Tosin Onileere |
Story Summary
- Boost male engagement in primary healthcare and immunization
- Combat health myths and misinformation
- Trained Community influencers/leaders to mobilise the general public on public health.
The Lagos State Government and UNICEF have partnered to increase male involvement in healthcare through the “Fathers for Health” initiative, the program, which was held on November 5, 2024.
The Fathers for Health initiative seeks to mobilize married men within the community to actively participate in health interventions.
By engaging respected male figures in the community, the program aims to raise awareness, increase health service uptake, and address health misinformation, ultimately improving community health outcomes. The initiative will also help combat myths and misconceptions about healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
The event took place across Ikeja LGA and Ojodu and Onigbongbo LCDAs in Lagos, with similar activities planned for all 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state. Approximately 60 men, carefully selected for their community standing and commitment to volunteerism, participated in the training.
These men were chosen based on criteria that emphasized integrity, community involvement, and their ability to influence others, particularly in health-related matters.
The core objective of the initiative is to involve these community leaders in mobilizing others to attend health services, particularly the ongoing Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA).
The participants were trained to address health misinformation, encourage vaccination, and promote the benefits of utilizing local health services. The initiative is part of broader efforts to engage men in health matters traditionally dominated by women, ensuring a more inclusive approach to public health in the state.
The event also featured a Q&A session addressing common health myths, rumors, and misconceptions that often deter people from seeking medical care. The session, led by the Nigerian Health Watch and the Health Misinformation Management Fellowship, provided an opportunity to clear up confusion surrounding vaccination and other health services.
Dr. Tawak F.O., the Medical Officer of Health, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of male involvement in the health sector. In addition to the participants, the event was attended by key health officials, including Health Education Officers Muhammed, Ogundare, Ayinde, Ayoola, and Mrs. Adeseun, the Director of Health Education for Health District VI.
The Fathers for Health initiative is an innovative approach designed to strengthen the reach and impact of health campaigns across Lagos State.
It also highlights the critical role of community leadership in improving public health and ensuring the success of health interventions. Through this initiative, Lagos State hopes to create a more informed and engaged population, fostering long-term health improvements across the region.
The training session was facilitated by the LGA Health Education Officer- Mrs Rashidat Sanni-Afolabi.
Share this
