The Lagos State Government, partnering with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), embarked on a significant initiative to bolster reproductive health services within the state by domesticating the National Reproductive Health Policy. This endeavor involved a five-day workshop held in February 2025, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors of the health system to meticulously refine and adapt the national policy framework to align with the specific healthcare challenges and dynamics of Lagos State. This localized approach recognizes the importance of tailoring national guidelines to address the unique needs and circumstances of individual states, ensuring greater effectiveness and impact.
A primary objective of the domestication process was to enhance reproductive healthcare delivery across several key areas, including family planning, safe motherhood initiatives, and adolescent reproductive health services. By establishing a structured policy framework, the initiative aimed to improve service delivery at all levels of the healthcare system within the state. Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, the Programme Manager of SOMLPforR, emphasized that this localized policy would create a more organized and efficient system for providing crucial reproductive health services, leading to improved outcomes for individuals and families across Lagos.
The integration of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) into the policy framework was another pivotal aspect of the initiative. Recognizing the significant role TBAs play, particularly in communities with limited access to formal healthcare, the program sought to formalize their involvement and enhance their capacity to provide safe and effective care. Dr. Erinosho stressed the importance of training, regulation, and government registration for TBAs, highlighting the potential to mitigate complications during childbirth and ultimately contribute to saving lives. This approach acknowledges the existing reality of TBA involvement while working towards integrating them into a more structured and regulated healthcare system.
Dr. Kelvin Oduba, the Safe Motherhood Programme Manager at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, underscored that the domestication process extended beyond simply adopting the national guidelines. It involved a thoughtful modification of the policy to address the specific healthcare landscape of Lagos, which is characterized by high population density and a relatively advanced healthcare system compared to other parts of the country. This tailored approach is essential for ensuring the policy’s relevance and effectiveness in tackling the distinct challenges faced by the state.
The policy’s focus areas encompass a broad spectrum of reproductive health issues, including reducing maternal mortality rates, implementing robust perinatal death surveillance systems, and strengthening family planning services. Dr. Oduba highlighted the comprehensive nature of the initiative, explaining that reproductive health in Lagos extends beyond maternal care to encompass addressing gender-based violence, improving perinatal care (which focuses on the period immediately before and after birth), and ensuring access to a range of contraceptive options. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors influencing reproductive health outcomes.
In essence, the domestication of the National Reproductive Health Policy in Lagos State represents a strategic effort to tailor national guidelines to the unique context of the state. By focusing on key areas such as family planning, safe motherhood, adolescent reproductive health, and the integration of TBAs, the initiative aims to strengthen the entire reproductive health system. Furthermore, the emphasis on addressing issues like gender-based violence and perinatal care demonstrates a commitment to a comprehensive approach that considers the broader social and health determinants of reproductive well-being. This customized approach reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens by providing accessible, high-quality, and relevant reproductive healthcare services.
