New York: When measles broke out in a Nasarawa community, it was not a government official or a doctor who first knocked on doors — it was a woman health worker.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says scenes like this are playing out across Nigeria, where women on the frontlines are detecting outbreaks faster, driving up vaccination rates, and saving lives that might otherwise be lost.
The UN health agency cited the experience of a mother in Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State, as a reflection of what was happening across many parts of Nigeria.
“When my son developed a rash, I was scared, but the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State, said.
Her story is common throughout Nigeria.
When health threats appeared, women often responded first.
They supported families, fought misinformation, and linked communities to care.
When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers.
Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria. According to the local area data, children missing routine immunisation are particularly at risk of contracting and dying from measles. vaccinations.
Women’s health workers mobilised immediately.
They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early symptom reporting, and explain when and where to seek care.
Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.
Across Nigeria, women made up a large share of frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn, and child health services.
They provide essential care in clinics, labs, emergency centres, and rural communities, supporting national priorities under strategic health plans and agencies.
Serving 220 million people, Nigeria’s health system relies on trusted community health workers, many of them women, especially in rural and remote areas.
Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024, and 17 in 2025. After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.
WHO provided technical guidance, training, and supplies, while the government led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health.
“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders.
“When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve,” Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria, said.
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added: “Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”
From Borno’s volunteers to Kano’s surveillance officers and Rivers State’s midwives, women are strengthening disease surveillance, raising vaccination rates, and boosting confidence in health services, even in conflict or hard-to-reach places.
In Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families now feel better prepared.
“Now, we know what to look for, and we report quickly.
“The women health workers helped us protect our children,” Hauwa Mohammed said.
Nigeria has made progress, but women still face gaps in leadership, training, and advancement.
The UN health agency, however, called for policymakers to invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce and for partners and donors to support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance.
Communities are also encouraged to maintain prompt disease reporting and to ensure all children receive routine immunisations, fostering a culture of active participation in disease prevention.
“Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria, but they are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives,’’ it added.
