Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), has officially received a healthcare waste incinerator donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The equipment, now installed at the Agboyi-Ketu Primary Health Care Centre, represents a significant step toward strengthening safe and environmentally responsible healthcare waste management in the State.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, expressed profound appreciation to UNICEF for what he described as a timely and strategic intervention, noting that the donation addresses a critical element of primary healthcare delivery, effective management of infectious and hazardous medical waste.
“This incinerator is not only an investment in safer healthcare service delivery but also a strong reinforcement of our commitment to protecting patients, frontline workers, and the environment,” he stated.
He emphasised that the Lagos State Government remains committed to building a resilient and efficient primary healthcare system capable of safeguarding surrounding communities from the dangers of improper medical waste disposal.
Dr. Mustafa also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening infection prevention and control, environmental health safety, and full compliance with national healthcare waste management guidelines.
According to him, the facility aligns with the State’s broader goals of improving service quality, safety standards, and accountability across all primary healthcare centres.
He further underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable health outcomes, acknowledging UNICEF’s longstanding support to Lagos State in immunisation, maternal and child health, health data systems, and now, healthcare waste management.
He assured that the State Government is fully committed to the proper utilisation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the incinerator ensuring staff training, adherence to operational standards, and routine monitoring.
The Permanent Secretary also appreciated the cooperation and support of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. He emphasised that community ownership and local government leadership are essential for long-term success.
He reaffirmed Lagos State’s determination to protect public health, preserve the environment, and uphold high standards of care within the primary healthcare system, adding that at least two additional incinerators will be provided in other areas of the State to further strengthen healthcare waste management.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Mrs Adunni Adetola Abubakar, expressed delight that the Local Council Development Area was selected to host the new facility.
She assured stakeholders that the LCDA would ensure the safety, protection, and proper upkeep of the incinerator, recognising its importance to public health and community wellbeing.
She further affirmed her administration’s commitment to ensuring that residents of Agboyi-Ketu continue to enjoy quality healthcare services. According to her, the LCDA will intensify efforts to provide additional facilities and essential amenities required to strengthen healthcare delivery.
She pledged full support for all activities of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, including the adoption of the prototype Primary Health Centre model designed to enhance service delivery and improve health outcomes for residents.
(LASG)
