Women in Public health Leadership in Africa unveiled

By Ibrahim B Surajo & Hussaini Garba Mohammed The Shehu Musa ‘Yar’Adua Center Abuja played host to a landmark event on Friday, December 5, 2025, as Women in Public Health Leadership for Africa (WIPHLA) was officially unveiled. The occasion brought together prominent figures, from across African nations including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the […]

By Ibrahim B Surajo & Hussaini Garba Mohammed

The Shehu Musa ‘Yar’Adua Center Abuja played host to a landmark event on Friday, December 5, 2025, as Women in Public Health Leadership for Africa (WIPHLA) was officially unveiled.

The occasion brought together prominent figures, from across African nations including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization, who delivered a keynote address.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala praised the founders of WIPHLA, led by Dr. Charity Usifo Chenge, for their vision and dedication to empowering women in public health leadership.

She emphasized that the gathering was a statement of confidence in Africa’s future, highlighting the crucial role women play in public health services.

“Women are present at the forefront of public health services but absent at the decision table,”Dr. Okonjo-Iweala noted, urging women to take leadership roles and drive development in African nations’ health sectors.

 

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, the Special Guest of Honor, commended women in public health leadership for their contributions, particularly in curbing polio, HIV, and maternal and child mortality. He reaffirmed Benue State’s commitment to supporting women in public health leadership.

Other dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe of Kaduna State, who expressed her support for WIPHLA, emphasizing the need for women to double their efforts in transforming the public health sector.

A fireside chat featured panelists Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi the CEO Summit Medical Group, Dr. Evelyn Abayaah Issah Co-founder WIPHLA, and Dr. Mame Awa Toure, a public heath expert, who stressed the importance of resilience and focus for women in public health leadership.

Dr. Amina Mohammed Baloni the Kaduna state former Commissioner of Health shared her experience managing COVID-19 in Kaduna State. highlighting the power of partnership and cooperation during her tenure, which made Kaduna state to became the best Nigerian state in managing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The event concluded with a presentation by Dr. Aday E. Adetosoye, the CEO 1099 Impact Street, on the role of AI in public health leadership, urging women to leverage AI to enhance their services.

The launch of WIPHLA marks a significant step towards amplifying women’s leadership in African public health, with attendees committed to driving positive change.