Lagos State,SOMLPforR Launches Training Program for Health Workers

• SOMLPforR Programme Manager Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho highlighted the importance of adolescent health, emphasizing that young people constitute over 60% of the population. 
•  Lagos State Targets Improved Access, Reduce Stigma in Public Health Facilities
• To ensure a broad-based impact, participants from secondary and tertiary health institutions across Lagos are being trained in batches from February 11th to February 20th, 2025

In a collaborative effort between the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOMLPforR), a capacity-building workshop has been launched to train 160 health service providers on delivering adolescent and youth-friendly healthcare services.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the two-day workshop, held at the LCCI Conference Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, aims to equip healthcare professionals with essential skills to provide inclusive and confidential care for young people.

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The training program seeks to address multiple objectives, including fostering a supportive healthcare environment for adolescents, enhancing healthcare workers’ capacity to manage and refer youth-specific health concerns, and promoting ethical standards by tackling biases that contribute to stigma and discrimination in healthcare facilities.

To ensure a broad-based impact, participants from secondary and tertiary health institutions across Lagos are being trained in batches from February 11th to February 20th, 2025.

During the event, SOMLPforR Programme Manager Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho highlighted the importance of adolescent health, emphasizing that young people constitute over 60% of the population.

She stressed the necessity of equipping healthcare workers with the necessary tools to address the unique challenges associated with this crucial developmental stage.

“Adolescence is a sensitive phase that requires careful management,” Dr. Erinosho stated. “A teenage girl today will become a woman tomorrow, and a young boy will grow into a father. We cannot leave their care solely in the hands of a few experts; every healthcare provider must be equipped to support them.”

She encouraged workshop participants to embrace an open-minded approach in their training on adolescent and youth-friendly healthcare services.

The training covers various key focus areas, including nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and effective communication strategies to establish trust with young patients.

Dr. Folasade Oludara, Director of Family Health and Nutrition at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, further elaborated on the training’s objectives.

She explained that the initiative seeks to bridge knowledge gaps among younger health workers while updating the skills of more experienced professionals.

Dr. Oludara also highlighted that many young people avoid public health facilities due to the fear of stigma, judgment, and discrimination from older healthcare providers.

“Youths and adolescents should feel safe and welcome when seeking healthcare services,” Dr. Oludara stated. “This training is designed to ensure that all young people visiting our health facilities have a positive experience, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and seek medical help without hesitation.”

Participants described the training as insightful, emphasising how it broadened their understanding of adolescent health needs. Okunmuyide Oluwakemi, a medical social welfare officer from General Hospital, Lagos, remarked that the sessions deepened her appreciation of the social aspects of adolescent development.

“This training has been eye-opening, and I plan to share the knowledge with my colleagues so that we can collaborate effectively with the medical team,” Oluwakemi said. “When doctors refer young patients to us, we will be able to provide holistic care that addresses both medical and social concerns.”

Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, Director of Health Services at Lagos State University (LASU), also lauded the initiative, noting its potential to improve healthcare delivery in tertiary health facilities.

“Most of our clients are young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who need specialised care,” he said. “This training will help us make our facility more youth-friendly, ensuring they receive the support they need during this crucial phase of their lives.”

Lagos State remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive healthcare environment for young people, free from discrimination and stigma.

With continued support from SOMLPforR, the government is prioritising capacity-building programmes to equip healthcare workers with the skills necessary to address adolescent health challenges effectively.

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By fostering a more youth-friendly health system, Lagos aims to improve access to essential services, promote healthy behaviours, and ensure that young people receive the care and support needed to transition successfully into adulthood.

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