ASABA — Nigeria is to host the ninth Near East and Africa Regional (NEAR) Congress of the
Medical Women’s International Association (MWIA) from March 24 to March 27, 2021, in Abuja, after 21 years.
Dr. Minimim Oseji, the National President of, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), disclosed this in a statement issued, on Sunday, in Asaba, and made it available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Oseji, who noted that the last time Nigeria hosted such an event was in the year 2000, disclosed that the opening and closing ceremonies of the congress would be chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, respectively.
According to her, the former Minister for Health, Prof. Adenike Grange, will be the keynote speaker at the event, while Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, President, MWIA, would be the Special Guests.
“The Chief Host is Dr Christine Sadia, the Regional Vice-President of the Near East and African Region of the Medical Women’s International Association”, Oseji said.
She added that MWAN, a Non-Governmental, not-for-profit, body of all registered female medical and dental doctors in Nigeria, an affiliate of MWIA and belongs to one of its eight regional organizations–the Near East and Africa Region (NEAR), has been selected to host the NEAR Congress in Abuja.
Oseji said that the main theme of the Congress is; “Accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Priorities, Opportunities, and Challenges”.
“Proposed Sub-themes are; “Context of Universal Health Coverage in the sub-region”; “Social determinants of health and health equity”, “Health financing for Universal Health Coverage”, “Improving quality of healthcare for Universal Health Coverage.
“Also, “Building strong, resilient and sustainable health services delivery systems for Universal Health Coverage”,
“Promoting the health of women and girls” Human Resources for Health: foundations for Universal Health Coverage” and “Governance and accountability.
“Participants, comprising female medical professionals, students and other professionals, have registered and are expected to attend from countries across Africa, the Near East region, Europe, Canada and the United States of America”, she said.
She added: “There is no single strategy for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage; strategies will depend on local contexts and national dialogue.
“While challenges abound, there has been variable progress between and within countries”.
According to her, the objectives of the Congress include, to assess the status of implementation of strategies for attainment of UHC in the Near East and African Region, sharing experiences and identifying challenges and constraints and proffering practical solutions.
In addition, it would “explore strategies for moving from rhetoric to concrete actions for accelerating achievement of Universal Health Coverage, including necessary changes in institutional mechanisms in the region.
“Present and discuss most recent advances innovations, constraints and challenges encountered and practical solutions towards provision of UHC across the region.
“Identify and agree on strategies for strengthening healthcare systems, especially at primary healthcare level, reducing inequities and providing people centered quality essential healthcare services.
“Present and discuss new knowledge, skills, opportunities and gaps in strategies for attaining UHC by 2030 and the effect on women, children, adolescent and young people, the elderly including those living in emergency and difficult circumstances and other vulnerable groups”, The NWAN National President said.
She explained that the expected outcomes of the Congress would include, strengthened capacities of participating countries in the Near East and African Region to champion and advocate for attainment of Universal Health Coverage
“Showcase practical, evidence-based and affordable models of interventions that work towards enhancing UHC, among all persons in the region.
“Identify and prioritize, for adoption, funding opportunities, mechanisms and health financing options that are required to provide UHC”, Oseji said.
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