Lagos State Ministry of Health

LAGOS INTENSIFIES PUSH FOR MALARIA ELIMINATION AS PREVALENCE DROPS TO BELOW 2%

..Says 95% of Fever Cases in State Are Not Malaria

..Insists on “Test Before Treatment” Policy Across Public, Private Facilities

Lagos State Government on Wednesday intensified its campaign towards malaria elimination with a renewed call for residents to embrace accurate testing before treatment, as the State disclosed that malaria prevalence has declined dramatically to below two per cent, placing Lagos firmly on the path to pre-elimination.

The renewed commitment formed the focus of discussions at the symposium organised by the State Ministry of Health to commemorate the Year 2026 World Malaria Day held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

Delivering the keynote address and PowerPoint presentation, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described malaria as one of the biggest global public health challenges, noting that about 260 million people contract the disease annually while nearly 600,000 deaths are recorded worldwide.

According to him, Africa accounts for 95 per cent of global malaria cases, while Nigeria alone contributes approximately 27 per cent of the global burden, making the country one of the highest malaria burden nations in the world.

The Commissioner, however, noted that Lagos had continued to distinguish itself from many other states through deliberate investments in public health interventions, surveillance, data-driven policies, and environmental management strategies targeted at malaria elimination.

He explained that despite Lagos being surrounded by water bodies and coastal environments favourable for mosquito breeding, malaria prevalence in the State had remained below two per cent in recent years, unlike neighbouring states such as Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo where prevalence rates range between 20 and 30 per cent.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that fifteen years ago, about 15 out of every 100 Lagos residents carried malaria parasites, adding that the figure reduced to 10 per cent a decade ago and has now dropped significantly to approximately two per cent, a development he described as clear evidence that Lagos was winning the fight against malaria transmission.

The Commissioner explained that the State Government became concerned after observing that while global and local data showed malaria prevalence was declining in Lagos, health facilities were still diagnosing and treating large numbers of patients for malaria.

He revealed that the State subsequently conducted one of the most extensive malaria studies ever undertaken in Nigeria in collaboration with partners including the , National Malaria Elimination Programme, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors.

According to him, over 78,000 residents with fever symptoms were tested across 514 facilities, including 392 pharmacies and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors as well as 122 Primary Health Centres, using Rapid Diagnostic Tests validated to be about 98 per cent accurate.

The findings, he said, showed that only five per cent of those who believed they had malaria actually tested positive, indicating that about 95 per cent of fever cases in Lagos were caused by illnesses other than malaria.

“This finding changed everything. We realised that most people being treated for malaria did not actually have malaria. That is why Lagos introduced a strict policy of ‘No Treatment Without Testing,’” he stated.

Prof. Abayomi stressed that antimalarial drugs remained highly effective when administered to patients with confirmed malaria, warning that wrong diagnosis often fuels the misconception that malaria medicines no longer work.

He added that the State had adopted a comprehensive “Prevent,Test, Treat and Track” strategy involving mandatory testing of suspected cases, treatment of only confirmed cases, and digital tracking of positive cases to identify malaria hotspots and eliminate mosquito breeding sites through targeted environmental interventions.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the symposium as an opportunity to renew collective commitment towards ending one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges.

She noted that the Year 2026 World Malaria Day theme reflected both a celebration of progress made and a call for urgent, coordinated and sustained action towards malaria elimination.

Dr. Ogunyemi observed that although Lagos had recorded significant progress with malaria prevalence declining to 2 per cent, the disease still remained a major contributor to morbidity due to environmental conditions, population density, and behavioural practices that sustain transmission.

The Special Adviser stated that the Lagos State Government under the THEMES+ Agenda remained committed to evidence-based malaria interventions focusing on vector control, environmental sanitation, universal access to diagnosis and treatment, surveillance strengthening, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.

She called on healthcare workers, development partners, community leaders, and residents to intensify environmental sanitation efforts, embrace testing before treatment, and support interventions capable of reducing malaria transmission across communities.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said Lagos State had moved beyond malaria control and was now deliberately deploying innovation, digital systems, and strategic partnerships towards malaria elimination.

She disclosed that over 978,000 malaria cases were treated across public and private health facilities in 2025, explaining that the high number reflected improved tracking and surveillance systems capable of capturing more accurate malaria data across the State.

Dr. Lajide noted that through partnership with the World Health Organization, Lagos had digitised 514 private healthcare providers, including pharmacies and medicine vendors, while recording only five per cent malaria positivity within the network, further reinforcing the need for strict adherence to the “Test Before Treat” policy.

