The Lagos State Government has renewed calls for a stronger collaboration, improved manpower training and technology-driven healthcare reforms to tackle persistent maternal health challenges.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHCollective) in Lagos yesterday, Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, said maternal health indices in the state were still below expectations despite ongoing interventions.

According to her, the two-day retreat focused on strengthening maternal healthcare systems through collaboration among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, researchers, community advocates and policymakers.

She said: “Our indices are not where we want them to be. “This meeting is about putting our heads together collectively to see how we can strengthen the health system as regards maternal health.”

The governor’s aide stressed that all interventions must remain evidence-based while reflecting local realities and cultural practices within communities.

Highlighting key maternal health challenges in Lagos, Ogunyemi pointed to the shortage of trained health workers caused by migration of professionals abroad, poor access to healthcare in riverine communities, low acceptance of family planning and delays in referrals during obstetric emergencies.

She disclosed that the state government was considering expanded training for Community Health Extension Workers and nurses to bridge manpower gaps, while also leveraging digital technology and mobile healthcare outreach to underserved communities.

According to her, the state government is planning to train more doctors, nurses and pharmacists through a new university initiative aimed at addressing workforce shortages.