Lagos State Ministry of Health

Lagos State Ministry of Health Lagos State Ministry of Health is responsible for Health policy/plan formulation & regulatory functio

LAGOS EMERGES NATIONAL HEALTH EXEMPLAR AS STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCH MAJOR PERFORMANCE STUDY..Federal Government, Partners Seek...
04/06/2026

LAGOS EMERGES NATIONAL HEALTH EXEMPLAR AS STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCH MAJOR PERFORMANCE STUDY
..Federal Government, Partners Seek Lessons Behind Lagos’ Decade of Health Sector Gains
..Study to Document Successful Reforms, Strengthen Replication of Best Practices Nationwide

Lagos State has been identified as one of Nigeria’s leading health system performers following a rigorous national assessment, as stakeholders gathered on Wednesday for the Nigeria Health System Exemplar Analysis for Action State-Level Stakeholders’ Inception Meeting in Ikeja to commence a landmark study aimed at documenting the drivers of the State’s health sector successes.

The meeting, organised under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and
Development Governance International (DGI) Consult with support from the Gates Foundation and other partners, brought together government officials, development partners, researchers, private sector leaders and healthcare stakeholders to examine reforms, innovations and interventions that contributed to improved health outcomes in Lagos between 2013 and 2023.

Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the initiative as a valuable opportunity for objective assessment, reflection and learning, noting that periodic reviews were necessary to determine whether health systems were moving in the right direction and achieving intended outcomes.

Abayomi said Lagos was honoured to be selected for the study, stressing that the State's health sector achievements could only be fully understood by examining the entire healthcare ecosystem, particularly the private sector which accounts for the majority of healthcare services accessed by residents.

The Commissioner emphasized that government's role extends beyond managing public hospitals to providing policy direction, legislation, regulation, public enlightenment and an enabling environment for private sector participation, adding that effective collaboration between both sectors remains critical to improving healthcare delivery.

He further highlighted Lagos State’s investments in health infrastructure, workforce development, disease surveillance, biosecurity, digital health, public-private partnerships, health insurance, maternal and child healthcare, mental health and preventive medicine, reiterating the State’s vision of becoming a leading healthcare destination in Africa.

In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, explained that the Nigeria Health System Exemplar Analysis Research Project is a multi-phase initiative designed to identify, understand and scale successful health system practices across the country.

Ogunyemi stated that the inception meeting was convened to formally introduce the project to stakeholders, present its methodology and objectives, secure stakeholder buy-in and establish a framework for collaboration throughout the study period.

She noted that the engagement would also provide opportunities to generate preliminary insights into the major drivers of health system performance in Lagos State and develop an action plan for effective data collection and stakeholder participation.

Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, observed that the Nigerian health sector has witnessed several transformative reforms over the last decade, including the implementation of the Primary Health Care Under One Roof policy and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

Lajide disclosed that Lagos State had successfully domesticated many federal health policies and reforms, adding that the Exemplar Study would objectively assess the State’s health system performance through extensive document reviews and stakeholder interviews covering the period from 2013 to 2023.

Managing Partner of Development Governance International (DGI) Consult, Dr. Gafar Alawode, said Lagos earned its place among the selected exemplar states because of clear evidence showing remarkable progress in health outcomes, service coverage and mortality reduction over time.

According to him, the project seeks not only to identify high-performing states but also to understand the policies, strategies, leadership approaches and implementation mechanisms responsible for their success, with the ultimate goal of enabling other states to replicate proven interventions.

Presenting an overview of the study, Lagos State Lead for the Exemplar Research Project, Dr. Simisola Alabi, explained that the initiative was designed to investigate why some Nigerian states perform better than others in health outcomes and how successful approaches could be adapted nationwide.

Alabi said Lagos emerged as an exemplar state after a comprehensive analysis of national health indicators, including child mortality, severe stunting and service coverage metrics, which showed that the State consistently outperformed expectations while recording sustained improvements in key health indicators.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Director of Healthcare Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Anthony Adoghe, congratulated Lagos State on its achievements, describing the State as one whose health indicators compare favourably with those of many developed countries.

