Lagos State Launches Three-Year Primary Healthcare Plan

Lagos State is developing a three-year strategy to improve its primary healthcare system due to increasing pressures from population growth, malnutrition, workforce shortages, and disease outbreaks. The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board conducted a three-day strategic planning workshop with support from the World Bank-backed IMPACT Project, involving chairmen of Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.

The plan aims to establish a baseline for primary healthcare services, identify infrastructure and workforce gaps, assign responsibilities among government institutions and partners, and create a costed investment framework. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized the importance of primary healthcare, stating that 70% of healthcare delivery occurs at this level.

He noted that about 30% of children in Lagos face malnutrition issues. The Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, described the planning as a turning point, while Dr. Victoria Egunjobi highlighted the need for measurable improvements in healthcare services.