Gates Foundation Study offers guidelines for Transforming Healthcare in Lagos State

Prof. Akin Abayomi
Lagos State Commissioner for Health

A comprehensive study backed by the Gates Foundation has provided a roadmap for enhancing service delivery and tackling health challenges in Lagos State. The groundbreaking research, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), revealed new opportunities for improving healthcare delivery across Lagos State.

Focusing on health behaviors, access, and service utilization across newly established health districts, the study offers a thorough assessment of the current healthcare landscape. By identifying both strengths and areas for improvement, the research paves the way for strategic enhancements to better serve the residents of Lagos.

The findings, unveiled during a dissemination meeting at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday, 8th August 2024, have been lauded by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, as a vital step toward a more resilient and effective healthcare system in the state.

In his remarks at the event, Prof. Akin Abayomi commended the research as an essential tool for guiding future health interventions. “This study provides us with invaluable data that will help us make informed decisions to strengthen our healthcare system,” he said.

He emphasized that the research has uncovered critical insights into the health needs of the population, allowing the state government to tailor its healthcare services more effectively.

Prof. Abayomi noted that one of the key findings of the study is the significant progress made in expanding access to healthcare across the state, particularly through the division of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) into six districts. “This reorganization has made it easier to manage and deliver health services, ensuring that more Lagosians receive the care they need,” he said.

While acknowledging the study’s emphasis on the Ilera-Eko Health Insurance Scheme’s role in improving healthcare access for Lagosians, the Commissioner recognized the need for increased enrollment. He expressed optimism about the scheme’s potential to provide affordable healthcare to all residents. “The Ilera Eko scheme is a game-changer for healthcare financing in Lagos State, and we are committed to expanding its reach,” he stated.

Prof. Abayomi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to utilizing the insights from the research to achieve better health outcomes for all Lagosians.

“This research is not just a reflection of where we are, but a beacon guiding us to where we need to be,” Prof. Abayomi concluded, calling on all stakeholders to join hands in driving the healthcare transformation that Lagos State envisions.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, noted that “the establishment of health districts in Lagos by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has already begun to yield positive results, making healthcare services more accessible to our people.”

She highlighted that the study has showcased the state’s efforts to tackle both communicable and non-communicable diseases, with targeted interventions already making a significant impact. However, she stressed that the identified gaps need to be bridged.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in the healthcare system, noting that the research provides a clear roadmap for enhancing service delivery and addressing the challenges identified. “It is a catalyst for the positive changes we are determined to implement,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, pointed out that the findings provide a strong foundation for building on the successes achieved so far. “We are committed to leveraging this data to drive further improvements in health outcomes across Lagos State,” he remarked.

Stakeholders at the event praised the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their continued support and investment in Lagos State’s health sector. They agreed that the research will play a crucial role in shaping policies that ensure sustainable and equitable healthcare for all residents.

Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretaries of the Lagos State Health Districts and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, the Director of Healthcare Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jumoke Oyenuga, and other Directors of Medical Services at the Health Districts.