by Tajudeen Adebanjo
Lagos State Government yesterday said it plans to eliminate malaria within the next one or two years.
Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi stated this at ministerial briefing to commemorate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu second year in office for second term.
He said that not all all fever symptoms should be regarded as malaria.
The commissioner urged Lagosians to always undergo proper testing when experiencing fever symptoms, warning against self-medication.
“In Lagos, we are aiming to eliminate malaria within the next one or two years. About 99 per cent of fever cases are not malaria, so proper diagnosis is essential,” he advised.
Prof Abayomi reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
“We have turned the corner. Our strategies are working, and we remain focused on making Lagos a hub for world-class medical services,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the growing brain drain in the medical sector, the state government described it as a major threat to effective healthcare delivery in the state.
Abayomi said that Lagos currently has only 7,000 doctors in its public healthcare system, far below the state’s target of 49,000.
He noted that the existing medical personnel fall significantly short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:200, emphasizing the urgent need to bridge the gap.
To tackle the situation, Prof Abayomi said the state government is implementing a range of initiatives, including the training of more medical personnel, incentivizing the return of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, and improving the welfare of healthcare workers.
“We are in facilities that take into account the unique topography and population density of Lagos.
“We are constructing buildings with concrete in high-density areas and using sand fill where necessary,” he said.
He also announced that the largest cancer center in West Africa, located in Alausa, is now operational, providing specialized and comprehensive care for cancer patients.