IWD 2026: HSES “GIVE TO GAIN” WITH FREE SURGERY, PALLIATIVES, AND HEALTH SUPPORT FOR WOMEN
By: Prudence Okonna
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, has provided free surgical palliatives for seven indigent mothers under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) Programme, in line with the policy of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW).
According to a press statement signed by the media aide to the Mandate Secretary, Bola Ajao, the free surgical palliatives and health support were provided in line with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Kuje General Hospital.
The visit formed part of activities to celebrate women and demonstrate the Secretariat’s commitment to improving maternal and family health through targeted interventions aimed at reducing financial burden on women and their families.
During the visit, the Mandate Secretary interacted with patients, new mothers, caregivers, families of patients, and dedicated female health workers who spent the day caring for the sick rather than celebrating in the comfort of their homes.
Across hospitals, these women remain pillars of strength, offering care, compassion, and hope to those going through difficult moments.
As part of the outreach, food items, cash support, and other provisions were distributed to patients, new mothers, medical staff and patient relatives keeping vigil over their loved ones.
The Mandate Secretary explained that the gesture was meant to appreciate their sacrifices and provide relief for families already dealing with emotional and financial burden of illness.
The Mandate Secretary also highlighted other initiatives of HSES aimed at empowering women and improving health outcomes.
These include free health insurance enrolment for vulnerable women, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, cooking gas support, baby kits for newborns and other medical palliatives designed to ensure women and their families have access to essential healthcare and safer living conditions.
She noted that, the philosophy behind the Secretariat’s interventions is simple: when society supports women, the gains are reflected in healthier children, stronger homes and more resilient communities.
The Mandate Secretary toured several wards during the visit, encouraging patients and families and commending caregivers who remained steadfast in supporting their loved ones.
She also offered comfort and a listening ear to bereaved families, providing a supportive shoulder during their time of loss.
Fasawe further commended the medical personnel at Kuje General Hospital for their dedication and resilience, particularly for remaining on duty during the weekend and on a day when many would ordinarily celebrate with their families.
Responding on behalf of the hospital management, the Medical Director, Dr. Babatunde Ayeni, appreciated the Mandate Secretary’s visit and humanitarian gesture, noting that the intervention uplifted the spirits of patients and their families.
The event aimed at reinforcing the message of the International Women’s Day 2026 that supporting women leads to greater gains for families, communities, and society as a whole. When women thrive, society prospers.