Adoghe stated that the Federal Government was increasingly committed to ensuring that data generated through surveys and health information systems are used more effectively for planning, policy formulation and evidence-based decision-making across the country.

Also delivering a goodwill message, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and Country Director of PharmAccess Foundation, Njide Ndili, commended Lagos State’s steady progress towards Universal Health Coverage and acknowledged the State’s pioneering role in health financing and health system reforms.

Ndili assured stakeholders of the private sector’s support for the study, noting that valuable insights and data from private healthcare providers would contribute significantly to documenting Lagos State’s healthcare transformation journey.

Earlier, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, explained that the study aims to identify practical lessons capable of strengthening health systems, improving policy implementation and sustaining service delivery improvements across Nigeria.

She called on stakeholders to actively support the exercise by providing relevant information, participating in interviews and sharing experiences that would help ensure accurate documentation of Lagos State’s health sector achievements.

A presentation by the Head of the Research Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Faith Oniyire, showcased a decade of health sector transformation in Lagos, highlighting significant gains in maternal and child health, emergency medical services, disease surveillance, health insurance coverage, digital health innovation and outbreak preparedness.

The presentation revealed that Lagos reduced maternal mortality, under-five mortality and malaria prevalence significantly between 2013 and 2023, while enrolling more than 923,000 residents into the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme and attaining the highest digital health readiness ranking in Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that the Exemplar Study presents a unique opportunity to document Lagos State’s health sector journey, strengthen institutional memory, promote evidence-based policymaking and provide a model that can support health system improvements across Nigeria.

EBOLA: LAGOS MOVES TO FORTIFY MMIA AGAINST IMPORTED INFECTIONS..Lagos Health Commissioner Leads Preparedness Inspection ...
31/05/2026

EBOLA: LAGOS MOVES TO FORTIFY MMIA AGAINST IMPORTED INFECTIONS
..Lagos Health Commissioner Leads Preparedness Inspection as East, Central Africa Outbreak Heightens Concerns
..State, FAAN, Port Health, NCAA Deepen Collaboration to Strengthen Surveillance and Response

Lagos State Government on Saturday intensified efforts to prevent the importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Nigeria as the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, led a high-powered delegation on a facility inspection and preparedness tour of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, amid growing concerns over the resurgence of Ebola in East and Central Africa.

The delegation, which included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, Director Epidemiology Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam and strategic leads of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), was received by the Airport Manager and Regional General Manager, South-West MMIA, Mr. Olatokunbo Arewa, alongside key airport health and aviation officials.

During the visit, both teams reviewed existing operational frameworks, passenger movement systems, infection prevention and control measures, emergency preparedness protocols and opportunities for stronger collaboration to safeguard Lagos and Nigeria from the threat of Ebola and other infectious diseases of public health concern.

Speaking during the engagement, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Abayomi recalled Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014 following the importation of the disease into Lagos, describing the experience as one of the most important public health lessons in the nation's history.

According to him, "Almost eleven years ago, we experienced the importation of Ebola into Lagos from Liberia during the largest Ebola outbreak in recorded history. We were able to contain what became a relatively small outbreak in Lagos, thanks to the sacrifices of dedicated healthcare workers, including the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh."

The Commissioner said the memory of that outbreak serves as a reminder that preparedness must remain a constant priority, noting that highly consequential infectious diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Lassa fever continue to pose significant threats because of increased global travel and interconnectedness.

He stressed that lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of close collaboration between Lagos State and federal agencies operating at the nation's busiest international gateway, adding that the partnership helped establish one of the country's most effective passenger surveillance and monitoring systems.

Abayomi described MMIA as Nigeria's most critical point of entry, accounting for about 70 per cent of international passenger traffic into the country, and therefore representing the most likely route through which imported infections could enter Nigeria.

"The primary purpose of our visit is to understand how we can support your efforts, identify existing gaps and jointly develop practical solutions. Our objective is to create a bottleneck for the virus, not for passengers," he stated.

The Commissioner said Lagos State was particularly interested in strengthening systems for early detection, rapid isolation and safe evacuation of suspected cases, while also improving digital monitoring and follow-up mechanisms for travellers arriving from countries of concern.

