By Chioma Obinna

To mark World Health Day, the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI) has called on the Lagos State Government and local council authorities to prioritise sustained funding for primary healthcare centres (PHCs), warning that continued neglect could undermine public health gains.

The group, under its SMART Advocacy Strategy in Action (SASA) Project, urged the state government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all local government chairmen to ensure consistent and adequate financing of PHCs across the state.

PHSAI stressed that primary healthcare remains the foundation of an effective health system, playing a critical role in reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring equitable access to essential health services.

The Chairman of PHSAI, Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, said functional PHCs are key to achieving universal health coverage, noting that strengthening grassroots healthcare would significantly improve health outcomes for residents.

In a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr Abiodun Ajayi, the organisation expressed concern over the condition of many PHCs in Lagos, pointing out that several facilities are dilapidated and lack basic equipment, skilled manpower, and adequate infrastructure.

According to the group, without deliberate and sustained investment in primary healthcare, efforts to improve key health indicators may continue to face serious setbacks.

While acknowledging progress made by the Lagos State Government in the health sector, PHSAI called for more strategic allocation of resources, timely release of funds, and transparency in the utilisation of budgets earmarked for PHCs.

It also emphasised the need for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that allocated resources translate into visible improvements in healthcare delivery rather than remaining on paper.

The organisation further urged Lagos residents to become more engaged in health governance and to support leaders who demonstrate genuine commitment to strengthening the healthcare system.

“As we approach future electoral cycles, particularly the 2027 general elections, it is critical that health remains a key priority in our decision-making process,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to sustained advocacy and stakeholder engagement, PHSAI called for stronger collaboration among government, civil society organisations, development partners, and communities to build a resilient, accessible, and equitable healthcare system for all Lagosians.