The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has formalised a partnership with Intersex Nigeria, a civil society organisation, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at integrating the healthcare needs of intersex persons into national policy. The agreement, signed in Abuja over the weekend, builds on collaborative advocacy that began in 2023 and coincided with the launch of a new policy toolkit for healthcare institutions.
Intersex individuals are born with innate biological characteristics that do not fit typical male-female classifications. Global estimates suggest about 1.7% of the population has intersex traits, though visibility and awareness remain low, particularly within healthcare systems.
Representing Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate, John Ovuoraye, Director of the Department of Family Health, stated the minister had directed the ministry in 2023 to mainstream intersex issues as a public health priority. He explained that the MoU signifies a commitment to coordinated advocacy and inclusive healthcare delivery.
“Low awareness contributes to stigma and harmful misconceptions, such as attributing intersex traits to witchcraft,” Ovuoraye said. “The whole idea is to make it a public healthcare issue. The ministry will own and lead the process to create awareness, so people understand this population exists, that they are not witches or wizards, and should be accommodated in healthcare policies.”
The event also featured the unveiling of a policy toolkit developed by Obioma Chukwuike, Founder of Intersex Nigeria (also known as the Centre for Health Care Development and Youth Empowerment). The toolkit provides guidelines for healthcare facilities to adopt non-discriminatory, responsive practices for intersex children and adults.
“We are not asking for a new world altogether,” Chukwuike said. “We are asking for existing policies to have guidelines that support intersex inclusivity and protection for all.”
Stakeholders at the signing included the National Human Rights Commission, other CSOs, and healthcare professionals from community and tertiary facilities.
The partnership is designed to drive systematic change, moving from awareness to concrete policy integration. By equipping health workers and institutions with tailored resources, the initiative seeks to reduce discrimination and improve access to competent care. For Nigeria’s intersex community, the MoU represents a critical step toward recognition and protection within the formal healthcare framework.