Also presenting the Lagos malaria story, the State Malaria Elimination Programme Manager, Dr. Abimbola Osinowo, said Lagos had transformed its malaria response through the IMPACT Project introduced in 2024.

She explained that the State adopted the strategy of “Prevent, Test, Treat and Track,” ensuring free rapid diagnostic testing and access to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies in public facilities while strengthening surveillance and accountability systems.

Dr. Osinowo added that pregnant women now receive insecticide-treated nets during antenatal visits while communities were increasingly mobilised through awareness campaigns and women-led advocacy initiatives to sustain preventive practices and improve health-seeking behaviour.

In her goodwill message, the Territorial Manager of the Society for Family Health (SFH), Jennifer Ladokun, commended the Lagos State Government for the remarkable progress recorded through the Lagos Malaria IMPACT Project.

She noted that interventions implemented across public and private health facilities had strengthened malaria case management, healthcare worker capacity building, commodity distribution, logistics systems, and community engagement, thereby improving access to quality malaria services for millions of Lagos residents.

Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization State Coordinator, the WHO Cluster Supervisor for Ikeja LGA, Dr. Ogundimu Opeyemi, said the World Malaria Day commemoration was taking place at a critical moment in Lagos’ journey towards malaria pre-elimination.

He commended the State Government and stakeholders for expanding rapid diagnostic testing, promoting the “Test Before You Treat” policy, and strengthening public enlightenment efforts, while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting Lagos in scaling up malaria interventions and strengthening resilient health systems.

Also delivering a goodwill message, the Lagos State President of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Dealers represented by SSA on Media and Publicity, Prince Olafusi Alex Kolawole, applauded the engagement of community healthcare providers in malaria diagnosis and management.

He disclosed that about 77,000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests conducted through 391 engaged healthcare providers recorded only five per cent positivity, significantly reducing guesswork in malaria treatment and improving rational use of antimalarial medicines at community level.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Lagos State Association of the Deaf , Mr. Godwin Nwadiogbu, advocated improved inclusiveness in healthcare delivery, especially for persons with disabilities.

He commended the Ministry of Health for strengthening the Grievance Redress Mechanism, noting that the initiative had improved accountability and service delivery for deaf patients accessing malaria treatment and healthcare services at Primary Healthcare Centres across the State.

The symposium ended with a strong collective resolve among government officials, development partners, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and stakeholders to sustain investments, strengthen surveillance, deepen community engagement, and accelerate coordinated actions towards achieving a malaria-free Lagos State.

LAGOS RECEIVES 88 PEDIATRIC WHEELCHAIRS, DEEPENS INCLUSIVE CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

..CHAI donates mobility aids, assistive devices to boost early intervention and independence

..State strengthens EPIC–BAWOP framework to expand access, dignity and support for vulnerable children

Lagos State Government on Monday took a significant step in advancing disability inclusion as it received 88 specialized pediatric wheelchairs and other assistive devices including; 225 crutches, 360 eyeglasses and play materials from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for children with disabilities and special needs, all tailored to meet the specific needs of identified children across the state.

The official handover ceremony, held at the Lagos State Medical Store, Oshodi, drew government officials, development partners and caregivers committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.

The donation is part of ongoing efforts under the Build A World of Play (BAWOP) programme and the state’s Early Pathway to Inclusive Care (EPIC) framework aimed at strengthening early identification, intervention and support systems for children across Lagos.

In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, represented by the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, said the ceremony was more than a formal handover but a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to inclusive care. She stressed that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, participate fully and reach their potential.

She described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that assistive devices such as wheelchairs go beyond mobility to enable children to sit upright, interact with peers, attend school comfortably and engage more meaningfully in everyday life. According to her, “for caregivers, it brings reassurance that their children have not been forgotten.”

Dr. Lajide further explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the BAWOP programme and Lagos State’s EPIC framework, which connects schools, healthcare facilities and communities to ensure early identification and appropriate referrals for children with developmental challenges.

She commended teachers, health workers and caregivers for their frontline roles in identifying and supporting children, emphasizing that their daily efforts translate policy into tangible impact. Lajide assured that the Ministry would continue to strengthen systems that support early detection, rehabilitation and access to assistive technology.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, she pledged that the devices would be responsibly deployed to reach children who need them most, adding that the partnership with CHAI would continue to drive inclusive health system reforms across Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of CHAI, the Director, Programs and Essential Medicines, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, said the organization has maintained a strong partnership with Lagos State since 2013, supporting health systems strengthening, vaccine access and primary healthcare delivery.

She described the handover as another milestone in the collaboration, highlighting that the BAWOP programme focuses on early screening, access to assistive technologies and play-based interventions to support children’s development.

