Ogun State has taken a significant step towards strengthening its public health security system by hosting a four-day public health legal assessment workshop. The event, organised in collaboration with Health Ethics and Law Consulting (HELC), aimed to review and enhance the state’s public health legal framework to align with international standards and address contemporary health challenges.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Environment, Justice, and Budget and Planning, as well as public health experts, legal professionals, and representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
By utilising the subnational legal assessment tool for public health law, developed by the NCDC, RSTL, and HELC, participants were able to identify gaps in the state’s existing public health laws and propose necessary amendments.
Dr. Aladehinde Kayode, Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Health, emphasised the state’s commitment to public health security. He said: “This workshop is a vital step toward achieving a robust public health security law that will better protect us from future public health events.”
Mr. James Olubankole, representing the Commissioner for Justice, acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review of the state’s public health laws. He noted that while the 2020 revision focused on penalties, the workshop would address broader legal aspects to enhance the state’s preparedness.
Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, Managing Partner at HELC, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative effort. She emphasised the importance of tailoring public health laws to the specific needs of each region.
The workshop’s outcomes are expected to lead to the development of a robust public health security law that will strengthen Ogun State’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies. This initiative highlights the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens.