progress much faster,” he noted.
In addition, Dr. Ajayi, highlighted the arrival of the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) machine in Abuja, describing it as a major advancement in reproductive health.
“You can only use 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 further noted that Abuja serves as a strategic hub for northern Nigeria, making it a crucial location for expanding reproductive healthcare services.
The Abuja Reproductive Health Week marks a significant step toward improving women’s health in the FCT, with experts hopeful that ongoing collaborations will lead to lasting advancements in reproductive healthcare.