By Morenike Taire, Woman Editor
Ese Onemiye is redefining healthcare through her innovative vision centered on holistic family wellness. This commitment is the driving force behind her Silver Cross Living Well Empowerment Foundation, which focuses on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of family caregivers-particularly women who often bear the invisible burden of caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses.
Her rich background in clinical research, gained through partnerships with leading biopharmaceutical firms in the United States on drug development and clinical trials, has broadened her global outlook. This expertise now fuels her leadership and innovation in healthcare service delivery.
Confronted with the troubling trend of young healthcare professionals leaving Nigeria, Ese has launched a healthcare and diagnostic facility in Abuja aimed at providing patient-centered, sustainable care that bridges critical gaps in healthcare availability.
“The widespread migration of medical personnel from Nigeria signals deeper systemic issues such as insufficient workforce support, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of professional satisfaction,” she observes. “Healthcare workers are not merely chasing better pay; they seek workplaces where their expertise is valued, resources are adequate, and they can deliver high-quality care. Addressing this requires building a health system that truly honors its workforce. Retention hinges on investing in infrastructure, offering fair compensation, continuous professional development, and crucially, prioritizing the mental health of both caregivers and healthcare providers.”
Ese champions a healthcare approach that goes beyond treating individual patients to nurturing the wellbeing of entire families.
“Chronic illness impacts more than just the patient; the emotional and social strain is often most acute for family caregivers, especially women who frequently neglect their own health to provide care. Genuine wellness means recognizing and addressing this interconnected experience,” she explains.
This philosophy led to the establishment of the Silver Cross Living Well Empowerment Foundation, which supports marginalized communities by providing caregivers with counseling, mental health resources, education, and community-based support networks.
“Empowering caregivers fortifies families and enhances patient recovery. Holistic wellness is not just an idea-it’s a movement committed to promoting healing, dignity, and sustainability for everyone involved in caregiving,” Ese stresses.
Drawing on her research expertise, Ese highlights the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in healthcare. “AI and advanced technologies are no longer distant possibilities; they are actively reshaping healthcare today. From telehealth consultations to AI-driven diagnostics, these tools enhance access, reduce waiting times, and inform clinical decisions, especially in resource-constrained environments like Nigeria. They play a vital role in reaching underserved populations and easing the burden on our overstretched medical staff. For family caregivers, technology opens new doors through mobile health apps, AI-powered mental health support, and online peer communities that offer immediate information, connection, and relief.”
Recognizing the persistent shortcomings in healthcare infrastructure, Ese advocates for collaborative partnerships. “When I speak of building bridges and expanding networks in healthcare, I envision systems of shared strength where caregivers, professionals, and communities are interconnected rather than isolated. Family caregivers often remain invisible in healthcare dialogues. Our foundation delivers tailored counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and peer networks to combat the isolation of caregiving. We also champion policy changes and workplace accommodations that enable women to balance caregiving with their careers. At its core, our mission is to foster a more inclusive healthcare culture.”
In the face of Nigeria’s economic difficulties and ongoing brain drain, Ese underscores the necessity of adaptive, community-focused, and technology-driven solutions to guarantee healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
“Telemedicine and digital health platforms are crucial for connecting patients in remote regions with medical specialists, alleviating pressure on overcrowded urban hospitals. Ultimately, collaboration among government bodies, private enterprises, and nonprofits is key to pooling resources and amplifying impact,” she affirms.
“We also emphasize the emotional and financial wellbeing of women caregivers, who represent a vital yet frequently overlooked cornerstone of healthcare. To retain our healthcare workforce, we must cultivate a culture of respect, resilience, and recognition within the system. A strong healthcare workforce is not a luxury-it is the bedrock of national development,” Ese concludes.