According to her, early childhood remains the most critical stage of development, and timely support, through mobility aids, inclusive play and medical care, can significantly improve outcomes for children living with disabilities.

Dr. Fashanu disclosed that the programme has already screened over 115,000 children and reached more than 10,000 through play-based interventions, noting that each intervention represents a child given a pathway to thrive.

She commended Lagos State for establishing a sustainable Early Pathway to Inclusive Care system, describing it as a model that will outlive donor-funded programmes and ensure continuity of services for children in need.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Olabisi Okewole, described the event as a demonstration of shared commitment to inclusive healthcare and social support. She noted that access to assistive devices remains a critical component of quality healthcare delivery for persons living with disabilities.

She added that the intervention offers renewed hope, dignity and improved participation for beneficiaries, while appreciating CHAI for its longstanding support in strengthening Lagos State’s health system and improving service delivery across multiple fronts.

In her goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, emphasized that disability inclusion is a fundamental human right. She noted that initiatives such as the donation ensure children with disabilities are not left behind in government programmes.

She stated that early interventions are critical to helping children achieve developmental milestones, adding that the provision of assistive devices would significantly enhance mobility, learning and overall wellbeing of beneficiaries.

In his closing remarks, the Head of Special Projects, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, described the donation as a major milestone in the state’s inclusive care journey. He noted that Lagos remains committed to expanding opportunities for all children, particularly those living with disabilities.

He appreciated CHAI and other partners for their support, while calling for sustained collaboration to scale interventions and reach more children across the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ademola Mariam, whose seven-year-old son lives with cerebral palsy, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the wheelchair as life-changing. She said the device would improve her child’s mobility and participation in school activities.

She, however, appealed for continued support, noting that her child still requires additional therapeutic interventions, including leg casting, ankle and back support, to enhance his development.

Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships and scaling interventions that promote inclusion, early identification and improved quality of life for children with disabilities.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its resolve to build a health system that leaves no child behind, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, is seen, supported and empowered to thrive.

The Lagos State Government Babajide Sanwo-Olu Nigeria Health Watch Lagosstatehealthscheme UNICEF Nigeria Clinton Health Access Initiative World Health Organization Nigeria

LAGOS MOVES TO ALIGN HEALTH GOVERNANCE AS HRALTH MINISTRY MEETS NEW HSC BOARD

..Push for unified standards, workforce expansion tops agenda

..Commission pledges collaboration to tackle staffing gaps, patient safety

Lagos State Government on Thursday moved to strengthen health sector governance and coordination as the leadership of the Ministry of Health held its inaugural strategic meeting with the newly constituted Board of the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC), setting the tone for reforms aimed at workforce expansion, patient safety, and universal health coverage.

The high-level meeting, held at the Conference Room of the Ministry in Alausa on Thursday, brought together key policymakers including the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, alongside the HSC Chairman, Dr. Olukayode Olumuyiwa Oguntimehin, board members - Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Dr. Omolaja Odunuga, Pharm. (Dr.) Moyosore Adejumo, Dr. (Mrs.) Ololade Fadipe - and the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje.

In his presentation at the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi described the engagement as critical to aligning the Commission with the broader health sector vision of the state, noting that “this meeting is particularly important because it provides us an opportunity to align the newly constituted Board with the strategic direction of government.”

He highlighted the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2052 and the administration’s second-term deliverables as guiding frameworks, stressing that health sector reforms are anchored on expanding insurance coverage, boosting medical tourism, and addressing workforce capacity gaps.

According to him, Lagos is intensifying efforts to make health insurance mandatory while strengthening public-private partnerships to achieve Universal Health Coverage, in line with national legislation and state policies, while also pursuing its ambition to rank among Africa’s top medical tourism destinations.

Abayomi noted that addressing human resource challenges remains central to the reform agenda, with government prioritising workforce expansion, improved welfare, and strategies to retain and attract skilled professionals into the system.

He added that the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences, alongside decentralised training across General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres, will significantly increase training capacity and strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi underscored the urgency of strengthening clinical governance and patient safety across health facilities, noting that gaps still exist in compliance with basic standards and protocols.

“If we are truly committed to patient safety, then we must address the absence of even basic standards,” she said, stressing the need for strict adherence to established guidelines, including blood transfusion protocols and other critical procedures.

She urged the Board to work closely with the Ministry and remain proactive, adding that every hospital must meet minimum regulatory standards, with no disparity between public and private facilities.

