The Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment (LIFE) has called for enhanced Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) policies and laws in Lagos State. This advocacy was highlighted during a three-day capacity-building workshop that convened 40 participants, including healthcare workers, youth representatives, community leaders, and members of civil society and non-governmental organizations. The primary objective of the workshop was to bolster advocacy efforts surrounding reproductive health-related legislation and policies.
Key Insights from the Workshop
Dr. Olusanya, a health advocate and facilitator on the first day, emphasized that global and local efforts are being intensified to recognize sexual and reproductive health and rights as fundamental human rights, aiming to improve overall health outcomes. She elaborated that SRHR encompasses various healthcare aspects, such as maternal and child health, family planning, screening services, preventive care, and treatment for reproductive health conditions like cancers.
Dr. Olusanya stressed that the initiative seeks to promote mental, physical, and social well-being in matters of sexuality, focusing on overall quality of life and dignity for every woman and girl, rather than merely the absence of disease. “We are focused on building awareness around sexual and reproductive health and rights. That is the direction the global conversation is moving towards. Sexual health should be recognized as a fundamental human right,” she stated.
She noted that effective implementation of SRHR interventions would result in healthier communities, individuals, and a more productive workforce. “We want people to have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. This includes age-appropriate sexuality information for children and extends to adulthood, covering screening, preventive, and treatment services. By doing this, we contribute to the overall development of our nation and state by ensuring our people are healthy,” she added.
Government Efforts and Barriers
Dr. Olusanya highlighted the Lagos State Government’s initiatives to improve healthcare access through universal health coverage and continuous recruitment of healthcare workers. Barriers such as inability to pay for services and shortage of health personnel are being addressed through strategic interventions. “Lagos State has worked continuously to ensure universal health coverage for its residents. One barrier is the ability to pay for services. Health insurance in Lagos is no longer optional; it is mandatory and compulsory,” she explained.
She detailed the ILERA-Eko health insurance scheme under the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), which allows residents to access healthcare services upon registration. “All they need is to show their LASHMA registration to access health insurance. It is a work in progress, and we are working towards the SDGs and universal health coverage,” she said.
The physician urged all government levels to formulate and implement policies that guarantee citizens’ fundamental human rights, especially in healthcare. She also called on health workers to avoid discrimination, maintain confidentiality, and ensure dignity in patient care, while urging religious leaders to promote respect and compassion. “Health is a right, not a privilege. Dignity must be protected,” she asserted.
Safe Reproductive Health Rights
Regarding safe reproductive health rights, Dr. Olusanya stated that safe termination of pregnancy could be considered when pregnancy endangers a woman’s life or involves severe medical conditions. She warned that unsafe termination remains a major cause of maternal mortality, stressing the need for reforms and better understanding of global reproductive healthcare trends.
Advocacy Capacity Building
LIFE Programme Officer Obinna Okonkwo emphasized that community stakeholders must first understand SRHR and related rights before engaging in advocacy for improved reproductive health laws and policies in Lagos State. He explained that SRHR in the legal context means every individual, including women and girls, is entitled to access sexual and reproductive health services.
Okonkwo added that the training focused on building participants’ advocacy capacity, including stakeholder mapping and message development tailored to different audiences. “The first step is to build their capacity for effective advocacy. They need to know how to identify stakeholders who can bring about SRHR policy and law changes, and how to frame appropriate messages for religious bodies, community leaders, policymakers, lawmakers, and civil society organizations,” he said.
“Another aim of this workshop is to build the capacity of community stakeholders for advocacy engagement on SRHR issues affecting women and girls in Lagos State,” he added.
Participants’ Reactions
Participants expressed relief and appreciation after gaining a better understanding of their health rights, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. Many noted that the session exposed them to vital information they were previously unaware of, including rights to access quality healthcare, informed medical decisions, confidentiality, and protection from discrimination. They stated that this knowledge would empower them to educate others in their communities and advocate for improved healthcare services and policies.
