Former Mauritius President, First Ladies, Healthcare Professionals to Converge in Abuja for Vickyheldan Foundation's Annual Health Conference
The Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation has announced plans for the 2026 edition of its flagship Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa, a dynamic annual gathering dedicated to advancing women's health and leadership across the African continent.
The conference is scheduled to hold on August 20, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, Nigeria, and will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, advocates, community leaders, students, activists, and women from diverse backgrounds to explore the critical role of women's wellbeing in driving sustainable development across Africa.
With the theme, "Leading With Wellness for a Sustainable Africa," the conference seeks to provide a comprehensive and inclusive platform for addressing some of the most pressing issues affecting women's health.
It will also serve as a timely opportunity to bridge knowledge gaps, tackle emerging challenges, and identify evidence-based solutions as women's health continues to receive increasing attention within global health agendas.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Founder and Convener of the conference, Dr. Victory I. Njoku, emphasized that the theme reflects the indispensable role of women in Africa's sustainable development.
According to her, "Africa's journey towards sustainable social, economic and institutional development must be led by healthy women. The continent's sustainability depends largely on the health and wellbeing of its women, yet significant gaps still exist in access, prioritization, financing and policy implementation."
She explained that the vision of the conference is to build a future where every African woman enjoys equitable access to quality healthcare, informed health choices, and systems that safeguard her dignity, wellbeing and productivity.
Dr. Njoku outlined the major objectives of the conference, which include amplifying women's voices in conversations around health equity and access, advancing knowledge on critical health issues affecting women and girls, inspiring action through stories of resilience and innovation, mobilizing resources and partnerships for sustainable impact, and breaking the stigma surrounding sensitive health issues while advocating for women's rights and dignity within healthcare systems.
Participants at the conference are expected to engage in policy-driven conversations on women's health and wellness, build strategic partnerships and cross-sector collaborations, contribute to sustainable solutions aligned with global development goals, and become part of a continental movement promoting improved healthcare outcomes for women.
Highlighting the focus areas for this year's edition, Dr. Njoku said the conference will prioritize maternal and reproductive health, mental health and emotional wellbeing, preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles, expanding access to healthcare for women in rural and underserved communities through community outreach programmes across Africa, strengthening women's leadership and economic participation, and fostering partnerships capable of delivering lasting social impact.
Activities lined up for the conference include high-level keynote sessions, policy dialogues, panel discussions, advocacy workshops, networking and collaboration sessions, as well as wellness and empowerment experiences, particularly targeted at women in underserved communities.
Among the distinguished keynote speakers expected at the conference are Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, and Her Excellency Ambassador Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, alongside renowned health experts from Africa, Europe and the United States.
Notable healthcare practitioners and partners present at the press conference included Princess Akauor D., Founder, Chuks Anyaduba, President of HASDG Africa, and Pharmacist Piwa Peka.
The conference is expected to further strengthen advocacy efforts and partnerships aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for women and accelerating sustainable development across Africa.