He further advocated exploring measures that would minimise interaction between passengers arriving from designated high-risk locations and other travellers, while maintaining efficient passenger flow through the airport.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasised that disease prevention and control require collective responsibility and sustained collaboration among all levels of government and health stakeholders.

She said the visit was not only intended to assess preparedness measures but also to reassure frontline personnel working at the airport that they have the support of the Lagos State Government in protecting public health.

According to her, "The frontline actually begins here at our ports of entry. As passengers arrive, you are among the very first people to interact with them, making your role critical in our disease surveillance and response efforts."

Ogunyemi conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to airport personnel and described health security as a vital component of national security, stressing that the Ebola threat deserves the same level of attention accorded to other major security concerns.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, expressed appreciation to the management of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Port Health Services, FAAN, NCAA and other airport agencies for the warm reception accorded the Lagos State delegation. She commended the strong spirit of collaboration demonstrated by all stakeholders and noted that such partnerships remain critical to strengthening the State's preparedness and response to public health threats, particularly diseases of international concern such as Ebola Virus Disease.

Lajide also paid tribute to frontline workers across the airport ecosystem for their dedication, vigilance and professionalism in safeguarding the nation's borders against infectious diseases. She urged them to remain steadfast in adhering strictly to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols, emphasizing that protecting themselves is an essential part of protecting travellers, airport personnel and the country at large. "As frontline responders, your safety is paramount. Continue to follow all IPC measures diligently because while you are protecting Nigeria from potential health threats, you must also ensure that you are protected from exposure and risk," she said.

Earlier, Airport Manager and Regional General Manager, South-West MMIA, Mr. Olatokunbo Arewa, welcomed the Lagos State delegation and reiterated the airport's commitment to ensuring that Ebola does not gain entry into Nigeria through the country's busiest aviation gateway.

He disclosed that the airport had already commenced the deployment of additional preparedness infrastructure, including touchless hand-sanitiser dispensing systems and temperature-detection equipment, while plans were underway to further strengthen screening operations.

Arewa noted that MMIA's longstanding collaboration with Lagos State Government dates back to the COVID-19 era and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to play a pivotal role in responding to emerging public health threats.

"We would like this collaboration to continue, particularly in emergency response. Ebola is a highly dangerous disease and any suspected case must be isolated quickly and professionally to prevent transmission," he said.

The Airport Manager further revealed that authorities were exploring the possibility of establishing dedicated arrival processing channels for passengers arriving from high-risk countries as part of efforts to enhance surveillance and screening activities.

Providing an update on airport preparedness, the Head of Port Health Services at MMIA, Dr. Lawal Abdullahi, disclosed that the airport had reviewed and updated its Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan as far back as March 18, 2026, ahead of the recent Ebola developments in East Africa.

He explained that the Airport Public Health Emergency Management Team had since been activated and that a comprehensive risk assessment was conducted to identify countries of concern and guide surveillance measures at the airport.

According to Abdullahi, Port Health Services developed and deployed a passenger screening mechanism before the activation of the national health declaration platform, while relevant information gathered from travellers was routinely shared with Lagos State epidemiology and surveillance teams.

He added that discussions were ongoing regarding improved access to passenger surveillance information by state authorities to strengthen follow-up activities and ensure seamless coordination between national and sub-national public health institutions.

The General Manager, Aviation Medical Services, Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Dr. Bilkis Ibrahim, assured the delegation that collaboration among FAAN, Port Health Services, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and other airport stakeholders remained strong, with continuous information sharing and coordinated planning efforts.

She disclosed that additional personal protective equipment, awareness materials, multilingual public health messages and staff training programmes were being deployed to strengthen preparedness and ensure airport personnel remain fully informed and equipped.

Similarly, the Aeromedical Assessor of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Abayomi Asunbo, announced that the NCAA had issued directives requiring all airlines operating designated routes to comply fully with public health protocols before passengers are permitted into Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Head of Department, Medical Services, MMIA, Dr. Uche Ofoegbu, said airport stakeholders had intensified sensitisation activities, awareness campaigns and dissemination of educational materials to ensure all personnel understand their roles in surveillance, infection prevention, isolation and emergency response.

