The Niger State government has partnered with the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria to pilot a research project addressing heavy menstrual bleeding and other uterine health conditions affecting women.

Murtala Bagana, commissioner for health, disclosed this in Minna during a stakeholder engagement to raise awareness and action on uterine health conditions that are often deprioritised and stigmatised.

Mr Bagana said women’s reproductive health issues have historically received limited attention from policymakers, leaving many women to suffer in silence due to inadequate access to care.

He explained that the research would help the government understand women’s lived experiences, guiding the formulation of appropriate policies and targeted interventions to address uterine health challenges.

“Whatever women go through must be properly researched so key decisions can be taken. The state government wants to be part of the exercise to implement the findings,” he said.

Tonte Ibraye, executive director of WRA Nigeria, said the organisation was piloting a diagnostic tool for heavy menstrual bleeding in Niger and Rivers states as part of a six-state research initiative.

Mr Ibraye commended the Niger government for demonstrating commitment and ownership, noting the research outcomes would inform policy formulation, reviews, and resource allocation to address uterine conditions effectively.

He added that the findings would culminate in a “State of the Womb Report,” detailing uterine health conditions, causes, women’s challenges, and recommendations for government action.

Fatou Wurie, founder and CEO of Youterus Health, called for stronger government ownership to improve access to dignified, early uterine healthcare services across Nigeria.

Ms Wurie said heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis negatively impacted women’s productivity and quality of life but often remained underdiagnosed and poorly managed.

“Some women experience bleeding that keeps them away from work for days, enduring severe pain, yet these issues are hardly captured in our health systems,” she said.

She stressed the need for improved data capture, public awareness, policy prioritisation, and greater investment in reproductive health beyond maternal mortality indicators.

According to her, addressing these silent but debilitating uterine conditions will improve women’s health outcomes, enhance economic participation, and promote overall well-being nationwide.

(NAN)