LASG PROBES TRAGIC MATERNAL DEATH, VOWS JUSTICE FOR VICTIM AND FAMILY

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi

...Commiserates with Bereaved Family, Says No Woman Should Die Giving Life.

The Lagos State Government has expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Folajimi, in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki. The incident has led to public outrage, as it allegedly involved a birth attendant and a private healthcare facility that denied her care due to a lack of financial deposit. "On behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the entire health family, I extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family affected by this tragic loss. No one should die during childbirth," the commissioner stated.

In response to the incident, the Lagos State Government is conducting a thorough investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has formed a panel to uncover the details and identify any breaches in medical care standards. Initial investigations suggest that multiple parties, including a traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, were involved and are currently being interviewed.

The investigation focuses on several critical areas: verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities with HEFAMAA, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to emergency medical protocols, and identification of any negligence that contributed to the incident. A report from the panel is anticipated soon, and those found responsible will face legal consequences.

The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections. The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics. 

We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties. We are also using this opportunity to reiterate government's position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.

The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasizing the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards.

Moreover, the Lagos State Government calls on community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to collaborate in promoting maternal and child health. The government is committed to justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family, assuring that accountability for negligence and breach of duty will be pursued vigorously.

In conclusion, the Lagos State Government extends its condolences to the Folajimi family and reaffirms its dedication to preventing similar tragedies in the future while fostering a safer healthcare environment for all residents.

Diphtheria Outbreak: Lagos Records 10 Confirmed Cases in Three Months

...Health Authorities Intensify Response Efforts

...Public Urged to Maintain Hygiene During Festive Period

...Government Partners WHO, UNICEF to Curb Spread

Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, as health authorities intensify efforts to curb the outbreak. According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one.

Providing an update on the outbreak at the weekend, the Commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results. "Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results", he said.

Prof. Abayomi disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases. According to him, other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.

He emphasized that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that this measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.

"As part of the state’s response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients - 14. Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry", the Commissioner said.

Abayomi stated that data analysis from the outbreak report shows that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. He however, noted that a decline in the number of cases in recent weeks indicates that containment measures may be yielding positive results.

"The state government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread", he said.

Prof. Abayomi noted that confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA. "These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts", he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing. He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far. This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers. He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.

As Lagos residents prepare for Eid-el-Fitr, Easter celebrations, and the second-term school vacation, the Commissioner urged strict adherence to precautionary measures. He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.

He emphasized the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat. “Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi commended the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing technical assistance and resources to combat the disease.

He assured Lagosians that the state government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, is intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, urging them to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

Signed 

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo 

Director, Public Affairs 

30th March, 2025