The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has expressed willingness to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Health towards achieving better health outcomes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking during a recent visit to the Ministry of Health at Alausa Ikeja on Monday, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal emphasised the importance of advancing disability inclusion within the state’s health system.
The LASODA delegation, led by the General Manager, included top management staff of the Agency as well as representatives of the Down Syndrome Foundation, Festus Fajemilo Foundation and the Albinism Association of Lagos State.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal underscored the need for continuous training of healthcare workers to foster empathy and understanding towards PWDs, while also ensuring that health facilities are physically accessible and responsive to their needs.
According to her, “There is a need to strengthen the welfare of persons with disabilities through deliberate healthcare policies, construction of more primary health centres, and the recruitment of sign language interpreters to facilitate effective communication and access to care.”
Also speaking, a disability advocate, Mr. Afolabi Fajemilo, expressed the willingness of the disability community to partner with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on specific health-related initiatives, training, and financing models aimed at improving health services for PWDs.
Responding on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, commended LASODA for its proactive efforts and reaffirmed the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He stated that the Lagos State Government has instituted various initiatives to improve access to governance and quality healthcare services for PWDs, adding that collaboration among relevant stakeholders remains key to achieving inclusive health systems in the State.
(LASG)
