Lagos unveils advocacy project to boost PHC, maternal-child health services

From Doris Obinna

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with EngenderHealth and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has officially launched a strategic advocacy project to enhance primary healthcare (PHC) and improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) outcomes.

Titled “Advocacy Solutions to Improve PHC and RMNCAH Delivery and Health Outcomes,” the initiative aligns with the THEMES+ health transformation agenda.

Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, described the project as a vital step to expand equitable, high-quality healthcare access for mothers and children. The initiative is about building on existing frameworks using innovative advocacy strategies and community engagement to achieve sustainable impact, she said.

Dr Kabiru Atta, EngenderHealth’s Country Director, outlined the project’s 3.5-year plan (October 2024–April 2028), focusing on policy advocacy, gender-responsive reforms, and accountability. He emphasised government ownership for sustainability and highlighted nutrition in the first 1,000 days as key to long-term development.

Mr Olakunle Daramola, representing the Gates Foundation, commended Lagos’s leadership in health reforms, noting its role in over 20 Gates-funded projects. Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, stressed addressing health disparities, crediting partners like EngenderHealth and the Clinton Health Access Initiative.

Dr Abimbola Mabogunje, Permanent Secretary of Health District VI, called for sustained collaboration, while Mr Laundry Sagbo of the Lagos State Accountability Mechanism (LASAM) emphasised transparency and community-led accountability.

Mr Yemi Abodunrin of the Centre for Communication and Social Impact expressed confidence in reducing mortality rates, and Mrs Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro of LASHMA reaffirmed commitment to equitable healthcare access.