The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB), in partnership with the Asido Foundation, has called for greater inclusion of people with lived experience in mental healthcare planning and service delivery to improve the quality of care and address stigma and discrimination.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration held at Tamunominini Hall, Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, under the theme, “ Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, emphasised the need to prioritise mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.

He called for increased public awareness, early identification of mental health concerns and improved access to appropriate care through primary healthcare facilities.

Olatunji noted that effective mental healthcare must reflect the needs, experiences and dignity of affected individuals.

He stressed that listening to people with lived experience would help healthcare providers deliver more responsive and inclusive services.

He further highlighted the need to integrate mental health promotion, early identification, referrals and support services into routine primary healthcare delivery to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive timely and appropriate assistance.

In her remarks, Director of Family Health, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, highlighted the importance of open conversations about mental health.

She called for the creation of supportive environments where individuals can freely share their experiences and seek help without fear of judgement, stigma or discrimination.

Hamzat noted that sustained mental health education would help correct misconceptions, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek professional assistance.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among Government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities.

In her goodwill message, the Programme Manager of the Asido Foundation, Dr. Toluwalope Orotoye, stressed the role of partnerships in strengthening mental health advocacy and public education.

She called for greater recognition of the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Special Duties, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abiodun Akande, called for collective action to address mental health challenges.

He highlighted the roles of Government institutions, healthcare providers, families and community leaders in ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support.

Delivering a paper titled “Lived Experience: Patients at the Centre of Care,” a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Asido Foundation, Dr. Oyeyemi Afolabi, emphasised the importance of incorporating patients’ experiences and perspectives into mental healthcare planning and service delivery.

He also highlighted the role of people with lived experience as valuable contributors to advocacy, service improvement and policy development.

Participants were encouraged to challenge stigma, discrimination and harmful misconceptions that prevent people from seeking mental health services.

They were also urged to promote empathy, respect confidentiality and treat affected individuals with dignity.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above.

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the State secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

*E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening family planning services, increasing Government ownership and ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery across the State.

The commitment was reaffirmed at the Oyo State Bi-Annual Stakeholders Coordination Meeting organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Health and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), at Jogor Hotel, Liberty Road, Ibadan.

The meeting focused on strengthening family planning integration, Government ownership and accountability under SWAp/MAMII at the State and local government levels.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, said the changing funding landscape had made it necessary for Government to strengthen its institutions and take greater responsibility for sustaining essential health programmes.

Dr. Olatunji disclosed that the State invested N50 million in family planning commodities in 2025 and had earmarked another N50 million for 2026 to ensure the sustained availability of essential commodities and prevent disruptions in service delivery.
He also disclosed that the State had recruited nearly 4,000 healthcare personnel to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

He added that Ward Development Committees across the State’s 351 political wards were being leveraged to promote community participation and increase awareness of family planning services.

Representing the ALGON Chairman, Oyo State Chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Olayanju Kazeem, called for increased awareness of family planning among women and families.

He stressed the importance of providing accurate information to enable individuals to make informed decisions, particularly in view of prevailing economic realities.

The Iya Loja of Ibadan Land, Alhaja Risiwa Oyinlola Amiringun, also called for sustained sensitisation and training of market women on family planning, noting that inadequate information and limited literacy could affect women’s understanding and utilisation of available services.

During a presentation on the Society for Family Health and Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) 2.0 interventions, members of the DISC team, Mrs. Paulina Adeyemi, Mr. Afeez Tijani and Mrs. Oluwabunmi Olajide, disclosed that more than 1,000 healthcare workers from 573 health facilities had been trained on family planning and counselling for choice.

The team said the training equipped healthcare workers with the knowledge to address myths and misconceptions about family planning methods and provide accurate information to clients. They added that providers were also trained to counsel clients on possible menstrual bleeding changes associated with some methods.

The DISC team further disclosed that Community Health Extension Workers, community mobilisers and Ward Development Committees had been equipped with family planning messages to strengthen awareness and demand creation.

They added that local government monitoring and evaluation officers had also received training to improve data quality, reporting and accountability.

An assessment presented at the meeting showed that Oyo State recorded 65.2 per cent institutional readiness for family planning, while nine local government areas had incorporated key activities into their routine programmes.
Ibarapa North, Saki West and another local government area were, however, identified as requiring further strengthening.

