The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government in its efforts to improve the quality of healthcare in the state.
This was disclosed by WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to a statement on the WHO website, Dr. Mulombo recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had previously expressed his dedication to enhancing healthcare services in Lagos during their meeting at Chatham House in London. This mutual commitment has led the WHO to partner with the state to strengthen healthcare reforms.
During his visit, Dr. Mulombo pledged the WHO’s continued collaboration with the Lagos State Government to improve the health outcomes for its citizens.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening human resources for health, stating, “Counting on Mr. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, WHO is willing to partner with the Lagos State Government to strengthen human resources for health. By building a skilled and responsive health workforce, Nigeria can improve health outcomes and reinforce the overall health system in Lagos.”
He also highlighted Lagos State’s success in leading the Health Insurance Scheme, surpassing the target of one million enrollees per state, and contributing over 10% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Additionally, the state has attracted medical practitioners from the diaspora, aligning with global trends in medical tourism, such as those seen in India.
Praising the Governor’s efforts in primary healthcare reforms, Dr. Mulombo revealed that the WHO will pilot a global framework for strengthening healthcare emergencies in urban areas within Lagos State.
Regarding the ongoing cholera outbreak in Lagos, Dr. Mulombo stressed the need for an escalated response to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities. He remarked, “The current status of the outbreak demands urgent attention to prevent further spread and fatalities.”
Dr. Mulombo also emphasised the interconnectedness of health and the environment, stating, “The health of the population is intrinsically linked to the environment. We must adopt strategies that address both health and ecological challenges to achieve sustainable development.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his strong support for the WHO framework and its implementation in Lagos, thanking the organisation for its ongoing support. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness, improving infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to build a more resilient city.
“We are grateful for WHO’s partnership and support in our fight against cholera and other health challenges. Our administration is dedicated to creating a healthier Lagos by investing in health infrastructure, promoting environmental sanitation, and ensuring access to clean water,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He further emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving Lagos State’s health objectives, noting that WHO’s support is invaluable. “The partnership between WHO and Lagos State represents a significant step towards advancing health emergency preparedness in cities and urban settings,” he added.
The Governor highlighted ongoing initiatives, including capacity building for health workers, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and implementing community-based health interventions, all aimed at creating a healthier and more resilient Lagos.
