The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, prof. Akin Abayomi, has announced that the state plans to establish an Infectious Disease Research Institute. This is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to improve health facilities in Lagos.
Speaking on Channels Television on Saturday 16th of November 2024, prof Abayomi said the institute would focus on studying infectious diseases to help Lagos stay ready for future outbreaks. He explained that the goal is to improve how the state handles such situations while also contributing to medical knowledge and public health.
He stated “Ebola was the first eye-opener for us. We had never really encountered pathogens with such high consequences—an outbreak that could shut down the economy and cause widespread sickness and death. Through Lagos’ historical strength in contact tracing, we were able to contain Ebola. Some of us on the ground recognized that it was a lucky break. Sierra Leone and Liberia weren’t as fortunate, and their economies were devastated for a decade. Lagos decided we wouldn’t be caught unprepared again. The then-governor, and subsequent governors, took steps to prepare Lagos for similar situations. Interestingly, our sophisticated infectious disease facility was commissioned just three to four months before COVID-19.”
Prof. Abayomi emphasized that Lagos, as a megacity with over 3 million residents, is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases. However, the government has invested in training professionals to manage dangerous pathogens effectively. He reassured that Lagos remains prepared to handle infections such as Monkeypox, Lassa fever, Ebola, and COVID-19.
This move shows that Lagos State Government is proactive about protecting its people from future health crises and committed to safeguarding public health and mitigating possible reoccurrence of future outbreak.
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