The stakeholders, comprising Government representatives, local government authorities, development partners, community structures and healthcare workers, reviewed progress and identified areas requiring further attention.

They stressed the need for stronger coordination, sustained investment and effective community engagement, noting that family planning should remain an integral part of the State’s primary healthcare system through adequate commodities, quality counselling, community participation, reliable data and accountability.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has successfully concluded the Integrated Adolescent Health and Economic Empowerment, Intervention for Girls in Oyo State, reaffirming its commitment to improving the health, well being and economic independence of adolescent girls across the State. The intervention combined adolescent health education with practical vocational skills acquisition to equip young girls with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to become self reliant and productive members of society.

The programme provided participants with hands on training in Adire Making, Screen Printing, liquid soap production, bag weaving and other vocational skills selected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Beyond skills acquisition, the intervention was designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, improve economic resilience, reduce vulnerability to poverty and discourage social vices by providing girls with productive opportunities for income generation.

The training sessions were held at Oja’gbo PHC, Ogbomoso North, Apete PHC, Egbeda, Monatan PHC, Lagelu, Oranyan PHC, Ibadan South East, Ajegunle PHC, Saki West, and Kamorudeen Shittu  PHC, Oyo East Local Government Areas of Oyo State, providing beneficiaries across different communities with access to practical learning and empowerment opportunities.

Addressing participants during the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to adolescent development, describing girls as vital to the future of families, communities and the State. He emphasised that investing in girls through quality health education and economic empowerment is a strategic pathway to achieving sustainable social and economic development.

“Our girls deserve every opportunity to succeed. By investing in their health, education, and economic empowerment today, we are building a healthier, more productive, and prosperous Oyo State for tomorrow. This intervention is designed to equip them with practical skills and the confidence to become self-reliant and responsible leaders in their communities,” Dr. Olatunji said.

A major highlight of the programme was the practical entrepreneurship session Adire Making and  liquid soap production, where participants were trained in production techniques, packaging and basic business management. The session was designed to give the girls a practical income generating skill that could support financial independence, self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Olatunji expressed appreciation to the development partners, facilitators, healthcare workers, community leaders, parents and other stakeholders whose contributions supported the successful implementation of the intervention. He stressed that sustained collaboration remains essential to expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services and economic empowerment opportunities across Oyo State.

Speaking during the training, one of the facilitators, Dr. Olufemi Oloyede of the Department of Consumer and Home Economics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, described vocational skills acquisition as a powerful tool for transforming the lives of adolescent girls. He noted that practical skills have significant commercial potential and can provide reliable sources of income for young entrepreneurs.

Dr. Oloyede urged the participants to remain focused, disciplined and committed to putting the knowledge acquired into practice. He stated that the success of the intervention would ultimately be reflected in the beneficiaries’ ability to establish sustainable businesses, achieve financial independence and make positive contributions to their communities.

The State Adolescent Health Coordinator, Mr. Adeniyi Ademola, emphasised that adolescent health is central to the wellbeing and future of girls. He noted that when girls understand their bodies, mental health and rights, they are better positioned to remain in school, avoid preventable risks and build healthier families. According to him, “A healthy girl is a girl who can dream and act on that dream.”

Mr. Ademola also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment through skills acquisition, financial literacy and access to opportunities. He encouraged the girls to take their health seriously, ask questions, acquire useful skills and develop saving habits, while urging parents, schools and partners to create safe spaces and meaningful opportunities for girls to thrive and become self-reliant.

The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for providing them with the opportunity to acquire practical vocational skills. They noted that the training had expanded their knowledge, strengthened their confidence and inspired them to consider entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic independence.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, Alhaji Dauda Olayiwola described the initiative as timely and impactful. He noted that the programme would contribute to improving the socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls, while promoting self-sufficiency and reducing vulnerability among young people in the community.

Alhaji Olayiwola commended the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for his leadership and commitment to people-oriented programmes aimed at improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups across the State. He also commended the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, for his dedication to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and supporting innovative interventions that empower adolescent girls socially and economically.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated that the Integrated Adolescent Health and Economic Empowerment Intervention is part of its ongoing efforts to improve adolescent health outcomes while addressing socio-economic challenges affecting young girls. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with stakeholders, community leaders, development partners and vocational experts to expand similar interventions across the State, with the expectation that beneficiaries will use their knowledge and skills to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence Leadership Award 2025/2026 as the Most Outstanding State Primary Health Care Board of the Year in Efficient Service Delivery.

