Strengthening Policies for Gender Equity and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria

Health experts have sounded the alarm on the need for Nigerian authorities and stakeholders to bolster policies that promote gender equity and expand access to sexual and reproductive health services. The experts, speaking at the 2025 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja, emphasized that cultural barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and limited funding continue to jeopardize women's health nationwide. According to Kolapo Oyeniyi, a public health specialist, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is integral to overall public health and should not be treated as a separate issue. Oyeniyi underscored that SRH encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality and reproduction for both men and women.

Key Takeaways:

• The panel at the 2025 Gatefield Health Summit urged the Nigerian government and stakeholders to strengthen policies that promote gender equity and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.
• SRH must be treated as a core part of public health, not a separate issue, according to public health specialist Kolapo Oyeniyi.
• Oyeniyi highlighted that cultural barriers, weak infrastructure, and limited funding endanger women's health nationwide.
• Oyeniyi emphasized the importance of accessible SRH services, particularly in primary health centers, where communities need round-the-clock care.
• He stressed that restrictive laws on abortion and cultural norms limit access to care.
• Oyeniyi called for robust male engagement strategies, community education to shift social norms, and increased investment in provider training, equipment, and digital tools to strengthen service delivery.
• Olufemi Ibitoye, Technical Advisor at Pathfinder International, emphasized the importance of integrating SRH services with other essential healthcare programs to address systemic inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
• Ibitoye highlighted the need for accountability in managing health resources to prevent waste and poor outcomes.
• Mr Oyeniyi proposed integrating SRH services into non-communicable disease clinics to reach a broader population and address issues around menopause, sexual health, and family planning.

Statistics:

• Most primary health centers in Nigeria operate limited hours, closing between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Many facilities lack trained personnel capable of providing long-term contraceptive methods such as IUDs and implants.
• Restrictive laws on abortion and cultural norms limit access to care.
• Providing integration is key to addressing systemic inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

Sources:

• "Women at the Centre: Advancing Gender Equity in Health" (2025 Gatefield Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday).
• Kolapo Oyeniyi, public health specialist (Source).
• Olufemi Ibitoye, Technical Advisor at Pathfinder International (Source).