The Lagos State Government, in partnership with global reproductive health organization EngenderHealth, has officially launched a new advocacy project aimed at improving primary healthcare (PHC) and enhancing maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) across the state.
EpeInsights learnt that the Project titled “Advocacy Solutions to Improve PHC and RMNCAH Delivery and Health Outcomes,” is funded by the Gates Foundation and will run from October 2024 to April 2028.
It is being implemented with the support of the Lagos State Ministry of Health and several key health partners.
Speaking at the launch event held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the initiative as a timely and strategic step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“This project comes at a time when the need to consolidate and expand gains in PHC and RMNCAH+N service delivery is more urgent than ever,” she said.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure every mother, child, adolescent, and family in Lagos has access to quality, affordable healthcare with positive outcomes.”
Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized that the project is focused on strengthening existing systems through innovative advocacy tools, community engagement, and equity-based interventions aligned with the THEMES Plus agenda of the current administration.
Country Director of EngenderHealth, Dr. Kabiru Atta, outlined the core components of the project, which include policy advocacy, gender-sensitive health reforms, and accountability frameworks.
He stated that the initiative aims to drive increased budgetary support, promote gender-responsive health policies, and prioritize nutrition within the critical first 1,000 days of life.
“The project will help Lagos prioritize RMNCAH and PHC agendas while building sustainable systems that will continue beyond 2028,” Dr. Atta said.
He added that measurable indicators such as government spending, health workforce capacity, and policy implementation will be used to assess progress.
Representing the Gates Foundation, State Consultant Mr. Olakunle Daramola commended Lagos for its ongoing leadership in health sector reforms and noted that over 20 Gates-funded projects are currently operational in the state.
“This project is a landmark step. The Foundation remains deeply committed to maternal, newborn, and child health, and Lagos continues to be a strategic partner in this vision,” he said.
The launch event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and development agencies, all of whom reinforced their commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality while improving primary healthcare delivery.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, highlighted the urgent need to address maternal and child health outcomes, even as Lagos continues to outperform many other regions in Nigeria.
He praised the collaborative efforts of partners such as EngenderHealth, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and Pathfinder.
“We must remain motivated to champion solutions that will positively impact lives and communities,” he urged.
Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, Permanent Secretary for Health District VI, echoed the need for collective action, noting that while Lagos has made great strides, the expectations remain high.
Co-Chair of the Lagos State Accountability Mechanism for RMNCAH (LASAM), Mr. Laundry Sagbo, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to evidence-based advocacy.
He described the new project as a powerful platform to scale up impact and strengthen accountability across primary healthcare and RMNCAH services.
Mr. Yemi Abodunrin, Director of Programmes at the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), speaking on behalf of the implementing consortium, thanked the Lagos State Government for its openness to collaboration.
He reaffirmed their commitment to reducing preventable deaths among women and children under five.
Also lending support was Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro of the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), who reiterated the agency’s role in ensuring equitable access to healthcare. She emphasized the importance of working collaboratively to achieve the goals of the new initiative.
