The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), has advanced reproductive health services by domesticating the National Reproductive Health Policy. This initiative aims to tailor the national framework to address Lagos’ unique healthcare challenges and improve service delivery across all levels of care.

A five-day workshop, held from February 10 to 14, 2025, at Dover Hotel, gathered key stakeholders from the health sector to refine and adapt the policy. The Programme Manager of SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, emphasized the significance of this domestication effort in enhancing family planning, safe motherhood, and adolescent reproductive health services.

“This policy ensures a structured framework that improves service delivery across healthcare levels in Lagos State,” Dr. Erinosho explained. She also highlighted the integration of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) into the policy, noting their role in maternal care.

“We acknowledge the role TBAs play in maternal care, but they must be properly trained and regulated. Encouraging them to register with the government will reduce complications and ultimately save lives,” she added.

Dr. Kelvin Oduba, the Safe Motherhood Programme Manager at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, underscored that the policy domestication is not merely a replication of national guidelines but a strategic modification to address Lagos’ unique healthcare landscape.

“Lagos has a high population density and an advanced healthcare system, requiring policies that directly address its peculiar challenges,” he stated.

Dr. Oduba outlined key focus areas of the policy, including reducing maternal mortality, improving perinatal death surveillance, and strengthening family planning services. He also emphasized the need to tackle gender-based violence and ensure access to contraceptive options.

“Reproductive health in Lagos goes beyond maternal care; it encompasses addressing gender-based violence, improving perinatal care, and ensuring access to contraceptive options,” he added.

This move marks a significant milestone in Lagos’ commitment to improving reproductive health outcomes and ensuring that healthcare services are responsive to the needs of its growing population.