FG and CSO Sign MOU for Inclusive Healthcare Policies

On Friday, a memorandum of understanding was signed in Abuja between the Nigerian Federal Government and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to support inclusive healthcare policies for intersex individuals. The agreement, formalizing a partnership that will commence in 2024, aims to improve and protect access to healthcare for persons born with variations in sex characteristics.

The initiative includes the unveiling of a policy toolkit designed to guide healthcare institutions in adopting inclusive practices. Obioma Chukwuik, the Executive Director and Founder of the CSO, emphasized the need for awareness regarding intersex traits, which affect approximately 1.7% of the global population.

Dr. John Ovuoray, Director of the Family Health Department, represented the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and highlighted the importance of mainstreaming intersex issues into healthcare policies. The memorandum signifies the government's commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery and aims to combat stigma and misconceptions surrounding intersex individuals.