Supporting Women in Global Health: A Celebration of Leadership and Impact 

As we approach a pivotal moment in the realm of global health leadership, we are thrilled to announce the close-out ceremony of the Women in Global Health Leadership Training program, scheduled for August 16th and 17th, 2024. In partnership with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, and Women Leading Change, this milestone marks not only the culmination of an extraordinary journey for the participants but also serves as a beacon of progress in addressing gender disparities within the healthcare sector. 

The Women in Global Health Leadership Training program has been a transformative initiative, equipping talented women with the skills, knowledge, and network necessary to excel in leadership roles across the healthcare spectrum. As we prepare to celebrate their achievements, we invite you to join us in recognizing the power of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of global health. 

Meet Our Distinguished Speakers 

1. Dr. Salma Ibrahim-Anas – Special Adviser to the President on Health and Chair of the Presidential Advisory Sub-Committee on Health Dr. Ibrahim-Anas brings over 30 years of experience in public health and humanitarian crisis response. Her keynote session on “Gender Balanced Leadership in Health: Successes and Lessons Learned” promises to be a highlight of the event, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in achieving gender parity in health leadership. 

2. Dr. Somto Chloe Keluo-Udeke – Senior Global Health Consultant at Salient Advisory wWith expertise spanning immunization research, project management, and health systems strengthening, Dr. Keluo-Udeke will lead a workshop on Strategic Thinking and Goal Setting. Her session will provide practical tools for emerging leaders to navigate the complex landscape of global health. 

3. Dr. Kasarachi Aluka-Omitiran – Founder of Women in Leadership and Governance (WILG) As a public health physician and passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Dr. Aluka-Omitiran will participate in our panel discussion on “Driving Change through Transformative Leadership: Engaging in Global Health Innovations.” Her insights will be invaluable for those looking to make a lasting impact in the field. 

4. Prof. Rosemary Nkemdilim Ogu – National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria Prof. Ogu’s distinguished career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, coupled with her leadership in medical associations, is poised to share the opening remarks and lay the foundation for the day.. 

5. Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri – Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director of Tranquil and Quest Behavioral Health Dr. Abiri will moderate our keynote session and lead a Leadership and Team Building activity, drawing on her extensive experience in mental health and workplace wellness. 

6. Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi – Chief Dental Surgeon and Past Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State branch Dr. Adebiyi will bring her wealth of experience to our panel discussion, offering unique perspectives on leadership in specialized medical fields. 

7. Dr. Vetty Agala – National Coordinator/Secretary, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) With her background in Public Health and Healthcare Financing, Dr. Agala will moderate our panel discussion, ensuring a rich and insightful conversation. 

Day 1: An Evening of Connection and Reflection 

The ceremony begins on Friday, August 16, with an intimate evening gathering.setting the stage for meaningful connections and reflections on the transformative power of women’s leadership in health. 

Highlights include: 

• Welcome remarks by Prof. Rosemary Ogu, National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria 

• An inspiring opening address by Dr. Maimunat Alex-Adeomi, a global health expert with extensive experience across 40+ countries 

• Insights into the Women in Leadership program by Abosede George-Ogan, Executive Director of WILAN. 

Day 2: A Day of Learning, Inspiration, and Celebration 

Saturday, August 17, promises a full day of engaging sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and recognition of our participants’ accomplishments. 

Key sessions include: 

• Keynote Address: “Gender Balanced Leadership in Health: Successes and Lessons Learned”. The keynote speaker is none other than Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health. The session will be moderated by Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri. Dr. Anas will draw on her 30+ years of experience in public health and humanitarian crisis response to offer invaluable insights on achieving gender balance in health leadership. 

• Panel Discussion: “Driving Change through Transformative Leadership: Engaging in Global Health Innovations”. Our panelists are:  

• Dr. Obelebra Adebiyi – Medical Women’s International Association 

• Dr. Kasarachi Aluka-Omitiran – Founder, Women in Leadership and Governance  

• Moderator: Dr. Vetty Agala 

This panel will explore how women leaders can drive innovation and change in global health. 

• Workshop on Emotional Intelligence will be facilitated by Hay Foundation Africa. It will be an interactive session designed to enhance participants’ emotional intelligence, a crucial skill for effective leadership. 

• Workshop on Strategic Thinking and Goal Setting facilitated Dr. Somto Chloe Keluo-Udeke, Senior Global Health Consultant at Salient Advisory. She will guide participants through practical strategies for setting and achieving ambitious goals in the global health sector. 

• White Paper Presentation will be presented by: WILAN. It is a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities for women’s leadership in global health, with interactive feedback sessions. 

The day will conclude with a special closing ceremony, with certificates and plaques presented to our accomplished participants. 

The Impact of This Event 

While this Close-Out Ceremony is a closed event for our participants and invited guests only, its significance extends far beyond those in attendance. This gathering represents a pivotal moment in the journey towards equipping mid-level women in the Nigerian health sector with the toolkit they require to ascend in their respective fields. 

Looking Ahead 

We encourage all supporters of women’s leadership in global health to stay tuned for future initiatives and opportunities to engage with WILAN and our network of emerging leaders. 

We look forward to sharing the outcomes and insights from this program as we continue our mission to empower women leaders in healthcare. Stay connected with us for updates and our other impactful initiatives.