By Nnedinma Okeke
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Anambra State Chapter, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting primary healthcare delivery through stronger collaboration with the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA).
The association made this known during a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Awka on Oct. 29, where it congratulated Dr. Chizoba Prisca Ezeasor on her appointment as Executive Secretary and presented its areas of intervention and ongoing activities.
Speaking during the visit, the Anambra State President of FOMWAN, Hajia Maryam Ijeoma Raji, described Dr. Ezeasor’s appointment as timely, noting that effective primary healthcare leadership was essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage in the state.
She expressed confidence in the new Executive Secretary’s ability to strengthen the primary healthcare system, describing leadership as a responsibility that demands commitment, accountability and service to the people.
Introducing the association, Hajia Raji explained that FOMWAN, established in 1985, is the umbrella organisation for Muslim women’s associations in Nigeria and is affiliated with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
She noted that although Muslim women constitute a minority in Anambra State, the association maintains an organised presence across the three senatorial zones and various communities, with programmes focusing on education, healthcare, Islamic propagation (Da’wah) and humanitarian services.
According to her, maternal and child health remain major priorities for the organisation, particularly the prevention of avoidable maternal deaths, childbirth complications and childhood diseases.
She stressed that no woman should lose her life during childbirth due to preventable complications and no child should suffer from diseases that can be prevented through timely healthcare interventions.
Hajia Raji added that the association was committed to working with government agencies and other stakeholders to promote health awareness, encourage healthcare utilisation and improve access to essential services.
Responding, Dr. Ezeasor welcomed the delegation and appreciated FOMWAN’s contributions to primary healthcare activities and service delivery across Anambra State.
She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to collaboration, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability, stressing that partnerships with community based organisations and other stakeholders were essential to strengthening healthcare delivery.
The Executive Secretary assured FOMWAN of the agency’s readiness to deepen the existing relationship, while commending the association for its willingness to support community mobilisation, public health awareness and improved access to primary healthcare services.
The engagement underscored the importance of partnerships between government institutions and organised community groups in advancing maternal and child health and improving healthcare outcomes across the state.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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