Lagos marks 2025 World Oral Health Day...Distribute IEC materials, and care kits to pupils.

The Lagos State government has identified poor oral health as one of the reasons for low self-esteem, anxiety, and dietary deficiencies, that affect a child's development and academic performance. 

 Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, made this known while addressing pupils of Oregun Junior and Senior High Schools, Ikeja, commemorating the year 2025 World Oral Health Day.

The event, which focused on promoting oral hygiene among children, featured health education sessions,  demonstrations, and distributing of oral care kits to pupils.

The reason for World Oral Health Day, according to experts, is to identify the benefits of a healthy mouth and raise global awareness of oral hygiene, especially among children. 

 Dr. Ogunyemi stated. "Oral diseases can impact not only on individuals but also on communities and economies, making preventive care essential.”

She stressed the vital connection between oral health and mental well-being, noting that children with tooth pain, discoloration, or swelling may suffer from social anxiety and embarrassment. Hence, she encouraged students to prioritize their dental hygiene. She noted that “a healthy smile boosts confidence and self-esteem. You cannot be happy if you are constantly in pain due to poor oral health.”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, urged the students to limit sugar consumption and adopt proper oral care habits.

 He warned against the dangers of excessive sweet intake, explaining that sugar residues stick to the teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to tooth decay.

"I know children love sweets, but you must understand that bacteria thrive on the sugar left in your mouth, leading to cavities and bad breath," he cautioned.

 "Good oral hygiene ensures fresh breath, healthy gums, and a confident smile. You don't want to be the child that others avoid because of mouth odor.” Ogboye 

Director, of Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, who praised the collaborative efforts of government agencies and school authorities in promoting oral health, urged pupils to share their newfound knowledge with their parents, siblings, and peers, reinforcing the importance of proper oral care.

The Principals of Oregun Junior and Senior High Schools, Mrs. Adesola Ajimuda and Mr. Olatunji Sunday Opeolu, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Health for selecting their schools for the initiative.

They emphasized that the lessons learned would have a ripple effect on families and communities, helping to instill lifelong healthy habits in children.

"When children learn good oral hygiene, they pass it on to their families. "This program is not just about today, it is about securing a healthier future for our students," Mrs. Ajimuda remarked.

The event also featured live demonstrations of effective tooth brushing techniques, led by oral health experts. Pupils eagerly participated in the hands-on exercises, learning how to properly clean their teeth, gums, and tongue. Teachers were also trained to reinforce these habits in school.

Pupils participated in a quiz session on oral health, where winners received prizes and additional oral care materials. The initiative was designed to make learning about oral hygiene fun, interactive, and memorable for students.

Oral care kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and informational materials were distributed to all pupils. Health officials urged them to commit to daily brushing, regular dental checkups, and reduced sugar intake to prevent oral diseases.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind,” underscores the link between oral health and overall well-being, particularly in children, with the focus on equipping students with more knowledge and practical skills to maintain healthy teeth and gums, thereby preventing tooth decay and other dental issues.

Insist on test before treatment: health experts tell Nigerians ...as LSG launches Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme.

The Lagos State Government has launched the final phase of its Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitalization initiative, meant to protect residents and enable them to contribute effectively to the state socio-economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate, commended Lagos State for pioneering the project, noting that the new programme aligned with the Federal Ministry of Health's "Rethinking Malaria' concept, launched in April 2024, which aims to fast-track malaria elimination through strategic shifts.

He highlighted the programme focus on integrating digital health solutions for real-time electronic reporting, which is expected to improve malaria diagnosis and case management, adding that" Lagos State had consistently recorded the lowest malaria prevalence in Nigeria, with a 2021 survey, indicating a 2% prevalence rate ". 

" I am confident that, with concerted efforts, Lagos will achieve pre-elimination status and serve as a model for the rest of the country."

The minister, who underscored the role of the private sector in healthcare delivery, explained that about 50-60% of Nigerians seek treatment first in private health facilities and emphasized that the focus of the programme on public-private sector synergy, describing it as essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing malaria-negative fever protocols. 

Pate also identified discrepancies in malaria positivity rates between private and public sectors and stressed the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

" I urge everyone to maintain their support for impactful interventions aimed at eliminating malaria ". 

 He assured Nigerians and development partners that recent changes in global health funding policies would not affect Nigeria's malaria elimination programmes. 

Professor Pate affirmed that" the federal government commitment to ensuring adequate and cost-effective funding for public health initiatives, urging state governments to collaborate in making Nigeria self-sustaining in public health funding ".

The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Alli Pate's message was delivered by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako.

