By Anazonwu Chizoba Vivian
The Anambra State Government needs to strengthen menopause awareness and improve access to healthcare services for women experiencing menopause related health challenges.
World Menopause Day provides an opportunity to highlight the physical and emotional changes women may experience during menopause and the importance of appropriate medical care and support.
The 2026 global theme, “Chronic Pain at Midlife: From Recognition to Evidence Based Care,” highlights the need to recognise persistent pain among women and ensure that they receive appropriate medical assessment and treatment.
In Anambra, increased awareness would help women understand menopause related changes, recognise possible symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary.
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. However, experiences vary, with some women reporting hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue that may affect their daily activities.
Despite its health implications, menopause remains a subject that many people find difficult to discuss openly. Some women endure symptoms without seeking help because of embarrassment, inadequate information, financial constraints or limited access to healthcare professionals.
The state government could expand awareness campaigns through hospitals, primary healthcare centres, community outreach, radio programmes and other communication channels. Such initiatives would help women understand menopause and know when to seek professional medical advice.
Healthcare professionals should also receive appropriate training to identify and assess menopause related concerns, including persistent pain.
Although joint and muscle pain may occur during the menopause transition, chronic pain can have other causes. Proper medical evaluation is therefore essential to identify underlying conditions and determine suitable treatment.
Husbands and family members also have a role to play by understanding menopause as a natural life transition and providing emotional and practical support. A supportive home environment can encourage women to discuss their symptoms openly and seek medical care without fear of embarrassment or dismissal.
Improving access to women’s healthcare also requires adequate numbers of trained personnel, affordable services and reliable health information, particularly for women facing financial or geographical barriers to medical care.
As the world marks World Menopause Day, greater public awareness, improved access to healthcare and evidence based treatment are important steps towards protecting women’s health and well being in Anambra.
Anazonwu Chizoba Vivian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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