President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed Dr. Adanna Steinacker as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, a decisive step toward rebranding healthcare for women and girls across Nigeria. Since assuming office, Dr. Steinacker has hit the ground running by ushering in a fresh wave of strategic action, policy engagement, and public advocacy focused on addressing long-standing gender disparities in health access and outcomes nationwide.
A medical doctor, digital health advocate, and global health influencer, Dr. Steinacker brings a compelling blend of clinical knowledge and policy expertise to a role that has been long overdue in Nigeria’s governance architecture.
Under her leadership, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Women’s Health has begun implementing a multifaceted agenda focused on key pillars: maternal health literacy, HIV prevention among adolescent girls, equitable access to reproductive care, and elevating women’s voices in health policymaking.
“In a world where a woman’s survival can depend on her zip code, we are building a future where every Nigerian woman, regardless of income, location, or background, can access quality, life-saving care without shame or hardship,” Dr. Steinacker said.
“This isn’t just a speech—it’s a call to action,” she emphasized, underscoring that when nations invest in women’s health, they unlock economic growth, more decisive leadership, and resilient communities.
Two flagship national initiatives have already emerged from her office. The first is the Women’s Health Media Hub—a centralised, accessible platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Nigerian women, improving access to credible health information, and empowering women and girls with the knowledge they need to advocate for their health and rights.
The second is the Healthy Women, Healthy Nation campaign, a wide-reaching advocacy initiative designed to keep women’s health at the heart of Nigeria’s political, economic, and social priorities. The campaign aims to mobilise public support, influence policy direction, and drive lasting change across all regions of the country.
Health experts and gender advocates alike have lauded the creation of her office and the immediate traction it is gaining. “Dr. Adanna is doing something rare in politics, she is listening, she is leading with data, and she is visibly working,” said Dr. Amaka Oboh, a public health researcher. As Nigeria navigates a post-pandemic recovery and deepens its investment in universal health coverage, Dr. Steinacker’s office is proving to be a critical engine for advancing women’s health equity.
Dr. Steinacker has called on stakeholders—healthcare providers, civil society groups, traditional leaders, and the private sector—to collaborate in building a future where women’s health is protected, prioritised, and placed at the centre of national development.
