Training capacity
20 expert trainers in Kano and Abuja have been trained to deliver the EGS course.
Overview
Nigeria has one of the world’s highest rates of obstetric fistula, a preventable condition driven by a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in gynaecological care. This gap limits women’s access to timely, high-quality care, leaving many without the support they need. Launched in 2024, the Gynaecological Health Matters (GHM) programme in Nigeria addresses this challenge through a comprehensive approach focused on training and advocacy.
The programme provides Essential Gynaecological Skills (EGS) training to healthcare providers in Kano and FCT Abuja, equipping them to identify, treat, and manage gynaecological conditions at the earliest stage. GHM also collaborates with partners and champions to advocate for the prioritisation of gynaecological health across all levels of the healthcare system.
It is funded by the UK Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) as part of the Global Health Workforce programme, this fund is managed by Global Health Partnerships and Ducit Blue Solutions in Nigeria.
Programme goals
The programme aims to:
- Increase the number of skilled healthcare providers delivering high-quality gynaecological care.
- Support healthcare providers in advocating for the prioritisation of gynaecology services at their facilities.
- Document evidence of impact to secure government commitment to fund EGS training nationally.
- Demonstrate that GHM is a replicable delivery model for other low- and middle-income settings.
Impact
The GHM Nigeria programme has already made measurable progress in key areas:
Government commitment
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health has validated and adopted the EGS training materials.
Frontline providers
180 healthcare providers trained in prevention, early identification, management, and referral of gynaecological health issues.
Training satisfaction
99% of participants rated the training as satisfactory or highly satisfactory, with 84% showing improved knowledge.
Our partners
The GHM Nigeria programme is a partnership between the RCOG, the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), and the Africa Centre for Excellence in Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP). It is funded by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) as part of the Global Health Workforce Programme.
The Global Health Workforce Programme supports partnerships between UK and African health institutions to strengthen health systems for post-pandemic recovery and progress towards universal health coverage.
Supporting gynaecological health globally
The GHM Nigeria programme builds on the impactful strategies implemented in Bangladesh, demonstrating how adaptable and scalable solutions can address gynaecological health challenges globally.