The international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, the Lagos Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Tourism, hosted the Stride for HER Rights Maternal Healthcare Walkathon across Lagos’s iconic Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
The advocacy amplified awareness of the vital role of community health workers, seeking increased healthcare funding towards sexual reproductive health rights, and championing the need for equitable access to maternal and neonatal healthcare services across Nigeria.
Participants who completed the walkathon earned tickets to Global Citizen’s Move Afrika: Lagos event on February 25 at The Palms, headlined by EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, artist and producer John Legend.
Read Also: Nigeria commiserate with Namibia over death of former President Nujoma
The walkathon had thousands of global citizens, leaders from civil society and government representatives from across the region participate, including Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), and HelpMum, ìn attendance, calling for enhanced maternal and child healthcare services nationwide.
Participants engaged in interactive educational activities on sexual and reproductive health and neonatal care, with a live petition that walkers could sign, advocating for increased health budget allocations, among others.
Guest speakers included Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder of WARIF, who shared valuable insights on maternal health in Nigeria, and Special Advisor at the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olukemi Ogunyemi,who reinforced the government’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare services.
Managing Director, Africa, Global Citizen, Iphie Chuks-Adizue, said maternal health, sexual reproductive healthcare and neonatal health pose significant challenges to to the society, exacerbated by inadequate funding and limited access.
She said the event highlights the vital role of community health workers in communities and the urgent need for policy reform to support them and their work.