Health

First UK baby born following womb transplant

Published

7 months ago

April 8, 2025

In a groundbreaking development, a woman in Britain has given birth following a womb transplant, marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine.

Grace Davidson, 36, from southern England, who was born without a functioning womb, became the first woman in the UK to receive a womb transplant in early 2023.

Her sister, Amy, donated her womb as part of the Womb Transplant UK living donor programme.

Grace underwent the transplant at the Oxford Transplant Centre and subsequently received in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at HCA UK’s Lister Fertility Clinic.

After close monitoring at the Churchill Hospital and Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, Grace delivered a healthy baby girl via caesarean section in February 2025. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Grace and her partner, Angus, named their daughter Amy Isabel, in honour of her sister Amy and Miss Isabel Quiroga, who co-led the transplant operation.

The birth represents a remarkable achievement in reproductive medicine, with more than 100 womb transplants carried out globally and more than 50 healthy babies born from the procedure.

Dr Ippokratis Sarris, a consultant in reproductive medicine, hailed the birth as an extraordinary advance in science and care.

Though the procedure remained suitable for only a small number of women, it offered hope to those unable to conceive or carry their own children, such as those born without a viable womb or who lose their wombs due to cancer or other conditions.

Womb Transplant UK, the charity behind the living donor programme, continues to fund research and transplant operations, with plans to help more women in the future.

The charity is supported by public donations, which help cover the costs of the transplant surgeries and related research.

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Health

APC Youth Leader, Health Minister, Others Champion “Going Pink Walk” for Breast Cancer Awareness in Abuja

Published

3 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant gathering of energetic young men and women across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday in Abuja, as they joined the “Progress in Pink Walk”, a non-competitive awareness march organized by the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event, themed “Walk for Hope, Walk for Life,” was commenced at The Nest — A Place Where Greatness is Hatched, an over 4 kilometres walk aimed at encouraging early detection, promoting timely medical intervention, and offering hope to those affected by breast cancer.

Leading the walk was the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, who has remained consistent in championing initiatives that promote youth empowerment, health consciousness, and community impact.

Over the years, Israel has spearheaded several programs designed to enhance the capacity and wellbeing of young Nigerians.

Globally, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a period dedicated to increasing awareness, encouraging prevention, and supporting those battling the disease. The APC Youth Wing’s initiative aligns with this global campaign, demonstrating the party’s ongoing commitment to public health advocacy and youth-driven change.

Speaking after the walk, an elated Dr. Dayo Israel explained that the initiative was organized to create awareness among women, both young and old, on the importance of knowing their bodies and seeking medical attention early.

“We want women to know their breasts so well that if anything unusual happens, they act quickly.

“Cancer doesn’t occur overnight it develops over time. awareness, and early detection are key to saving lives,” he said.

He added that the walk also sought to promote fitness as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage women to adopt positive habits that support their wellbeing and happiness.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako commended the APC Youth Wing for taking proactive steps to raise awareness about a critical health concern.

“With this step you have taken today, more Nigerians will become aware of the dangers of late detection.

“Unfortunately, eight to nine out of ten breast cancer cases in Nigeria are detected late — a situation we must change through constant awareness and screening,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of prevention, urging Nigerians to take their health seriously through regular check-ups, healthy living, and avoidance of risk factors like smoking.

Also speaking, the President and CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, noted that breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in Nigeria, accounting for up to 40–50% of all cancer cases.

“Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. Exercise plays a vital role not only in prevention but also in improving outcomes for people living with cancer and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension,” he said.

Prof. Omonisi stressed the need for a community-based response to cancer similar to the national efforts used to combat HIV/AIDS.

“We must involve everyone from schools and youth groups to community organizations to build resilience and eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding cancer,” he added.

He praised the APC Youth Wing for leading the charge, noting that young people, with their creativity and innovation, are uniquely positioned to drive impactful awareness campaigns both online and offline.

The “Progress in Pink Walk” concluded with participants pledging to continue spreading the message of early detection, regular screening, and healthy living underscoring that together, Nigerians can defeat breast cancer through awareness, unity, and action.

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