Coalition Launched to Tackle Maternal Health Crisis in Africa

On Thursday, Dr. Victoria Ifeoma Njoku, founder of the Vickyheldan Empower Foundation, urged the establishment of a continent-wide coalition to combat Africa's high maternal mortality rates and the growing mental health crisis among women. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja ahead of the Health Power Conference Africa 2026 scheduled for August 20, she stressed that governments alone lack the capacity to address the escalating healthcare crisis.

The foundation aims to improve healthcare access, advance gender equality, and promote quality education while championing community outreach across Nigeria and the African continent. Dr. Njoku highlighted the importance of creating synergistic partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), healthcare institutions, and private sector stakeholders to enhance healthcare outcomes for women.

She identified mental health as a neglected aspect of women's healthcare and called for discussions on emotional well-being, stress management, and domestic violence. The conference will focus on actionable strategies to reduce maternal deaths and improve healthcare services for women, particularly in rural and underserved communities.