The award was presented today by the Organizing Secretary of the Legislative Writers Forum, National Assembly, Abuja, Mr. Abraham Ogwaje, on behalf of the President of the Forum, Mr. Odeh Agih, in recognition of the Board’s exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to delivering quality primary healthcare services to the people of Oyo State.

The award is a testament to the remarkable transformation witnessed in the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board under the leadership of Dr. Muideen Olatunji. Through strategic reforms, strengthened healthcare systems, improved infrastructure, expanded access to essential health services, and enhanced workforce development.

The Board has continued to set new standards in efficient, responsive, and people centred primary healthcare delivery. These achievements have significantly contributed to improving health outcomes and reinforcing public confidence in the State’s primary healthcare system.

Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Abraham Ogwaje lauded Dr. Olatunji for his visionary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in public service.

He stated that the Legislative Writers Forum carefully assessed the performance of State primary healthcare boards across the Country before selecting the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for the prestigious honour.

According to him, the Board’s consistency in implementing impactful healthcare initiatives, promoting innovation, and achieving measurable results in service delivery distinguished it as the most deserving recipient of the 2025/2026 award.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Muideen Olatunji expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Legislative Writers Forum for the recognition, describing the award as a validation of the collective efforts of the Board and its partners in advancing quality healthcare across Oyo State.

He dedicated the honour to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, whose unwavering support and investment in the health sector have created an enabling environment for sustainable reforms.

He also commended the management and staff of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, frontline healthcare workers, development partners, and other stakeholders for their dedication and sacrifice, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to sustaining excellence, strengthening primary healthcare delivery, and ensuring that every resident of Oyo State has access to affordable, equitable, and high quality healthcare services.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, ANRIN, Rotary International and Evidence Action  has flagged off the first round of the 2026 Optimized Maternal, New-born and Child Health (MNCH) Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre, Ibadan North West Local Government Area, reaffirming the commitment of the State Government to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

The flag off ceremony, which attracted government officials, development partners, health workers, and residents, marked the commencement of a week-long integrated health intervention aimed at providing life saving services to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Dr. Adeyemi Adewole representing the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, stated that the Optimized MNCH Week remains one of the state’s most strategic public health interventions designed to reduce maternal, new-born and child morbidity and mortality through the delivery of high impact and cost-effective health services.

He noted that, the programme provides a unique opportunity to reach eligible beneficiaries with essential healthcare services, particularly those in underserved and hard to reach communities.

He emphasized that the intervention aligns with the vision of the administration of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents of Oyo State.

According to him, the services being offered during the exercise include routine immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, growth monitoring, nutritional screening, antenatal care services, health education, birth registration, RDT and treatment for Malaria, HIV Screening, family planning, counselling, HPV Vaccines for Nine years old girls to prevent cervical cancer and referrals for specialized healthcare services where necessary.

He further disclosed that the state government has continued to prioritize investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, human resources for health and community based interventions to strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Dr. Olatunji, urged parents, caregivers and pregnant women to take advantage of the free services being provided during the exercise, stressing that early access to preventive healthcare interventions remains crucial to safeguarding the health and well being of mothers and children.

Also speaking at the event, representatives of NPHCDA, Dr. Victoria Olatunde Adebiyi, WHO, Dr. Phillips Zorto, Ibadan North West Local Government Chairman, Rale Opeyemi, UNICEF, Mr. Tari Akpandara, and Head of Local Government Administration, Pastor Ibukun Dada, in their goodwill messages, commended the Oyo State Government for sustaining the implementation of the Optimized MNCH Week and for demonstrating strong leadership in the promotion of maternal and child health programmes.

They reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving health indices in the state.

Beneficiaries who attended the flag off expressed appreciation to the State Government and the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial, especially in view of prevailing economic challenges facing many households.

The Board disclosed that health workers have been mobilized to all Primary Health Care Centres and designated outreach posts across the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the state to ensure seamless implementation and wider coverage of the programme.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services to all residents, noting that sustained investments in maternal, newborn and child health remain critical to achieving improved health outcomes and sustainable development.

