The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, has cautioned residents against patronising untrained birth attendants.
Ogunyemi gave the warning during a medical outreach organised by the Simisola Alabi Foundation, an initiative focused on enhancing maternal and child health across Lagos State.
Speaking during the medical outreach held on Saturday in the Obalende area of Lagos, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, said, “Maternal deaths happen too often because women avoid hospitals.
Health insurance removes the financial barrier to quality care.”
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to making healthcare both affordable and accessible through the expansion of its health insurance programmes.
Beyond maternal care, Ogunyemi noted that the outreach served as a vital opportunity to address other pressing public health concerns.
Many in this community didn’t know about the diphtheria outbreak. Education saves lives, and this event provides a perfect setting to share crucial health information,” Ogunyemi added.
Ogunyemi also called on men to play an active role in promoting family health, emphasising that healthcare decisions are a shared responsibility.
Whether it’s health insurance or family planning, it’s a shared responsibility. Men must not be bystanders,” she said.
Earlier, the founder of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Simisola Alabi, shared the inspiration behind the outreach, stressing the transformative impact of community support.
It’s not because I have so much money; it’s because I understand the power of giving. Helping one mother today could uplift an entire generation tomorrow,” Alabi explained.
She pointed out that the programme placed particular focus on tackling stunting, a major but often overlooked issue affecting children’s physical and cognitive development.
Stunting affects not just height but brain development and life outcomes. By empowering mothers today, we’re shaping a better future for our children,” she noted.
Alabi also urged corporate organisations and individuals to direct their social responsibility efforts to underserved communities.
