The Lagos State Government has unveiled new science-driven strategies to strengthen its health system, as policymakers and experts gathered to mark World Health Day 2026 in Ikeja.
At a high-level symposium held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said Lagos is shifting towards evidence-based policymaking, using data, research and innovation to improve healthcare delivery and respond to emerging threats.
He highlighted progress in malaria control, noting that the use of rapid diagnostic testing has reduced malaria positivity rates in public facilities from about 60% to 5%. According to him, the findings show that many fever cases are not malaria, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The commissioner said the state is also investing in digital health systems, research capacity and infrastructure, including specialist hospitals, modern primary healthcare centres and climate-smart facilities.
He added that Lagos aims to position itself as a hub for medical innovation while strengthening health security.
Officials said reforms also include expanding mandatory health insurance coverage, boosting public-private partnerships and increasing health sector funding to nearly 15% of the state budget in line with the Abuja Declaration.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed the need for collaboration across sectors to tackle health challenges such as malaria, HIV and malnutrition.
She said initiatives such as improved emergency response systems and digital platforms are key to achieving universal health coverage.
The Permanent Secretary, Dayo Lajide, said the symposium was built around the “One Health” approach, which recognises the link between human, animal and environmental health, while calling for stronger collaboration to address emerging risks.
Representatives from international organisations, including the World Health Organization, urged increased investment in research and innovation, as well as stronger global partnerships to support African-led health solutions.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that data-driven policies, scientific collaboration and efforts to combat misinformation are essential to building a resilient healthcare system in Lagos.