Some stakeholders during the launch of the domesticated Guidelines on Self-Care for Sexual Reproductive and Maternal Health in Lagos on Thursday.
By Victoria Onehi
Lagos state has launched the domesticated guidelines on Self-Care for Sexual Reproductive and Maternal Health and also inaugurated the self-care sub technical working group in Ikeja.
The guidelines was developed by the Federal Ministry of Health and key stakeholders in Nigeria by adapting the World Health Organisation global guidelines.
The self-care for sexual reproductive and maternal dissemination has been carried out across the country by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) and other implementing partners. However, after the dissemination in about 25 states, Lagos is the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the National guidelines.
Speaking at the launch of the guidelines by the Lagos state Ministry in health, JSI Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Olawale Durosinmi-Etti urged state governments in Nigeria to take a cue from the example of Lagos if the country intends to improve access to health services and bridge the gaps in the number of health workers currently plaguing Nigeria following the exodus of health professionals who are seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
He said: “We know Lagos state is unique in several ways. Lagos is the center of excellence. The government of Lagos state prioritises the health of their population and that’s why they see the need to not just adopt the guideline, but to domesticate it, and quickly launch it, so that they can start implementation.
“The domestication of the guidelines demonstrates ownership and the readiness for accountability on the health needs of the people of Lagos State”.
Dr. Durosinmi-Etti affirmed that with funding from GATES Foundation, JSI through the Self-Care Accelerator Project (SCAP),will continue to support states to domesticate and implement the self-care guidelines. He added:“ We are here today because the Lagos State Ministry has demonstrated the willingness to implement the guidelines. We will be happy to extend this support to other states in Nigeria who express similar willingness”.
“We’re also hoping that when Lagos begins to implement and show results in terms of how this guideline has helped to improve the health outcome of their population, other states will begin to see the benefits, and then key into it. So that’s why we are so excited that Lagos has taken that bold step. And we are here to support them.”
Also speaking, JSI Nigeria Country Co-ordinator for the Injectables Access Collaborative Project, Miranda Buba Atare said the Lagos state domesticated guidelines can be used as an advocacy tool for donors and investors from the public and private sector to key into the implementation of the guidelines.
Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr Abimbola Mabaogunje, expressed confidence that the launch of the Guidelines on Self-Care document is a step in the right direction, affirming that the implementation of the self-care guideline will help to reduce the burden on the state health care system.
Dr. Mabaogunje, who is in Lagos State Health District 6, thinks the sky is the limit with the implementation of the guideline. “As a medical doctor, I know how to check my blood pressure and all other self-care interventions. But the average person doesn’t know how to do that. So, this document will help to put systems in place to ensure individuals are supported to learn different self-care approaches. This is a step in the right direction.”
“This does not mean we are leaving our duty or responsibility as healthcare providers. However, it will empower the citizens of Lagos State if they know they can do their checks themselves if they are taught properly how to do it and know what to do with the result of the test.
So, this is still a long way because we are not there completely. However, this is a step in the right direction, and it will help empower the citizens to be able to own their health, take care of themselves, and do what is wise.” She explained further.
On his part, Team Lead, Safe Care Accelerator Project, JSI, Mr. Gbenga Ishola, spoke on the low effort taken by other states to adopt or domesticate it.
He said the national guideline has been disseminated to about 25 states now, and only Lagos State has been able to take a step further to domesticate it by contextualising it to meet the needs of the state.
“I think it is the level of commitment and the ability of the people to think about what they want to do. At times, making decisions can take time.
“And you know, changes in government can make people not know what to do in terms of this guideline, and that is the reason for more advocacy to enable other states to know what is expected of them.” He added.
The Director, Family Health and Nutrition, LSMoH, Dr. Folasade Oludara said :“We have gone a long way on this documentation. I would like to thank the Federal Ministry of Health and JSI for assisting Lagos State in this course.
“Today we can all gather here because a lot of effort has gone into domesticating it. If there is any document we need at this time, it is the self-care guidelines. It is not only going to assist the health workers alone but also help patients take responsibility for their health.”
