The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), is adapting the National Reproductive Health Policy (NRHP) to meet local needs.
This initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, aims to improve maternal and child healthcare.
The state government noted on their Facebook page on Monday that the workshop held recently saw experts from various sectors to refine the policy.
Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, SOMLPforR Programme Manager, emphasized its role in enhancing family planning, safe motherhood, and adolescent reproductive health.
Erinosho stressed the need for training and regulating Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) to reduce complications.
Dr. Kelvin Oduba, Safe Motherhood Programme Manager, highlighted tailoring the policy to Lagos’ unique healthcare challenges, including maternal mortality reduction, family planning, and gender-based violence response.
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Dr. Oduba noted reproductive health extends beyond pregnancy care.
Also, Dr. Olayinka Atobatele, a public health consultant, described the initiative as transformative. The updated policy aims to expand maternal and child healthcare access, benefiting teenage and older mothers alike.
Stakeholders refined policy details in technical sessions. Mrs. Ruth Badejo, Director of Nursing Services, stressed bridging healthcare gaps and fostering collaboration between modern and traditional practitioners to ensure safer deliveries.
The finalised policy will undergo validation, public awareness campaigns, and implementation in state healthcare facilities.
To this end, experts see Lagos as a model for other Nigerian states in reproductive health policy development.
