When Nigeria speaks of building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system, it is no longer just a government aspiration—it is a reality being driven by young Nigerians at the grassroots. At the heart of this movement is the National Health Fellowship Program, launched by the Federal Ministry of Health under the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp). The fellowship equips passionate young professionals with the tools to become catalysts for change, ensuring that healthcare reforms are not only policies on paper but lived realities in communities across the nation.
Two such fellows—Isaac Victoria Enelemhe and Dr. Fatima Ahmad Abdullahi—are shining examples of how vision, innovation, and commitment can transform local healthcare delivery in Edo State.
⸻
Isaac Victoria Enelemhe: Strengthening Healthcare in Etsako Central LGA
Representing Etsako Central Local Government Area, Isaac Victoria Enelemhe has used her fellowship to give her community a stronger voice in healthcare decision-making.
She has sat at the table with top policymakers, including Dr. Cyril Adam’s Oshiomole, the Honorable Commissioner for Health in Edo State, highlighting urgent healthcare challenges in her LGA. Beyond policymaking, she played an active role in the joint task force on diphtheria, presenting evidence-based insights on why vaccination uptake has been struggling in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities.
Victoria’s impact has also been visible in her collaboration with the Edo State Diaspora Agency, where she conducted a needs assessment that translated into actionable community solutions, completing her capstone project. Currently, she is championing a one-day free medical outreach for the elderly, targeting diabetes and hypertension prevention—two silent killers that disproportionately affect older Nigerians.
Her mission is clear: to make healthcare accessible, effective, and life-changing for her people.
⸻
Dr. Fatima Ahmad Abdullahi: Bringing Renewed Hope to Etsako East LGA
In Etsako East Local Government Area, another fellow, Dr. Fatima Ahmad Abdullahi, is making bold strides with her capstone project titled:
“Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development on Healthcare in Etsako East LGA of Edo State.”
Her project directly addresses healthcare gaps by organizing a 3-day free medical outreach in underserved communities. This initiative delivers essential medical services, preventive care, and health education to residents who would otherwise struggle to access healthcare.
What makes Dr. Fatima’s approach particularly unique is her focus on sustainability and community ownership. She is not working alone—her efforts are backed by strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including:
• Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, Member representing Etsako East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly,
• Rt. Hon. Solomon Oghuma Emmanuel, Executive Chairman of Etsako East LGA,
• Engr. Abdulkarim Shaka Okpaghigbe, Founder/CEO of ATM Foundation.
Through these alliances, her project is not just delivering short-term medical aid but also laying the groundwork for systemic improvements in healthcare delivery across the LGA.
⸻
The Bigger Picture: Why the National Health Fellowship Matters
Both Victoria and Dr. Fatima represent the spirit of the National Health Fellowship Program—young Nigerians stepping up as problem-solvers, bridging the gap between policy and practice, and building trust within their communities.
Their stories highlight what is possible when youth leadership meets government support and community partnerships:
• Health crises like diphtheria are tackled with evidence-based strategies.
• Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly in Etsako Central, receive preventive care.
• Underserved communities in Etsako East gain access to essential medical services.
This is not just about projects; it is about reshaping the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system—one community at a time.
⸻
A New Dawn for Healthcare in Nigeria
The work of Isaac Victoria Enelemhe and Dr. Fatima Ahmad Abdullahi shows that Nigeria’s healthcare transformation will not be driven by policies alone, but by people on the ground—young leaders committed to service, innovation, and impact.
Together with other National Health Fellows across the country, they are proving that the future of healthcare in Nigeria is not only hopeful—it is already here.
The National Health Fellowship is more than a program—it is a movement. And the stories of fellows like Victoria and Dr. Fatima remind us that with the right support, Nigeria’s young leaders can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