The inspection tour ended with a walkthrough of key airport facilities and screening points, during which Lagos State officials, airport authorities and federal agencies reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration, information sharing and coordinated preparedness measures to ensure that Lagos, Nigeria and all travellers passing through MMIA remain protected from the threat of Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks.

LAGOS STRENGTHENS EBOLA PREPAREDNESS, SEEKS DEEPER DONOR COLLABORATION AT HEALTH PARTNERS MEETING..Donors, Development P...
29/05/2026

LAGOS STRENGTHENS EBOLA PREPAREDNESS, SEEKS DEEPER DONOR COLLABORATION AT HEALTH PARTNERS MEETING
..Donors, Development Partners Urged to Align Interventions to Close Health Funding Gap
..State Activates Strategic Coordination Framework as Ebola Threat in East Africa Raises Concern

Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and strategic health coordination following growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in East Africa, with stakeholders calling for stronger collaboration, improved surveillance systems and better alignment of donor interventions across the health sector.

Speaking at the Donor/Partner Coordination Meeting organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos remains vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks because of its status as a megacity, commercial nerve centre and major entry point into Nigeria and West Africa.

Abayomi disclosed that the State Government was closely monitoring the evolving Ebola outbreak in Eastern Congo and Uganda, noting that both the African Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation had already declared the situation a major continental and international public health concern. According to him, the outbreak is particularly troubling because it is occurring within conflict zones where surveillance and accurate reporting remain difficult.

The Commissioner revealed that the Lagos State Executive Council had devoted recent discussions entirely to the state’s preparedness against possible importation of Ebola, stressing that government was determined to remain proactive rather than reactive. “Hope alone is not a strategy. Preparedness is,” he declared, while emphasising that Lagos would continue strengthening emergency systems even if the outbreak never reaches Nigeria.

He explained that lessons from the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic had shaped the state’s current preparedness strategy, adding that emergency response mechanisms must not disrupt routine healthcare delivery. Abayomi said the Lagos State Bioshield Project was being strengthened as a frontline prevention strategy anchored on disease surveillance, laboratory expansion, rapid response systems and public communication.

The Commissioner further warned that Ebola remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases with mortality rates that could exceed 50 per cent, unlike COVID-19 which recorded comparatively lower fatality rates in Lagos. He noted that the current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain for which there is presently no approved vaccine or specific treatment, thereby increasing the urgency for preparedness and coordinated response.

According to him, the State Government is already scaling up surveillance at airports, seaports and land borders, while also expanding isolation facilities, laboratory testing capacity and healthcare worker training on infection prevention and control. He added that Lagos currently hosts Nigeria’s only Biosafety Level-3 laboratory capable of handling highly infectious pathogens such as Ebola.

Responding to questions from participants, Abayomi said the government would not wait until a confirmed Ebola case enters Nigeria before activating stronger preventive measures. “All we need to know is that it is getting too close for comfort, and that is why we are focusing on flights and travel monitoring,” he stated.

The Commissioner explained that authorities were already reviewing possible travel advisories and monitoring international developments daily to determine the potential impact on flights, tourism and public health safety. He, however, cautioned against spreading panic, insisting that Ebola had not been reported in Nigeria. “Please do not go back home and start saying Ebola is coming and create panic everywhere,” he warned.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, described the meeting as a reflection of the collective commitment of stakeholders towards strengthening Lagos State’s health system and improving health outcomes for residents through strategic collaboration and shared responsibility.

Ogunyemi noted that Lagos, being Nigeria’s most populous state and economic hub, continues to face enormous health challenges ranging from rapid urbanisation and infectious diseases to maternal health concerns and rising non-communicable diseases. She stressed that such realities also create opportunities for innovation, partnership and stronger healthcare delivery systems.

