The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), through its Directorate of Community Health Services, has distributed baby weighing scales and life jackets to the state’s six health districts as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across riverine, hard-to-reach, and upland communities.
The initiative is designed to improve community outreach services, enhance child growth monitoring, and safeguard healthcare workers who travel by water to provide essential services to residents in isolated communities.
The distribution ceremony was held at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) building in Yaba, where the equipment was formally handed over to representatives of the six health districts.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, said the intervention demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to ensuring that residents in hard-to-reach areas have access to quality healthcare services.
He specifically highlighted communities in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, and Ikorodu, where geographical and waterway challenges can affect access to healthcare.
“We expect these utilities to be put to judicious use and properly maintained,” Dr. Mustafa said, stressing that the safety of healthcare personnel travelling by water to serve riverine communities remains a priority.
He commended the Director of Community Health Services, Mrs. Simbiat Sanusi-Alaka, and her team for their continued efforts to strengthen community-based healthcare initiatives.
“Now that these resources are in place, I encourage everyone to step up service delivery. Let us ensure our residents receive the quality care they deserve,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs. Sanusi-Alaka reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to equipping frontline health workers with the tools needed to deliver effective and safe services, regardless of location.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that primary healthcare reaches everyone, regardless of location,” she said. “We will continue to equip our community health workers with the necessary tools to perform their duties safely and effectively.”
The Board urged District Health Officers and healthcare workers to ensure the proper use, routine maintenance, and effective management of the equipment to maximise its impact and guarantee sustained public health benefits across Lagos communities.
