Sexual & Reproductive health. Image Source: ippf
Lara Adejoro
The Lagos State Government has partnered with the Shaping Equitable Market Access for Reproductive Health and PharmAccess Foundation to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.
They made this known at a two-day workshop to disseminate the SRH market study findings and co-create an SRH market strategic roadmap.
The Shaping Equitable Market Access for Reproductive Health is a new and innovative partnership funded by notable donors that include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Foreign Commonwealth and Devment Office, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and Agence Française de Développement -incubated by AMREF, all with the aim to transform sexual and reproductive health markets in Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Nigeria.
A statement made available to our correspondent read, “Despite commendable investments by the Lagos State Government and partners in the health system, there are still challenges due to the enormous population and high net migration from other states and countries in the demand and supply of SRH commodities.
“In 2022, SEMA commissioned a market-shaping study to identify SRH market problems with consortium partners — PharmAccess Foundation (lead), Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, and Halcyon Consulting Limited.
“With SEMA’s support, Lagos State will develop and implement a six-year SRH market strategy with a diverse assembly of experts, policymakers, and representatives across the public and private sector to confront the prevailing challenges in the reproductive health markets.”
The Director of Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folasade Oludara said, “As we embrace the SEMA Reproductive Health initiative, the landscape of reproductive health markets in Lagos State unfolds before us, replete with challenges and opportunities. Our collective endeavours are poised to catalyse transformative changes, ensuring that quality SRH services are universally accessible.”
At the workshop, the Reproductive Health Coordinator, Lagos State Ministry of Health, and Amina Ja’afar, Interim Nigeria Country Lead of SEMA, Dr. Victoria Omoera, gave insights into the initiative’s significance and urgency to catalyse transformative changes within reproductive health markets.
On his part, PharmAccess Consultant, Sunday Mgbejume said, “The six-year SRH market strategy will provide the roadmap for improving commodity security in Lagos.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos state government has integrated family planning services in the state health insurance scheme, as well early adoption of new SRH products, and quality of family planning services.
Stakeholders are optimistic that implementing the six-year SRH market strategy will foster a robust and resilient reproductive health market in the state.
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