FG and Gates Foundation Address Harmful Gender Norms

During the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit in Abuja, the Nigerian federal government, in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, urged immediate action to bridge the gap between policies and services for women and underserved populations. Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, delivered the keynote address, stating that harmful gender norms hinder the health, safety, education, and economic opportunities of young Nigerians.

He described these norms as societal expectations that can lead to discrimination and increased risks of violence and health issues among adolescents. Salako outlined measures taken by President Bola Tinubu's administration to improve adolescent health, including the establishment of dedicated health programs and a budget for adolescent health.

He noted the expansion of sexual and reproductive health services and reported that the national Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign had reached over 14 million girls aged 9 to 14, protecting them against cervical cancer.