Responding on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Dr. Olukayode Oguntimehin described his appointment as “a homecoming” and pledged the Commission’s commitment to collaboration, noting that many of the Ministry’s priorities align with the Board’s direction, particularly in strengthening the health workforce and improving system efficiency.

He acknowledged the global challenge of healthcare workforce shortages and migration, stressing the need for innovative approaches, including expanding multidisciplinary care and leveraging allied health professionals to support service delivery.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide expressed appreciation for the Board’s engagement and confidence in its ability to drive meaningful reforms, noting that collaboration would be key to accelerating progress across the health sector.

In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje advocated for a more coordinated approach to hospital oversight, suggesting joint visits by the Ministry and Commission to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and strengthen system-wide collaboration.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen partnership, ensure alignment, and deliver a more efficient, accountable, and patient-centred healthcare system for Lagos residents.

WORLD MALARIA DAY 2026
Theme - Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must
Slogan: Let’s Do It

Today, the Lagos State Ministry of Health joins the global community to raise awareness and take action against malaria.

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but only when we get it right. One of the biggest challenges we face is misinformation. Many people still believe that every fever is malaria. This is not true.

Not all fever is caused by malaria.
Fever is only a symptom, and it can be caused by different illnesses - bacterial, viral, or other infections. In fact, research shows that most fevers in Lagos are not malaria.

That is why the message is simple and clear:
👉🏽 Always TEST before you treat.

If you have a fever:
✔ Visit a nearby health facility or chemist
✔ Ask for a Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT)
✔ Only take malaria treatment if the test is positive

Taking malaria drugs without testing can delay proper diagnosis, waste money, and even lead to drug resistance.

If your test is negative, do not self-medicate, seek proper medical care to find the real cause of your illness.

Let us debunk the myths and embrace the facts.
Let us protect our families and our communities.

Together, we can end malaria. Now we must act.

Lagosians, Let’s Do It.

LAGOS DEEPENS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY WITH HANDS-ON EVALUATION TRAINING FOR DSNOs

..Lajide Tasks Officers on Translating Data into Rapid Response

..Participants Laud Practical, Case-Based Learning Model

Lagos State Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak response with a four-day Quarterly Surveillance Evaluation and Capacity Building programme for Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), holding at Orchid Hotel, Lekki.

The training, themed “From Data to Action: Hands-on Surveillance Evaluation Using Case-Based Approaches,” brought together frontline surveillance officers, public health experts, laboratory scientists, and development partners to sharpen skills in real-time data use and coordinated response.

Speaking during a visit on Thursday, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, underscored the importance of maximizing in-person training opportunities despite funding and logistical constraints.

“I want to specially acknowledge and appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his continued support in making programmes like this possible. This is an opportunity aimed at capacity building that ultimately results in good health outcomes for residents and we must make the best use of it,” she said.

Lajide described the theme as apt, noting that the transition from data collection to actionable intelligence remains central to effective public health interventions in an increasingly complex global health environment.

She conveyed greetings from the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, commending participants for their commitment to strengthening the state’s surveillance architecture.

Highlighting the pivotal role of DSNOs, the Permanent Secretary said, “You are truly the first point of alert in our system,” while stressing the need for adherence to proper reporting channels to ensure timely interventions at both district and state levels.

She further emphasized the importance of communication, noting that inaccurate or poorly managed information dissemination could trigger unnecessary public anxiety, especially in cases involving infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

“We may be doing a lot of work, but without proper dissemination of information, the public remains uninformed,” she said, adding that trained public affairs officers are critical in managing risk communication effectively.

Lajide also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders across the surveillance ecosystem, including laboratory teams, emergency operations personnel, academic institutions, and donor partners, describing their collaboration as essential to building a resilient health system.

Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, described the programme as a flagship initiative unique to Lagos State.

“As we have always said here in Lagos, we strive to be the first, and we are proud to be the only state organizing this kind of programme,” he stated.

He noted that the training was designed to reinforce learning through repetition while introducing new innovations in surveillance practice, including the transition from paper-based to electronic systems and improved data communication to policymakers.

“The essence of this programme is capacity building and ensuring that we translate data into action,” Abdus-Salam said, adding that the interactive format allows DSNOs to both teach and learn from one another.

Also speaking, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Mr. Lakunle Openiyi, said the training focused on equipping participants with practical skills using real-time case scenarios.

“The goal is to ensure that surveillance data is effectively utilized to guide timely and evidence-based public health decisions at both community and state levels,” he said.

Participants at the training shared positive feedback, describing the sessions as practical and impactful. The Ibeju-Lekki DSNO, Mr. Samson Omotesho noted that the case-based approach provided clearer insight into outbreak detection and response, while the Somolu DSNO, Mrs. Adebukola Adeniji highlighted improved understanding of data analysis and reporting accuracy.