The Special Adviser highlighted recent government investments in primary healthcare strengthening, digital health systems and health insurance expansion as evidence of the administration’s commitment to building resilient healthcare infrastructure. She urged development partners to deepen collaboration, refine intervention strategies and maximise collective impact across the state.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, said the major objective of the meeting was to engage development partners in identifying areas requiring urgent support to address funding gaps within the health sector. She explained that recent developments surrounding Ebola in East Africa had further underscored the need for vigilance and coordinated preparedness efforts.

Lajide emphasised the importance of ensuring that donor interventions complement government efforts rather than duplicate existing activities. According to her, all support provided by development partners must translate into measurable improvements in healthcare indices and outcomes across Lagos State.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary commended partners for their continued commitment to improving healthcare delivery and responding to emerging health threats. She said the meeting had strengthened coordination mechanisms and reinforced the shared resolve to reduce duplication of efforts while sustaining impactful interventions across the state.

Director of Healthcare Planning, Research and Statistics, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, who presented the meeting objectives, said the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration and strategic alignment between the Ministry and donor agencies. She stressed the need for all interventions to align with the Ministry’s strategic priorities and Annual Operational Plan for 2026.

Oyenuga disclosed that although the State had developed a comprehensive Annual Operational Plan, several planned interventions were yet to be fully implemented, thereby making donor support critical in accelerating ex*****on and improving health outcomes. She added that the meeting would also help streamline work plans and promote better coordination among implementing partners.

Head of the Grant Management Office, Dr. Olutomike Ajose, presented a detailed analysis of donor coordination challenges and funding realities within the health sector. She revealed that the total cost of Lagos State’s 2026 Annual Operational Plan stands at ₦143.73 billion, while government contribution accounts for ₦34.38 billion and development partners contribute ₦8.99 billion, leaving a funding gap of over ₦100 billion.

Ajose identified fragmented donor interventions, weak data systems and duplication of activities as major challenges affecting efficiency and accountability within the sector. She said the Ministry was working towards establishing a centralised digital coordination system that would provide real-time dashboards for tracking partner-supported interventions and improving evidence-based decision-making.

In separate goodwill messages, representatives of development partners commended the Lagos State Government for promoting transparency, strategic alignment and collaboration within the health sector. State Consultant for the Gates Foundation, Mr. Olukunle Daramola, described the meeting as a demonstration of shared commitment towards strengthening healthcare systems through data-driven investments and innovation.

Similarly, Global Fund Grant Management Coordinator, Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, noted that the meeting was taking place at a critical period within the global funding landscape, adding that stronger local collaboration had become necessary in view of ongoing international disruptions affecting development financing.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Team Lead of the Society for Family Health, Mrs. Jennifer Ladokun, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Lagos State through interventions in malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, family planning and primary healthcare strengthening. She expressed optimism that deeper collaboration and coordinated implementation would further improve equitable access to quality healthcare services for Lagos residents.

🌙✨ EID AL-ADHA MUBARAK FROM THE LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ✨🌙Eid celebrations are best enjoyed in good health. As fa...
27/05/2026

🌙✨ EID AL-ADHA MUBARAK FROM THE LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ✨🌙

Eid celebrations are best enjoyed in good health. As families and friends come together this festive season, celebrate safely and stay healthy.

Swipe through for important health and safety tips this festive season:

🍽 Food Handling – Prevent food poisoning and stomach infections
💧 Water & Hygiene – Stay safe with clean water and proper handwashing
🧹 Environmental Sanitation – Keep your surroundings clean
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowded Gatherings – Protect yourself and others

Small actions can make a big difference.
✔ Wash hands regularly
✔ Cook meat properly
✔ Dispose waste appropriately
✔ Improve ventilation and avoid overcrowding where possible

May your celebration be filled with peace, blessings and good health.

Celebrate safely. Eat wisely. Stay healthy.

For medical emergencies:
📞 767 | 📞 112

May your celebration be filled with peace, blessings, good health and joyful moments with loved ones.

The Lagos Health Family extends warm greetings and best wishes to Muslim faithful and all Lagos residents as we celebrat...
27/05/2026

The Lagos Health Family extends warm greetings and best wishes to Muslim faithful and all Lagos residents as we celebrate Eid al-Adha (Ileya Festival).

