The permanent secretary of Lagos State Health, Dr Abimbola Mabaogunje, has said that the launch of the Lagos State Guidelines on Self-Care document is a step in the right direction, saying it will help to reduce the burden on the health care system of the state.

Mabaogunje stated this at the launch and dissemination of Lagos State guidelines on self-care for sexual reproductive and maternal health, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and John Snow Inc. (JSI).

The guideline was developed by the Federal Ministry of Health at the national level, and it was disseminated at the state level for states to look at the guideline and domesticate it by scrutinising it, identifying which areas are relevant to the health needs of their state, and adopting or incorporating what is not in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mabaogunje, who is in Lagos State Health District 6, thinks the sky is the limit with the document.

“As a doctor, I know how to check my blood pressure and all other things. But the average person doesn’t know how to do that. So this document is a step in the right direction.”

She believes that it will help reduce the burden on the healthcare system, especially now that there are a lot of Japanese and limited human resources in the health sector.

“This does not mean we are leaving our duty or responsibility. 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.”.

Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folasade Oludara, We have made great progress on this documentation. I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Health and JSI for assisting Lagos State in this course.