“When my son developed a rash, I was scared,” says Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. “But the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly.”
Her experience reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria. When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.
Women protecting children during a measles outbreak
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine
Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.
Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine
Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.
Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.
From community action to measurable results
The response also showed how investing in women strengthens routine systems, not only emergency response.
“When women are trained and trusted at the community level, the results are clear,” said Dr Zeenat Kabir Asma’i, World Health Organization (WHO) North Central Zonal Coordinator. “We see earlier case detection, higher vaccination uptake and better follow‑up with families. These are not short‑term gains. They improve how the health system works every day.”
During the recent measles response in Nasarawa State, women mobilisers supported surveillance teams to reach households early.
Outputs included:
. 76 500 doses of measles vaccines delivered
. 11 cold chain units deployed
. Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
. A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women
These outputs led to outcomes:
. 11 cold chain units deployed
. Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
. A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women
These outputs led to outcomes:
. Vaccination coverage increased from 60 percent to 97 percent in targeted communities
. Faster reporting of suspected cases
. Fewer non‑compliant households
. Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers
At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.
“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”
Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.
Women’s leadership strengthens health systems
. Faster reporting of suspected cases
. Fewer non‑compliant households
. Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers
At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.
“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”
Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.
Women’s leadership strengthens health systems
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.
WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.
“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve.”
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added:
“Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”
A growing impact across Nigeria
From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women are strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.
Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families say they feel better prepared.
“Now we know what to look for, and we report quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed says. “The women health workers helped us protect our children.”
What needs to happen next
Nigeria has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
A clear call to action:For policymakers: Invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce
For partners and donors: Support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance
For communities: Continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunization
Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria. They are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives.
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