Dr. Amarachi Ijeoma is a digital health educator, content creator, and public health advocate whose work has revolutionised how women access and understand reproductive healthcare.
With a YouTube channel boasting over 250,000 subscribers and more than 11 million views, Amarachi has become a trusted voice in women’s health, particularly in underserved communities. Her channel, which has earned her the prestigious YouTube silver creator award, provides evidence-based, culturally sensitive content that dismantles myths and empowers women to take control of their health.
Through her work with the Leading Women’s Health Foundation (LWHF), she has spearheaded initiatives like Stop Period Poverty In Nigeria (SPPIN), which has provided free menstrual hygiene products and education to thousands of young girls and low-income women. Her influence extends beyond digital platforms, as she has been invited to speak at global health forums and collaborate with international organisations, cementing her role as a transformative figure in public health.
Speaking with BusinessDay she discussed the cultural norms and systemic inequities significantly hindering women’s access to healthcare, particularly in underserved communities. Amarachi explains, “Many societies still stigmatise open discussions about reproductive health, leading to misinformation and fear surrounding fertility and maternal health.” Through her YouTube platform, she addresses these taboos by providing accessible, evidence-based content that empowers women to seek care.
Financial barriers further exacerbate the issue. “Many women in underserved areas cannot afford fertility treatments or basic maternal healthcare,” she notes. This is why initiatives like SPPIN are critical. By providing free menstrual hygiene products and education, the programme ensures that young girls and women do not miss school or work due to period poverty.
The role of education in dismantling myths about women’s health
Education is a powerful tool for challenging misconceptions about women’s health. Amarachi’s YouTube channel serves as a global classroom, offering scientifically accurate and culturally sensitive information. “Many women lack access to specialists or hesitate to discuss their concerns with healthcare providers due to stigma,” she says. Her platform bridges this gap by delivering expert-driven insights on fertility, contraception, and pregnancy in a judgment-free manner.
Beyond digital health education, LWHF’s in-person workshops and seminars have equipped thousands of women with practical knowledge. “The impact has been measurable,” she shares. “Thousands of women have taken proactive steps in managing their reproductive health after engaging with our educational content.”
Addressing barriers to fertility care and menstrual health education
One of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges is the social and psychological burden of infertility. “In societies where motherhood is deeply tied to a woman’s identity, many women face shame, isolation, and even domestic abuse when struggling with infertility,” Amarachi explains. Her work at Green Onyx Fertility Clinic highlighted the need for community-driven support systems that address both the emotional and medical aspects of infertility.
At the policy level, she advocates for integrating fertility treatments into national health coverage. “Infertility is frequently excluded from national healthcare priorities, leaving many women unable to afford diagnostic tests or assisted reproductive technologies,” she says.
She added that the stigma surrounding menstruation and reproductive health remains a significant barrier. “Many girls grow up feeling ashamed of their own biology, which discourages them from advocating for their needs,” Amarachi notes. Through her YouTube channel, she normalises these conversations, discussing topics like menstrual hygiene and period pain management in an informative and relatable way.
LWHF’s SPPIN initiative has reached over 1,000 young women, providing free sanitary products and menstrual health education. “To scale this impact, we need stronger partnerships with schools, workplaces, and policymakers to ensure menstrual health is included in national education curricula and workplace policies,” she emphasises.
Innovative approaches to strengthen access to reproductive healthcare
Amarachi advocates for a multi-pronged approach to close the healthcare gap for underserved women. “Digital health education platforms like my YouTube channel have demonstrated the power of low-cost, high-reach education,” she says. Expanding this model into telemedicine services could allow rural women to consult with experts remotely.
Community health workers and mobile health clinics are also crucial. “At LWHF, we train volunteers and collaborate with local health workers to deliver essential reproductive health services directly to communities,” she explains. Partnerships with government agencies and private sector organisations can help scale these initiatives, ensuring sustainability.
Discussing protecting women’s reproductive rights she says, requires coordinated efforts across legal, medical, and advocacy spheres. “Governments must prioritise reproductive rights legislation, ensuring access to contraception, fertility treatments, and safe maternal healthcare,” Amarachi asserts.
Public health education and advocacy are equally important. “Through my YouTube channel, I have created a global platform for reproductive rights awareness, helping millions of women make informed decisions about their health,” she says.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
