By Justina Auta, NAN Abuja
Dr Linda Nwodo has emerged as the first woman trained by Sightsavers, an NGO, to perform hydrocele surgery in Nigeria.
This marks progress in specialised healthcare, and reinforces calls for greater gender equality in the health sector.
Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, said this in a statement to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day on Sunday in Abuja.
Hydrocele is a condition in which fluid accumulates around a testicle, causing swelling in the scrotum, and is often linked tolymphatic filariasis in many tropical countries.
Shu’aibu stressed the need to support women in specialised fields, where they continue to face significant barriers.
She noted the challenges women and girls in Nigeria and globally faced in accessing healthcare, education and employment opportunities.
She cited the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, which says it will take 123 years to achieve full global gender parity.
According to her, there is a need for more investment in women and girls to close gender gap.
She said that Nwodo’s achievements show why investing in women is non-negotiable.
“When women are given the tools, training and opportunities to lead in specialised health fields, they drive transformative change not just for patients, but for entire communities.
“Nigeria can not afford to leave half of its talent behind,” she said.
Shu’aibu called for increased investment in programmes that support women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, to enable them access healthcare, training and professional opportunities.
She said that removing structural barriers and promoting gender equality would help accelerate progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
She also reaffirmed Sightsavers’ support to governments and partners to ensure that women, including those with disabilities, access healthcare services, training and opportunities, while strengthening health systems and communities.
The country director, however, stressed the need for sustained commitment and collaboration to achieve gender equity within the lifetime of future generations.
Meanwhile, Nwodo, while reflecting on her journey, emphasised the need to empower women in health professions, adding that its benefits are not only for the individual but will extend to the entire nation.
“Empowering women in health professions is not just for their personal growth; it strengthens entire communities.
“When women are supported to develop their abilities, everyone benefits,’” she said.
Nwodo became the first female surgeon to receive training in hydrocele operations through Nigeria’s neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)programme.
She received training in the latest surgical techniques during a recent session facilitated by Sightsavers and the Nigerian health ministry, through the “Reaching the Last Mile Fund”. (NAN)
