By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has promised to pilot its global framework for strengthening health emergencies in Lagos because of its importance to Nigeria and Africa.
This assurance was given by the organisation’s Country Representative (WR) for Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, during a visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He also disclosed that his organisation was ready to collaborate with the state government to improve its health indices to achieve a healthier population.
“Counting on Mr Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, WHO is willing to partner with the Lagos State government to strengthen human resources for health,” he said.
“By building a skilled and responsive health workforce, Nigeria can improve health outcomes and strengthen the overall health system in Lagos,” the WHO chief added.
Lagos State leads the health insurance scheme, exceeding the target of one million enrolees per state, and contributes over 10 per cent of the national gross domestic product (GDP).
Likewise, the state has been attracting medical practitioners from the diaspora, mirroring the medical tourism trend in India.
Recall that Lagos was the first state to report the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks in the country in 2020 and 2014, respectively and successfully managed the outbreaks in record time.
In his remarks, Mr Sanwo-Olu welcomed the partnership with WHO, promising to transform its office in the state into a mini country office and urged Mr Mulombo to spend more time there.
“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.
“We recognise the critical role of partnerships in achieving our health objectives. WHO’s support is invaluable, and we look forward to continued collaboration to enhance the health and well-being of our people,” the governor stated.
Mr Sanwo-Olu explained that the influx of people into the state contributes to surveillance and data challenges in responding to the problem scientifically.
He, however, acknowledged that areas of improvement for the state include increasing budgetary allocation for health, scaling up provision and access to potable water to an irreversible level in the next twelve months, providing public toilets to reduce open defecation, and building the capacity and competence of health workers to be prepared for and respond to all forms of health emergencies.