The flag off of the Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week at Oniyanrin Comprehensive Health Centre Ibadan represents another milestone in Oyo State’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and ensure that every mother, new-born and child has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board organized a six-day intensive training programme on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) for Officers on Operational Level drawn from the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the State, as part of efforts to strengthen child healthcare delivery and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State.

The training, held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel, brought together health officers responsible for coordinating child health interventions at the grassroots level, with focus on enhancing participants’ technical competence in the prevention, identification and management of common childhood illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, described the training as a critical intervention aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children under five years of age in the State.

Dr. Olatunji noted that the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness strategy remains one of the most effective global approaches for addressing major causes of child mortality and ensuring holistic child survival.

According to him, the administration of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde remains committed to strengthening the primary healthcare system through regular capacity building, provision of medical infrastructure and improved healthcare policies that directly impact the wellbeing of mothers and children.

He added that the State Government recognizes the importance of skilled healthcare workers in achieving sustainable healthcare delivery at the community level, urging participants to maximally utilize the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective Local Government Areas.

Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the success of child survival programmes depends largely on the competence, dedication and responsiveness of operational health officers who serve as the bridge between healthcare policies and community implementation.

He stated, “This training is not just another routine programme; it is a deliberate investment in the future of our children and the health system of Oyo State. We expect every participant to return to their duty posts better equipped to identify, manage and refer childhood illnesses appropriately in line with global best practices.”

Also speaking at the programme, the lead facilitators including Dr. Rasheed Adepoju, Dr. Taiwo Kolawole, Dr. Olajumoke Margaret Aiyeku, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, Mrs. Atolagbe and Mr. Samuel Olaoye Olarinde, commended the Oyo State Government and the Board for prioritizing child health and continuous professional development for healthcare workers.

The facilitators noted that the IMCI strategy provides a comprehensive framework for improving case management skills, strengthening health systems and promoting key family and community health practices, adding that the training combined theoretical learning with practical demonstrations, case studies and group exercises for effective knowledge transfer.

The State Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Programme Officer, Mrs. Mosunmade Adepeju, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to standard clinical guidelines in the assessment, classification and treatment of under-five illnesses to further reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State.

She urged participants to remain committed to the principles and procedures outlined during the sessions to improve early detection, case management and referral practices.

Participants at the training appreciated the Board for the opportunity to improve their professional skills and pledged to replicate the knowledge gained at their various Local Government Areas.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services through continuous training, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in primary healthcare development.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Society for Family Health and partners hosted the End of Project Dissemination Meeting for the SHINE Research on the Scale-Up of Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) in New and Emerging Markets.

The dissemination meeting, held at Jogor Hotel, Ibadan, brought together stakeholders in the health sector, and reproductive health experts, to review achievements, lessons learnt and the impact of the SHINE Project on family planning services delivery in Oyo State.

In his Welcome Address, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, appreciated the commitment of development partners towards strengthening reproductive health services and improving access to quality family planning methods for women across the State.

Dr. Olatunji, noted that the SHINE Research Project has significantly contributed to increasing awareness, accessibility and acceptance of Hormonal IUDs as a safe, effective and long acting family planning method among women of reproductive age in Oyo State.

He further emphasized that the collaboration between the State and partners has strengthened the capacity of healthcare workers, improved service delivery at primary healthcare facilities and enhanced community engagement on family planning uptake.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Society for Family Health (SFH) Management, Pharm. Jane Adizue, commended the Oyo State Government and the Primary Health Care Board for providing an enabling environment for successful implementation of the SHINE Project.

She stated that, the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing reproductive health challenges and ensuring that women have access to informed choices and quality healthcare services.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the achievements recorded under the SHINE Project and called for sustained investment in family planning services, continuous training for healthcare workers and strengthened community mobilisation to maintain the gains achieved.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining partnerships with development organisations and stakeholders towards ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for residents of Oyo State.

The Board also appreciated all partners, participants and stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful dissemination of the SHINE Research Project in Oyo State.

In its efforts Oyo PHC Board Begins Adaptation of National Safe Pregnancy Termination Guidelinesto strengthen reproductive health services and improve maternal health outcomes across the State, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has commenced the adaptation of the National Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP).

