The Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI) has made a passionate appeal to the Lagos State Ministry of Health to prioritise women’s health in their budget and funding allocations. This call to action follows a comprehensive assessment report on Women’s Health, which highlighted significant gaps in accessibility and adequate funding.
To address these gaps, PHSAI inaugurated 20 Inclusive Women’s Health and Rights Champions at a capacity-building workshop in Lagos. These champions will work tirelessly to strengthen women’s health in Lagos State. According to Abiodun Ajayi, Executive Director of PHSAI, “Saving the lives of women is crucial to saving the lives of future generations. We must amplify women’s voices and allocate adequate funding for women’s projects.”
Barr. Ayo Adebusoye, Chairman of PHSAI, emphasised the urgency of the situation, citing the alarming maternal mortality rate in Nigeria, with 512 deaths for every 100,000 births. He urged the champions to work towards reducing maternal deaths in Lagos by 20% before 2030. “It’s a marathon, but every life saved is a job well done,” he encouraged.
Dr. Funmi Ige, President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, echoed the importance of prioritizing women’s health, stating, “When you take care of a woman and a child, you have taken care of the family, and ultimately, the nation.”
The project, funded by New Venture Fund through Pathfinder International, aims to bridge the gaps in women’s health care and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
With the inauguration of the Inclusive Women’s Health and Rights Champions, PHSAI is poised to make a significant impact in the lives of women in Lagos State. As Ajayi aptly put it, “Together, we can achieve a better and sustainable health facility that will be enviable across the federation.”