Addressing the audience, the Lagos State Governor,  Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed joy at being the pioneer state, expressed dismay at the socioeconomic burden malaria imposed on Lagos residents. 

He noted that the disease hampers productivity, drains household incomes, and disrupts educational pursuits, particularly among modest earners. 

The governor stressed that eradicating malaria is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that could significantly boost the state's GDP.

" The importance of accurate diagnosis cannot be overlooked, urging residents to adopt a 'test-before-treatment' approach and warned against self-diagnosis and medication explaining that assumption that all fevers are malaria-related was wrong ". Sanwo - Olu

" Prompt testing to ensure appropriate treatment is the way to go while applauding the integration of digital tools in the programmes, which will allow real-time tracking of malaria cases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of interventions.

The governor called for collective action, urging all stakeholders—including government agencies, healthcare providers, community leaders, and citizens—to collaborate in the fight against malaria.

He acknowledged that while success may not come overnight, sustained efforts and unwavering resolve could lead to a malaria-free Lagos.  I  commend the  Ministry and its partners for their transparent presentation of data and ongoing efforts to meet the 2025 targets for malaria elimination.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the critical role of community engagement in malaria prevention and encouraged Lagosians to become advocates for the programme, giving information about preventive measures and the importance of testing before treatment. 

" To my fellow Lagosians: this fight belongs to each one of us. Let us embrace preventive measures like eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopt a “test-before-treatment” approach to ensure accurate diagnoses. And let us remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and our loved ones from this disease. We can rewrite the story of malaria in Lagos State—from one loss and struggle to one of triumph and progress. This program is our legacy—a gift to future generations who will inherit a healthier, stronger Lagos”, he said.

Country Director for Nigeria at the World Bank, Dr. Ndiame Diop, also lauded Lagos State's efforts in malaria control, stressing the economic impact of malaria, noting that 30% of under-five deaths and 60% of outpatient visits in Nigeria are linked to malaria. 

Dr. Diop stressed that out-of-pocket malaria treatment costs remain a major barrier to effective disease control, " with 95% of treatments paid for directly by affected individuals ". 

He solicited increased funding, public-private partnerships, and community-led interventions to bridge healthcare access gaps. “Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, has the potential to eliminate malaria, and we are confident that with the commitment demonstrated here, we will get there,” he stated.

He promised that the World Bank would continue to be committed to supporting policies and interventions aimed at malaria elimination.

In his presentation titled ‘Winning the Fight Against Malaria in Lagos State, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasized that malaria remains a major public health challenge, contributing to mortality, economic burden, and reduced human capital development.

He noted that while Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally—accounting for 27% of global cases—Lagos State has successfully reduced its prevalence to 2.6%, positioning it in the lolow-transmissionategory. He credited this progress to sustained interventions, private sector partnerships, and digital health innovations.

" Achieving malaria pre-elimination requires continued efforts in early diagnosis, effective treatment, and vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and larviciding. He further emphasized the role of community education, digital health tracking, and strengthened health service delivery in sustaining progress. "Lagos State is on the verge of malaria pre-elimination, and if we align our strategies effectively, we can achieve this goal sooner than expected," he stated.

Prof. Abayomi also highlighted a shift in malaria diagnosis and treatment, moving away from presumptive treatment to a ‘test, treat, and track’ approach, explaining that digital integration in health services would improve accuracy in diagnosis, ensure appropriate use of anti-malarial drugs, and prevent drug resistance. 

He urged healthcare workers to embrace thorough patient evaluations, moving beyond assumptions of malaria as the primary cause of fever-related illnesses.

Country Representative for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kazadi Walter Mulombo, commended Lagos State for its leadership in malaria control, saying that " Lagos serves as a model for urban malaria control, effectively addressing both low transmission areas and malaria hotspots ".

He emphasized the importance of evidence-based interventions, private sector collaboration, and sustained government commitment in achieving malaria elimination goals.

Dr. Mulombo reiterated WHO’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for accurate malaria diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community engagement.

 He highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths, making malaria elimination a national priority. “Lagos is setting the pace for sub-national malaria elimination strategies, and we stand ready to provide technical expertise and guidance for the success of this initiative,” he stated.

Lagos State governor, Health Minister, world Bank and WHO representative, to unveil pathway to ending Malaria in Lagos.

The Lagos State government says, it will revolutionize malaria control through digital innovations, strengthen case management and enhance public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery.

‎Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who made this known at a news briefing ahead of the unveiling of high-impact initiative tagged "Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Programme in Lagos State" in Lagos 

emphasized that, the programme is a crucial step towards reducing malaria prevalence to below 1%, marking a significant leap towards disease eradication in the state.

