In Nigeria, a country with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, Professor Hadiza Shehu Galadanci has made it her mission to transform maternal healthcare.
Despite growing up in a patriarchal society, Prof. Galadanci’s father, a professor, and educationist, supported and encouraged her. She became the first woman consultant, gynecologist, and Professor of Medicine in the Kano region of Nigeria. She has dedicated her life to reducing maternal and child mortality rates, worked to combat gender disparities in health and has played a pivotal role in shaping policies relating to critical maternal health challenges worldwide.
Professor Galadanci has authored over 100 publications in peer reviewed journals and played a leading role in more than 20 studies with WHO, MacArthur Foundation, FIGO, USAID, UNFPA and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
She has also been involved in global research that has the potential to change policies addressing key maternal health challenges, such as the WHO Labour Care Guide, the E-Motive Trial to reduce deaths from childbirth-related bleeding, and the IVON trial to prevent anemia in pregnant women in Nigeria.
In addition, Prof. Galadanci actively contributes to various committees and initiatives at national and international levels. She serves on the Steering Committees of the West Africa Health Organization for Reduction of Maternal Mortality, AlignMNH, a global initiative towards accelerated efforts to achieve SDG 3, and TETFund National Research Fund. She is also on the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Medical Women’s Association, Engender Health Nigeria and chair of the National Reproductive Health Working Group.
Professor Galadanci has also trained and mentored over 2000 medical students, residents, and postgraduate students including regional African students, enabling them to take on leadership roles across Nigeria and the African region.
“I love to share whatever I know, passing it on to others. If I keep it to myself, it is useless. I know they can utilize it to save more lives and subsequently train others,” she affirms.
Despite all of this, Professor Galadanci knows there is much more to be done to achieve equitable healthcare and reduce maternal mortality rates. “I come from a country that has the highest numbers of women dying bringing children into this world. It is time we bring this issue to the forefront of the health agenda and address the inequities that surround women’s health.”
She has received numerous awards including FIGO’s Women Award, the Paul Harrison’s Fellow Award, the KAMSA Merit Award, the Red Ribbon Award for Dedication and Outstanding Commitment to Combat HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, and the Kano State Government Merit Award.
It is now Professor Galadanci’s turn to encourage young women. “Just follow your dreams. Get the knowledge, have the motivation, and then you can get anywhere you set your mind to,” she advises.
One of them is her own daughter who has just finished medical school, and who, like her mother, is now among the growing number of women doctors in Kano.
