My name is Enomfon Akpan, I'm 30 years old and I'm a Nigerian woman living with endometriosis. I was diagnosed just one month shy of my 30th birthday. Since I was 9 years old, the age when I had my first period, I have endured relentless pain. Heavy bleeding, severe cramps, and an aching body were constant companions. Although it felt like my body was trying to tell me something was wrong, for 21 long years, my struggles were dismissed as 'normal'.

For over two decades, I was told to push through the agony, to show up, to survive, as if each bout of crippling pain was just another rite of womanhood. But debilitating pain is not a normal part of menstruation. It is a symptom that needs to be diagnosed, treated, and understood.

Endometriosis affects as many as 1 in 10 women worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite its prevalence, there is a significant lack of awareness, research, and medical resources dedicated to it. In Nigeria, countless women continue to suffer in silence, undiagnosed and untreated, due to the absence of national diagnostic guidelines and limited research funding.

My personal battle underscores the urgent need for actionable steps. I urge the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria to take immediate action. Allocate dedicated funding specifically for endometriosis research and establish national diagnostic guidelines for Nigerian women. By investing in education and resources, we can offer a lifeline to numerous women, ensuring they get the diagnosis and care they deserve.

Adequate funding and clear guidelines will enable healthcare professionals to better recognize, diagnose, and treat endometriosis. This will not only improve the quality of life for those affected but also foster a deeper understanding of this condition nationwide.

It’s time for the voices of countless Nigerian women to be heard. We need your support to drive this crucial change. Please sign this petition to demand dedicated funding and the establishment of national diagnostic guidelines for endometriosis in Nigeria. Together, we can strive for a future where no Nigerian woman has to wait decades for a diagnosis.