By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA – Women have been urged to prioritise their health and wellness and stop treating self-care as a luxury, as a leading aesthetic physician, Dr. Chuka Imo, stressed the importance of healthy women to the development of a sustainable Africa.
Imo, a partner and Chief Medical Director of Skinetics Skincare, gave the advice while speaking with journalists shortly after the Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The conference, hosted by the Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation and convened by its founder, Dr. Victory Ifeoma Njoku, was held on Friday, August 21, 2026, under the theme, “Leading with Wellness for a Sustainable Africa.”
The event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, women leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting women’s health and wellbeing across Africa.
Imo, who was one of the panellists at the conference, said the gathering provided an important platform for stakeholders to deliberate on wellness, healthcare financing, advocacy and other issues critical to women and society.
“It’s always a fantastic thing when people gather to discuss issues that affect our polity,” he said.
According to him, the discussions around women’s wellness were particularly important because “women are the bedrock of society,” adding that meaningful conversations must ultimately lead to concrete action.
“We had critical conversations around wellness, financing, advocacy and all of that. I think we had a good conversation, and it’s a start because when we have these conversations, then we can move to action and do certain things,” he said.
The aesthetic physician urged women leaders and professionals who are actively contributing to society not to sacrifice their health in the pursuit of success, leadership and public service. He said the increasing responsibilities placed on women made it necessary for them to deliberately protect their physical and mental wellbeing.
“I’m sure you were in the room, and you saw that we had so many women leaders who are pushing boundaries and doing significantly fantastic things,” Imo said.
“It’s important that every time they get a chance, they don’t look at wellness as a luxury, because you need to create the vessel and protect the vessel that is going to push these policies or advocacies.”
Imo encouraged women to occasionally step away from the pressures of work and leadership, stressing the importance of rest, relaxation and personal renewal.
“So, it’s important that people take a step back sometimes, relax, unwind and reset,” he said.
He further reminded participants that while society often measures success by career achievements, wealth and social status, good health remains fundamental to enjoying those achievements.
“My message to participants is that we spend a lot of time chasing whatever reflection of success we have, but we should also remember that health is wealth,” he said.
Imo, who has more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, anti-ageing science and medical aesthetics, has undergone advanced international training, including at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.
He also holds international board certification in advanced micro-liposuction, autologous fat techniques and full-face injectables.
As an educator and medical aesthetics facilitator, Imo is passionate about professional standards, patient education, wellness and confidence through safe and evidence-based aesthetic practice.
At the conference, he contributed his expertise to discussions on leadership and innovation, with particular emphasis on women’s wellness, healthy ageing, self-confidence, preventive care and the evolving role of aesthetic medicine in holistic wellbeing.
The conference also featured a keynote address, panel discussions, networking and engagement sessions, group photographs and other activities designed to promote awareness and action on women’s health.
Organisers said the conference was aimed at moving beyond conversations to practical commitments and actions capable of advancing the health and wellbeing of women and girls across Africa.
The Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation said the gathering was designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine critical issues including women’s health, maternal and reproductive health, mental wellness, preventive healthcare, innovation, leadership and sustainable healthcare solutions.
The conference underscored the need for stronger collaboration among governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, private-sector actors and women leaders to build healthier communities and a more sustainable African society.
The event ended with a renewed call for stakeholders to transform discussions on women’s health and empowerment into concrete actions that would improve access to quality healthcare and strengthen the wellbeing of women and girls across the continent.