In a continued effort to promote public health and wellness at the grassroots, the Lagos State Health District III, in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, held a comprehensive community health sensitization programme on Tuesday. The engagement brought together residents from across the council area, with the aim of encouraging healthier lifestyles and stronger utilization of available healthcare services.
The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, was present at the event, alongside the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Tajudeen Sindiku Oniwonlu, and several medical professionals. Addressing the gathering, Hon. Olowa applauded the dedication of health workers and underscored the vital role they play in safeguarding community wellbeing. He urged residents to take their health seriously, stressing the importance of regular blood pressure checks and discouraging dependence on superstitions or traditional misconceptions. He advised the public to effectively manage stress and make full use of the Primary Health Centres (PHCs), particularly encouraging nursing mothers to seek professional care.
Dr. Adenike, a medical expert from Health District III, educated the audience on common health myths and provided insights based on recent data. She clarified that contrary to widespread belief, not all ailments are caused by malaria. According to her, recent findings reveal that only about three percent of reported cases are actually malaria-related, a result she attributed to the Lagos State Government’s proactive approach to tackling the disease. She pointed out that fatigue and other symptoms often linked to malaria may stem from entirely different health issues, and she advised against self-medication. Dr. Adenike further encouraged parents to provide consent for their children’s immunizations, emphasizing the importance of early prevention.
She highlighted that the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week is currently ongoing across the state. In addition, the National Immunization exercise for oral polio vaccine is scheduled for June 28, while the Routine Immunization Intensification Programme will take place from June 28 to July 4, 2025. She also announced the rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which targets nine-year-old girls as part of efforts to protect them against cervical cancer.
Ibeju-Lekki Local Government was commended for recording the highest immunization turnout in Lagos State. This achievement reflects the impact of the Hon. Olowa-led administration’s commitment to ensuring accessible, preventive, and responsive healthcare for all residents of the local government area.