By Queen Kunde
A shocking new report by Lawyers Alert and MEDIA, HEALTH and RIGHTS INITIATIVE OF NIGERIA (MHR) has exposed how gender-based discrimination is deepening the health crisis in Benue State, preventing thousands of women from accessing life-saving treatment for Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and Malaria.
The study, conducted under the Gender Equality Fund (GEF) project, highlights systemic inequalities, cultural barriers, economic constraints, and policy failures that disproportionately impact women’s healthcare access. Despite government interventions, many women remain trapped in a cycle of stigma, poverty, and neglect, putting their lives at grave risk.
SILENT KILLER: THE GENDER HEALTH GAP
Benue State continues to battle one of Nigeria’s highest HIV prevalence rates at 4.9%, with a TB co-infection rate soaring beyond 25%. Malaria remains a leading cause of death, particularly among pregnant women and children under five. Yet, deep-seated gender barriers prevent women from seeking and receiving proper medical care:
- Cultural and Economic Shackles: Patriarchal traditions, financial dependence, and restrictive norms often deny women the autonomy to seek healthcare. In some cases, spousal consent is required before medical treatment is administered.
- Fear of Stigma: Many women avoid HIV and TB testing due to fear of discrimination, social exclusion, and potential domestic violence if diagnosed.
- Health System Failures: Frequent medication shortages, lack of diagnostic equipment in rural areas, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure worsen the crisis.
- Traditional Myths: Superstitions linking illnesses to witchcraft drive many to seek ineffective alternative treatments instead of professional medical care.
CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
Lawyers Alert and MHR are demanding swift reforms to dismantle these healthcare barriers. Their recommendations include:
- Gender-Sensitive Healthcare Policies: Integrating reproductive health services with TB, HIV, and Malaria programs.
- Empowering Women’s Voices: Supporting women-led advocacy groups to challenge harmful societal norms.
- Engaging Men in Healthcare Decisions: Encouraging male support for women’s healthcare rights to break down patriarchal resistance.
- Increased Funding for Health Services: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of medication, and expanding diagnostic services.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Addressing stigma through education and myth-busting initiatives to promote early treatment-seeking behaviors.
GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDER RESPONSIBILITY
Lawyers Alert and MHR are calling on the Benue State Government, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and international development partners to implement gender-focused healthcare policies and interventions. Without urgent action, the state risks further public health deterioration, leaving vulnerable women behind.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The “Law, Rights, and Community Empowerment for Social Change in TB, HIV, and Malaria Response” project, backed by the GEF Fund, is spearheading efforts to remove gender-related barriers to healthcare in Nigeria, focusing on Benue and Akwa Ibom states. The initiative aims to drive policy reforms, community-based interventions, and stakeholder collaborations.
ABOUT LAWYERS ALERT & MHR
Lawyers Alert is a Nigerian non-governmental organization dedicated to human rights advocacy, gender equality, and access to justice, especially in healthcare.
MHR (Media Partner) specializes in strategic communication, amplifying voices for social change and advocating for gender-inclusive healthcare policies.
Together, they are leading a movement to ensure that no woman in Benue is denied her right to healthcare.