Professor Akin Abayomi

Honoured to host the Environmental Lagos Platform (ELP) for a courtesy visit and a truly engaging conversation that brought the voices of communities directly to the policy table.

The ELP team asked difficult questions, shared valuable frontline insights, and reminded us that effective policy begins with listening.

We discussed several priorities, including climate resilient health facilities, strengthening our BioShield through a One Health approach, expanding mental health services, and the proposed Lagos State Drug Management Agency.

One insight particularly stood out. As we discussed strengthening Primary Healthcare, the ELP team observed that many Lagosians still perceive PHC facilities as places mainly for children, leading them to bypass them for general hospitals. That perspective is helping to shape how we strengthen and communicate our PHC strategy.

We also discussed our malaria reforms following findings from the Lagos State Malaria Impact Project that around 90 percent of fevers in Lagos are not malaria. This reinforces the need to expand testing, strengthen test before treat practices, and improve public understanding that not every fever is malaria.

I was deeply honoured to receive the ELP branded sash, a symbol of our shared commitment to a healthier Lagos.

Thank you to the Environmental Lagos Platform for the candid conversation, thoughtful recommendations, and partnership. Better health outcomes are built when government and civil society work together.