Bolt provides access to safe, affordable, and convenient on-demand mobility for passengers and reliable, flexible earnings for drivers.

But this International Women’s Month, we’re raising awareness of another access challenge in Nigeria — health services, especially for women and girls.

The barriers women face in accessing health care include:

High and rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs;
Unequal power and earning dynamics in many homes, especially in rural areas;
Poor health literacy;
Distance to health facilities and transport costs;
Bureaucratic delays for those at high risk.

Inspired by the IWD 2024 theme of Inspiring Inclusion in “helping women and girls make informed decisions about their health”, we partnered with Whispa Health, a health tech company, to provide access to affordable, confidential healthcare services in March.

How we’re improving access

4,000 passengers and drivers will get free access to Whispa’s platform for 1 month, which includes confidential teleconsultation services with doctors.

Plus, anyone referred for a follow-up screening or test will get a discount on those at Whispa’s partner institutions.

To get an account, simply head to our landing page and get started!

How does poor access affect women?

Poor access to health care services and knowledge has had real consequences for Nigerian women.

The Whispa Health team shared insights into several conditions that have become more impactful on Nigerian women and girls than they should be.

Cervical cancer (caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)) is the second most frequent cause of all cancer deaths among Nigerian women and the most frequent gynaecological cancer found in women aged 15–44. Current estimates indicate that every year, more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 8,000 die from the disease.

However, cervical cancer is:
- Preventable with the HPV vaccine (given to women and girls aged 9–45);
- Treatable if detected early, hence why routine cervical cancer screening is advised every 3–4 years.
Ovarian Cancer is the second leading cause of female gynaecological cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. It commonly occurs in women over 50 years old, and over 55% of women who experience this are premenopausal women and those who have had 1 or more children.

Women have typically gone to the hospital at an advanced stage of the disease, leading to low survival rates and the cancer’s reputation as a silent killer.

While there isn’t a routine screening method available, understanding common symptoms can help women have informed conversations with their healthcare provider.

These include abdominal swelling, pelvic or abdominal discomfort and pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, urinary symptoms and weight loss.

Endometriosis is commonly diagnosed in women in their late 20s to early 30s. Studies have shown that 30–40% of Nigerian women suffer from it, with 11% of women and girls unknowingly living with the disorder, only getting a diagnosis years later.

It’s a commonly misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition, leaving many patients overlooked or dismissed.

One prevalent falsehood is the belief that the excruciating pain experienced by women with endometriosis is merely a normal part of menstruation. Other misconceptions surrounding the disorder include hereditary assumptions and the misguided notion that early childbirth can serve as a cure. Unfortunately, even when diagnosed, the lack of accessible medical professionals in certain regions exacerbates the problem, leaving many untreated and struggling to find relief.

All 3 conditions face the challenges of poor knowledge and access to healthcare services. But by promoting awareness, encouraging preventive measures, and addressing misconceptions, we can empower women to take charge of their health.

The duty lies with us all to get our daughters, wives, sisters, mothers, and friends screened and vaccinated to protect against and detect conditions much earlier.

Together, we can work towards a future where women are equipped with the knowledge and resources to combat these health challenges.

Cropped shot of an unrecognizable woman forming a heart shape with her fingers

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FAQs

What are Bolt and Whispa offering?

4,000 passengers and drivers will get free access to Whispa’s platform for 1 month. Users get unlimited WhispaChats and access to Whispa doctors. Plus, anyone referred for a follow-up screening or test will get a discount on those at Whispa’s partner institutions.

NB Bolt is not involved in the healthcare services offered.

How do you claim a free account?

Simply head over to our landing page to get started.

How long is this offer valid?

This offer is valid from now until 31 March 2024.

Any account opened as part of this offer remains valid for 1 month from the date the account is opened.

What happens after all 4,000 accounts are claimed?

Once the 4,000 free accounts are claimed, you can still access the service for a discounted rate of NGN 500 for a month.

What happens after the month-long access expires?

You can continue as a Whispa health subscriber, giving you access to their platform, or cancel your subscription.

What if I need help with my Whispa account?

Please contact the Whispa Health support team:

Is my information and privacy protected?

Whispa Health is compliant with the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations and conducts regular audits. All medical records and conversations remain on the Whispa platform — Bolt cannot access them.

Whispa Terms of Use

Please note that Whispa Health’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to the use of their service.

Inspiring inclusion and access in women’s health

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