Health
Lagos expands maternal support programme to Surulere
By Ayoola Babalola
The Lagos State Government has extended its Mother, Infant and Child Development Programme to Surulere, providing vulnerable pregnant women with nutritional support and information on available maternal healthcare services.
The second edition of the 2026 programme was held last week at the Akerele Primary Health Centre, Surulere, by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement in collaboration with Lagos Health District IV.
Speaking at the programme, the Director, Civic Engagement, Dr Babatunde Omotayo, who represented the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, and the Permanent Secretary, Engr Sholabomi Shasore, said the initiative was designed to bring government closer to residents.
According to a statement obtained by The PUNCH on Monday, Omotayo said the programme provided an opportunity for the government to engage directly with residents, listen to their concerns and address issues affecting them.
He said, “This programme is about bringing government closer to the people. It allows us to listen to the people, understand their concerns and address those concerns.”
The Director, Medical Services and Disease Control, Dr Sotunde Oludolapo, who represented the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, said pregnant women needed regular medical checks, proper nutrition and timely access to healthcare.
She said, “Regular check-ups, health education and appropriate care are essential to ensuring healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.”
Oludolapo also stressed the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, noting that adequate nutritional support could contribute to healthy pregnancies and child development while reducing the risk of complications, including anaemia.
The statement said the women were also encouraged to enrol in the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and provide access to services, including emergency procedures such as Caesarean sections.
Participants received sensitisation on pregnancy health, diphtheria and other government interventions, while health professionals responded to questions on antenatal registration, medications, supplements and access to public healthcare services.
The women were advised to register for antenatal care early, attend appointments regularly and obtain medical care from qualified health professionals.
The government also distributed nutritional food packs and eggs to the beneficiaries as part of the programme.
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