Lagos: The Lagos State Government has urged all 57 local governments and development council chairmen to enhance funding and political commitment to support the primary health care system’s development. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, made this call during a joint leadership dialogue on primary health care systems.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Strengthening the Primary Health Care System: A Joint Leadership Dialogue’, was convened by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with various partners, including Nigeria Health Watch, Engender Health, World Bank, UNICEF, CCSI, ISMPH, and CHAI. Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that the primary health care system is the cornerstone of health service delivery in Lagos and is central to achieving Universal Health Coverage, a critical pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda of the administration. She highlighted the importance of strong leadership, governance, and coordination at the local government level in ensuring improved health outcomes and social inclusion.
Dr. Ogunyemi called on the chairmen to fulfill counterpart funding obligations, enhance collaboration with the Primary Health Care Board, and ensure resource management accountability. She assured the government’s commitment to revitalizing primary health care through sustained investments and improved governance. Priority areas such as immunization, maternal and child health services, disease surveillance, and community mobilization require coordinated local actions to achieve measurable impact.
Hon. Musibau Lawal, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health, noted that more needs to be done to ensure PHC facilities are functional. He commended efforts by some local government chairpersons in constructing and renovating PHC facilities but stressed that robust governance and continuous service delivery are critical for an effective system. Lawal urged stronger institutional support and active involvement in PHC governance to improve health outcomes.
Similarly, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, stated that the dialogue aimed to harmonize state and local government efforts to improve health care delivery. The event offered an opportunity to build a resilient and people-centered PHC system that meets residents’ needs. Dr. Veronica Iwayemi, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control, emphasized that primary health care is not just a health sector concern but a development priority requiring collaboration with local leaders.
Dr. Kabiru Atta, Country Director of Engender Health, commended Lagos State’s resolve to enhance primary health care delivery, reiterating partners’ commitment to supporting the state’s goals. Mr. Sesan Olowa, Chairman of Conference 57, promised efforts to improve funding, infrastructure, and governance to provide quality healthcare to residents. Conference 57 is the forum of Executive Chairmen of all 57 Local Government Areas and Council Chairmen in Lagos State.