As you enjoy the festivities, remember to celebrate responsibly by maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring food safety, avoiding overcrowded situations where possible, and looking out for the wellbeing of one another.

Let us all work together towards a healthier and safer celebration for everyone.
Wishing you peace, joy, good health, and abundant blessings.

Eid Mubarak!

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

LAGOS REASSURES RESIDENTS AS IT MONITORS EVOLVING EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL AFRICABiosecurity Bio-shield Remains Active,...
24/05/2026

LAGOS REASSURES RESIDENTS AS IT MONITORS EVOLVING EBOLA OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL AFRICA

Biosecurity Bio-shield Remains Active, Resilient and Outbreak-Tested

Sanwo-Olu orders Surveillance, Preparedness and Rapid Response

Lagos State Government has reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm over the evolving Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa. Besides, the state’s robust and tested biosecurity architecture remains fully activated and prepared to detect, contain and respond rapidly to any biological threat, Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi has said.

Following directives from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State is closely monitoring developments surrounding the outbreak, which has so far recorded approximately 177 deaths from nearly 700 suspected cases and remains confined to two countries - Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), owing largely to the difficult terrain in the affected areas, which may challenge local and international public health response efforts.

Prof. Abayomi, on behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Health, wishes to reassure Lagos residents that, as of now, no case suggestive of Ebola Virus Disease has been identified within Lagos State. Lagos has over the years built a resilient and outbreak-tested biosecurity system designed for continuous year-round preparedness and response against high-consequence infectious diseases, including Ebola, Lassa Fever and Influenza.

Said Abayomi: “The Lagos Biosecurity Bio-shield was built to protect and remains ready to respond to biological shocks. Preparedness for us is not a temporary reaction; it is a permanent culture embedded within our health system. The State's preparedness framework was first rigorously tested during the Ebola outbreak and significantly strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains actively engaged in responding to recurrent public health challenges, such as Cholera, Diphtheria and Lassa Fever outbreaks".

Prof. Abayomi highlighted key components of the State's permanent readiness architecture, beginning with the Lagos State Incident Command System (ICS), which is led directly by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as Incident Commander. The structure enables the rapid deployment of government resources and ensures seamless executive coordination during public health emergencies.

The Lagos State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains operational around the clock, conducting disease surveillance and gathering real-time public health intelligence through a dedicated network of highly trained epidemiologists and disease surveillance specialists who can be rapidly deployed for outbreak investigation and containment.

The Lagos Mainland Hospital, also known as the Lagos State Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, continues to maintain a state of readiness through its infectious disease specialists, dedicated triage systems, intensive care facilities and isolation infrastructure designed to manage cases across varying levels of severity.

The Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory and Biobank Facility located within the hospital remains on enhanced surveillance operations for the real-time diagnosis and monitoring of high-risk pathogens and continues to collaborate with public health laboratories within Nigeria and internationally.

The government is in collaboration with Port Health Authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as well as land and sea points of entry in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and other critical agencies.

All flights arriving from East and Central Africa are receiving heightened public health attention and scrutiny as part of precautionary measures to strengthen early detection and risk mitigation.

The State has integrated Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) into its early warning and disease surveillance network, thereby ensuring timely information flow from communities to public health command centres.

Additionally, strategic emergency stockpiles, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves, sanitizers and other critical commodities have been pre-positioned across key locations. Ambulance services remain strategically deployed to support rapid emergency response.

"Our focus remains firmly on prevention, early detection, prompt reporting and swift multi-sectoral response. Lagos remains vigilant, organized and safe," Abayomi said.

The State Government will continue working closely with the Federal Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to provide residents with evidence-based updates as developments unfold.

Abayomi advised residents, particularly those who recently travelled to affected areas in Congo or Uganda, or who have had close contact with individuals returning from those countries and have medical concerns, to promptly seek guidance through emergency channels.

Residents are encouraged to contact emergency numbers 767, 112, or the Director Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health on 08023169485 for necessary assistance and information.

Signed:
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director, Public Affairs
Lagos State Ministry of Health

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Lagos
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