Celebrating Adama Nyama Bah: A Champion for Women’s Health
As we observe Black History Month in the UK, we spotlight Adama Nyama Bah, a remarkable Sierra Leonean living in London. Born in Kabala, Sierra Leone, Adama grew up in a large family emphasising faith, community, and service.
Her childhood was shaped by the civil conflict and limited healthcare access prevalent in her homeland. These experiences instilled in her a deep commitment to advocating for women and girls whose voices are often overlooked.
Now based in London, Adama works as a healthcare professional and founded the Women’s Health Advocacy Network (WHAN), a charity focused on improving health outcomes and expanding opportunities for women, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.
As a Colposcopist nurse in the NHS, she provides compassionate and culturally sensitive care, especially for women who have faced trauma or struggle to access health services. In 2021, she established WHAN to address broader issues impacting women’s wellbeing, collaborating with healthcare professionals and community leaders to tackle health inequalities.
WHAN operates on the belief that every woman deserves access to healthcare and the chance to thrive. Adama has implemented programmes that enhance cervical screening access, provide health education, support trauma survivors, and promote skills development and economic independence for women.
The charity also helps women rebuild their lives after difficult circumstances by connecting them with training and mentoring opportunities, boosting their confidence and employability. Many of WHAN’s service users are African women, reflecting Southwark’s diverse community, which has the highest proportion of Black African residents in the UK.
Adama’s leadership is marked by collaboration, working closely with local organisations to strengthen their capabilities. Her mentoring has empowered aspiring leaders and community advocates, equipping them with skills to effect positive change.
Her commitment has gained recognition, with Adama being shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times award for her leadership in enhancing access to women’s healthcare and creating supportive networks.
Beyond her clinical role, Adama engages in research and advocacy, raising awareness of health inequalities and encouraging discussions about well-being within communities. She actively involves men and community leaders in these conversations, fostering a collective understanding of the benefits of robust support networks.
Adama’s journey from Kabala to the UK serves as a powerful example of how personal experiences can drive meaningful change. Her dedication to providing care and support demonstrates the profound impact that service, compassion, and strong community values can have.
Through her work with WHAN and the NHS, Adama Nyama Bah continues to inspire and uplift those around her, proving that one person’s commitment can create opportunities and lasting change for many.
