Olivia Chinwendu Nwankudu

Olivia Chinwendu Nwankudu is an endometriosis advocate and founder of EndoSurvivors International Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to ending the ten-year delay of an endometriosis diagnosis. The organization promotes discussion on stigmatized menstruation issues, encourages symptom-tracking and treatment-seeking behavior among adolescent girls, and provides affordable health care to women living with endometriosis in Nigeria. She has educated over 8,000 adolescents on endometriosis and menstrual hygiene and aims to scale up endometriosis awareness through a national campaign. She has educated over 300 nurses in Lagos State on the symptoms of endometriosis and intends to collaborate with primary and secondary health institutions to end the dismissal and misdiagnosis of endometriosis experienced by young patients. Olivia envisions a Nigeria where the one-million women living with endometriosis can access quality health care. Her goal is to collaborate with renowned global endometriosis specialists and tertiary health institutions to facilitate training and fellowships that will equip select gynecologists in Nigeria with the relevant surgical skills needed to provide long-term relief to suffering women so that they can live productive lives.