“Lagos is already leading the way with a malaria prevalence of under 3%, far below the national average. With this initiative, we are taking decisive steps to eliminate malaria altogether and ensure that every fever is properly diagnosed and treated using a scientific and digitalized approach,” Prof. Abayomi stated.

He explained that despite its relatively low malaria prevalence compared to other states in Nigeria, Lagos still records an estimated 900,000 malaria cases annually, with febrile illnesses presumed to be malaria contributing to over 50% of general outpatient visits in public health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi highlighted the economic toll of malaria, which results in absenteeism from work and school, decreased productivity, and increased household healthcare costs.

“Malaria is not just a health issue; it is a social and economic problem. The cost of treating malaria, combined with the indirect costs of lost productivity, runs into billions of naira annually. A malaria-free Lagos is a stronger, more prosperous Lagos,” he added.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that a key pillar of the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program is the integration of digital health solutions to optimize malaria surveillance and case management.

" He noted that, " through a collaboration with Maisha Meds, a digital health platform, Lagos will deploy real-time electronic malaria reporting systems across public and private health facilities, ensuring swift and accurate data collection ".

While adding that the initiative will also facilitate the use of digital diagnostic tools to improve accuracy in malaria testing, the Commissioner disclosed that many patients in Lagos receive anti-malarial treatment without proper testing, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. 

“The new programme mandates compulsory rapid diagnostic testing (RDTs) before any malaria treatment is administered, " This initiative will ensure that only confirmed malaria cases receive anti-malarial treatment. It will also reduce the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major driver of drug resistance,” Prof. Abayomi noted.

Given that a significant portion of malaria cases in Lagos are treated outside government hospitals, the Commissioner stated that the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program will integrate community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and private hospitals into the state’s malaria control network.

He added the Lagos State Government is working closely with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) to standardize treatment protocols across all healthcare providers. “This means that, whether a patient seeks treatment at a public hospital, private clinic, or neighborhood pharmacy, they will receive the same high-quality malaria diagnosis and treatment based on the state’s guidelines”, he said.

The Commissioner stressed that a major behavioral shift that the programme aims to achieve is changing public perception of fever and malaria diagnosis, adding that, many Lagos residents self-diagnose malaria and purchase anti-malarial drugs without testing.

He urged that, moving forward, every fever must be properly diagnosed before treatment,  warning that, “Not every fever is malaria. " In fact, many fevers are caused by bacterial or viral infections that require different treatments. 

" With this initiative, we are discouraging self-medication and encouraging Lagosians to get tested before taking any medication,” he emphasized.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the program is integrating malaria care into Lagos State’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, to ensure affordability and accessibility of malaria treatment. “This means that registered enrollees can receive malaria tests and treatment at little or no cost, reducing the financial burden on families and encouraging prompt healthcare-seeking behaviour”, he said.

 “To achieve this, the government will deploy three major intervention strategies including, scaling up effective case management by ensuring all suspected malaria cases are tested and accurately treated; enhancing disease surveillance  through the use of digital tools to track malaria cases in real-time and guide interventions.

He suggested that, community engagement and prevention by educating the public on malaria prevention methods, including the proper use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and environmental hygiene” is the way to go.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the program will be formally launched at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on March 4, 2025, in a high-profile event to be attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, and National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP).

He urged all residents, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to support and participate in the initiative, emphasizing that malaria elimination is a collective responsibility, and the success of the program depends on everyone’s involvement.

“We need the public to adopt a test-before-treatment mindset. We need healthcare providers to follow best practices. We need communities to take ownership of malaria prevention. Together, we can achieve a malaria-free Lagos,” he concluded.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, reinforced the importance of changing public attitudes towards fever management and malaria treatment.

“This initiative is about changing behaviours. People must move away from self-diagnosis and assumptions. The era of saying, ‘I think I have malaria’ without testing is over. Every fever should be tested first, and only confirmed cases should be treated for malaria,” she said.

She emphasized the role of pharmacists and patent medicine vendors in ensuring compliance with the new malaria testing protocols, urging them to join the government in standardizing malaria case management.

“Pharmacies and medicine shops play a huge role in how people access treatment. We are integrating them into this program so that when someone walks in with a fever, the first step is a test, not just selling anti-malarial drugs,” she added.

She also highlighted the government’s commitment to making malaria treatment more accessible, affordable, and effective for all Lagosians.

With the Pathway to Malaria Pre-Elimination and Digitization Program, Lagos is setting a precedent for malaria control in Nigeria and beyond. The countdown to a malaria-free Lagos has begun.