Speaking at a two-day adaptation process for the STOP guidelines held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo State Government to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality through evidence-based policies, improved access to quality healthcare services, and enhanced capacity building for healthcare providers at all levels of care.

Dr. Olatunji noted that unsafe termination of pregnancy remains a major contributor to preventable maternal deaths and complications, particularly among women and adolescent girls.

He explained that the adaptation of the national guidelines would provide a coordinated framework for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to deliver safe, ethical, and rights-based reproductive health services within approved legal and medical standards.

He further stated that the initiative underscores the Government’s determination to strengthen the healthcare system through inclusive dialogue, stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of best practices capable of safeguarding the health and wellbeing of women and families across the State.

The meeting brought together critical stakeholders from various medical and professional fields to review, domesticate, and contextualize the national guidelines in line with the healthcare priorities of Oyo State.

Delivering a presentation on safe termination of pregnancy for legal indications during the stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building session, the Executive Director of the Centre for Bridging Health Gaps, Dr. Moriam Olaide Jagun, emphasized the importance of equipping healthcare providers with accurate knowledge of the legal and medical frameworks guiding safe termination of pregnancy, particularly in situations where the life or health of a woman is at risk.

She noted that improving awareness among health workers would help reduce preventable maternal deaths and complications arising from unsafe abortion practices.

Dr. Jagun also highlighted the need for respectful, confidential, and non-judgmental care for women and girls seeking abortion-related information and services.

She stressed that healthcare providers have a professional responsibility to uphold the dignity and rights of clients while operating within the limits of the law.

Participants at the training commended the presentation for its clarity, depth, and practical relevance to healthcare delivery. The session also provided opportunities for interactive discussions on ethical responsibilities, confidentiality, accurate documentation, and quality abortion-related care.

Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting policies and interventions that promote maternal health, reduce unsafe abortion-related complications, and improve access to life-saving reproductive healthcare services across Oyo State.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government through the State Primary Health Care Board has commemorated the 2026 World Malaria Day with a series of impactful activities aimed at strengthening public awareness, promoting preventive healthcare practices, and reducing the burden of malaria across communities in the State.

The commemoration, themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” featured a colorful awareness rally, free malaria testing services, and the distribution of free antimalarial drugs to residents, particularly vulnerable groups within various communities.

The event attracted health professionals, community leaders, stakeholders, women groups, youths, and residents who participated actively in the campaign against malaria.

The awareness rally moved through major parts of the community with participants displaying educational placards and sensitizing residents on the importance of environmental sanitation, proper hygiene, and the use of preventive measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

The event further provided an opportunity for residents to access free malaria screening and treatment services, thereby encouraging early detection and prompt medical intervention.

Health workers at the venue also offered counselling and health education sessions to participants.

Speaking at the rally, Dr. Abiodun Akande, the Director Special Duties, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, charged residents of the Community and other beneficiaries to remain vigilant in the fight against malaria by embracing preventive measures and maintaining clean environments.

He advised residents to ensure proper waste disposal, clear drainage channels around their homes, and avoid practices that encourage mosquito breeding, stressing that environmental cleanliness plays a major role in malaria prevention.

He also encouraged community members to make proper use of Primary Health Care facilities within their communities for timely testing, treatment, and other essential healthcare services, noting that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective approaches to malaria control.

Mrs. Grace Omobolanle Dotun-Fasasi, the Malaria Desk Officer, while addressing the gathering, urged pregnant women to register and attend antenatal clinics regularly at the nearest Primary Health Care facilities for proper screening, preventive care, and professional medical attention throughout pregnancy.

She emphasized that early healthcare intervention and routine medical checkups remain critical in protecting both mother and child from malaria-related complications, adding that pregnant women should never ignore symptoms associated with malaria during pregnancy.

Mrs. Dotun-Fasasi further encouraged women and caregivers to take advantage of government healthcare programmes available at Primary Health Care centres across the State, noting that accessible healthcare remains a key strategy in reducing maternal and child mortality.

The World Malaria Day commemoration once again reflected the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board to promoting quality healthcare delivery, protecting vulnerable populations, and sustaining healthier communities across Oyo State through continuous health awareness, disease prevention, and accessible healthcare services.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.