Why I’m Running for HFN Publicity Secretary: A Personal Journey of Passion, Advocacy, and Impact

“My journey in healthcare has been shaped by personal experiences, professional advocacy, and an unwavering belief that strategic communication can transform Nigeria’s healthcare system — this is why I am running for HFN Publicity Secretary.”

I have always known that I belonged in healthcare. From childhood, I envisioned myself as a woman who would break barriers in the industry — someone who wouldn’t just work within the system but change it for the better. Healthcare isn’t just a career for me; it is a calling, one deeply rooted in personal experiences, professional encounters, and an unshakable belief that a well-communicated vision can transform an entire industry.

A Personal Awakening to Nigeria’s Healthcare Challenges

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my father needed a pacemaker. It was a crisis moment for my family, but one that also opened my eyes to the harsh realities of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Despite my access to the device in Kenya, I quickly realized how difficult it was to source one in Nigeria due to systemic inefficiencies. The barriers weren’t just financial; they were regulatory, logistical, and structural.

That experience changed me. It wasn’t just about one pacemaker — it was about how many families were struggling silently, unable to access life-saving care because the system was broken. It was about how much we needed advocacy and better communication to drive the kind of reforms that could save lives.

The Power of Advocacy: My HFN Journey

My journey with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) solidified my belief in the power of advocacy to transform healthcare. Working alongside Dr. Pamela Ajayi on HFN advocacy projects, I saw firsthand how strategic engagement with policymakers could break down barriers, influence regulations, and create pathways for better healthcare delivery.

Then, in 2024, I had a full-circle moment. I worked on an HFN and NAFDAC advocacy project and discovered that the same company that struggled to make pacemakers available in Nigeria was facing regulatory hurdles that HFN was actively working to resolve. That was when I truly understood:

✅ The missing link between regulatory bodies, the private sector, and the public is communication.

✅ Publicity is not just about visibility; it is about amplifying the voices that drive healthcare change.

✅ HFN is doing incredible work that more people need to know about, engage with, and benefit from.

Why I’m Running for HFN Publicity Secretary

HFN is at the heart of private-sector engagement in Nigeria’s healthcare system. It is bridging gaps, driving policies, and pushing for reforms — but not enough people know the full impact of its work.

I am running for HFN Publicity Secretary because I believe that:

• HFN must be more visible. Our advocacy efforts, regulatory wins, and impact stories need to reach more healthcare professionals, business leaders, and policymakers.

• We need stronger academic publishing to document and showcase HFN’s contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare development.

• More healthcare players need to join HFN. The more voices we bring to the table, the stronger our influence in shaping the future of healthcare.

I bring to this role energy, innovation, and impact — backed by 16 years of experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, working in biopharma, market access, regulatory affairs, and healthcare entrepreneurship. I understand the local and international healthcare landscape, and I know how to craft and execute communication strategies that drive engagement and real change.

The Future I See for HFN

If elected as HFN Publicity Secretary, I will:

✔ Expand HFN’s digital and media presence to ensure that every regulatory win, policy reform, and advocacy success is widely publicized and leveraged for greater industry impact.

✔ Engage young professionals in healthcare discussions, equipping them to be the next generation of leaders and advocates.

✔ Strengthen HFN’s member communication, ensuring that every stakeholder — healthcare businesses, providers, and policymakers — feels informed, engaged, and valued.

✔ Champion research and thought leadership to document and publish the impact of HFN in shaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

My Call to You

Healthcare in Nigeria cannot improve without strong advocacy, clear communication, and active engagement. HFN is leading that charge, but we need every voice, every partner, and every professional to play a part.

✅ If you believe in the power of healthcare advocacy, I invite you to join HFN.

✅ If you believe that strong communication drives industry change, I ask you to support my campaign.

✅ If you believe in making an impact, I humbly ask for your vote.

Together, we can build a stronger, more visible, and more impactful HFN — one that not only advocates for change but ensures that every Nigerian has access to the quality healthcare they deserve.

Irene Nwaukwa

Candidate for HFN Publicity Secretary