They both called for sustained capacity-building initiatives and replication of similar trainings at local government and facility levels to strengthen grassroots surveillance.

In her closing remarks, Surveillance and Disease Control Programme Officer at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Modinat Akiolu, described surveillance as the “eyes and hands of the health system.”

“Imagine missing the detection of an outbreak in your community and the number of lives that could be affected. This highlights the importance of your role,” she said.

Akiolu commended the consistency of the programme and the support of the Ministry’s leadership, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve outbreak detection and response.

She added that surveillance goes beyond data collection to include leadership, problem-solving, and service delivery, all geared toward protecting public health.

The four-day programme, which runs from April 22 to 25, 2026, is expected to strengthen Lagos State’s capacity for early detection, reporting, and response to public health threats, reinforcing its position as a leader in disease surveillance in Nigeria.

LAGOS FLAGS OFF ANNUAL HEALTH SCREENING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS

..Agoro urges workers to “know your numbers”

..LASG expands focus to mental health, free medications

Lagos State Government on Tuesday formally flagged off the 2026 Annual Medical Screening Programme for public servants tagged: "Public Servants, Know Your Numbers", with a strong call on workers to prioritise their health and embrace routine checks to boost productivity and longevity in service.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, was led by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, who underscored the critical link between a healthy workforce and effective public service delivery.

Agoro, after declaring the exercise open, conducted an inspection tour of the facility, including a stop at the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre (LASWELL), where he advocated increased attention to mental health and wellness among civil servants.

He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising staff welfare, describing him as a “Talk and Do” leader committed to ensuring that workers remain healthy, happy and productive.

According to the Head of Service, “a healthy staff is a happy staff, and a happy staff is a productive staff,” stressing that maintaining Lagos State’s leading position in public service performance requires a workforce that is physically and mentally fit.

Agoro urged civil servants to take advantage of the screening programme, noting that many health conditions are silent and can only be detected early through routine medical checks. “Many of us do not take our health seriously, but this must change,” he said.

He further disclosed that the initiative is continuous, with no fixed timeline, encouraging workers to consistently monitor their health status and “know their numbers,” including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Highlighting government support, Agoro noted that funding has been provided for the programme, including free medications, while efforts are underway to scale up drug availability through partnerships with the private sector under corporate social responsibility.

He also emphasised preventive health and lifestyle modifications, urging civil servants to adopt regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate rest and stress management, noting that the work environment is increasingly stressful and can trigger various health conditions.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, described the programme as a strategic initiative aimed at encouraging civil servants to take ownership of their health through regular monitoring of key health indicators.

She explained that the “Know Your Numbers” campaign focuses on awareness of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, stressing that many non-communicable diseases develop silently and are often detected late.

Lajide noted that the programme, backed by the Governor, the Commissioner for Health and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health ensures that all civil servants have access to free screening services, adding that trained healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, nutritionists and physiotherapists are available to provide comprehensive care.

She added that the Directorate of Staff Health Services of the Ministry of Health that manages the Folarin Coker Clinic, operates a walk-in system, enabling workers to access care at any time, while critical cases identified during screening would be referred appropriately and supported through the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.

Earlier, the Director of Staff Health Services, Dr. Abdulrasheed Kolade, disclosed that the programme targets between 3,500 and 4,000 civil servants annually, drawn from about 14 to 15 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Kolade explained that routine checks include blood pressure measurement, fasting blood sugar tests and Body Mass Index assessment, with specialised screenings such as prostate checks for men above 45 years and breast screening for women where necessary.

Also speaking, Nursing Officer at the Lagos State Employee Wellness Centre, Miss Olushola Callisto, highlighted the role of the centre in promoting mental health, offering services such as counselling, therapy and psychiatric support for conditions including stress, insomnia and depression.

She noted that the centre operates an open-door policy and is intensifying awareness campaigns to address stigma and encourage more civil servants to access mental health services as part of a holistic wellness approach.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, Comrade Olusegun Balogun, lauded the government for reintroducing and expanding the screening programme, describing it as a commendable step towards safeguarding workers’ health.

Balogun said regular medical screening enables early detection of illnesses and timely intervention, adding that the transition to biannual checks represents a significant improvement in staff welfare.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Funmi Daramola, a civil servant from the Public Service Office, expressed appreciation to the government, noting that the programme provided valuable health education and access to essential medical tests.

Daramola said the initiative has empowered workers with knowledge about their health status, encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles, while commending the presence and commitment of the Head of Service at the event.