By Kingsley Samuel
The Lagos State Government has received 88 specialized pediatric wheelchairs and other assistive devices for children with disabilities and special needs, as part of efforts to deepen inclusive healthcare and strengthen early intervention systems across the state.
The donation, facilitated by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHAI, also included 225 crutches, 360 eyeglasses and play materials tailored to support identified children in Lagos.
The official handover ceremony took place at the Lagos State Medical Store in Oshodi on Monday, attracting government officials, development partners and caregivers committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
The initiative forms part of the Build A World of Play, BAWOP, programme and Lagos State’s Early Pathway to Inclusive Care, EPIC, framework designed to improve early identification, intervention and support for children with developmental challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, represented by the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to inclusive healthcare.
She said every child, regardless of physical ability, deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, participate fully in society and attain their potential.
According to her, the assistive devices would significantly improve the quality of life of beneficiaries.“Wheelchairs are more than mobility aids.
They help children sit upright, interact with peers, attend school comfortably and participate more meaningfully in everyday life.
For caregivers, it brings reassurance that their children have not been forgotten,” she said.Lajide explained that the intervention aligns with the vision of the BAWOP programme and the state’s EPIC framework, which links schools, healthcare facilities and communities to ensure early identification and referrals for children with developmental needs.
She commended teachers, health workers and caregivers for their efforts in identifying and supporting vulnerable children, assuring that the Ministry of Health would continue strengthening systems for early detection, rehabilitation and access to assistive technology.
Receiving the devices on behalf of the state government, she pledged that the items would be responsibly distributed to children who need them most.
Speaking on behalf of CHAI, Director of Programs and Essential Medicines, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, said the organisation has partnered Lagos State since 2013 in areas such as health systems strengthening, vaccine access and primary healthcare delivery.
She described the handover as another milestone in the collaboration, adding that the BAWOP programme focuses on early screening, access to assistive technologies and play-based interventions to support children’s development.
According to her, early childhood remains the most critical stage of development, stressing that timely interventions can significantly improve outcomes for children living with disabilities.
Fashanu disclosed that the programme has screened over 115,000 children and reached more than 10,000 through play-based interventions.“Each intervention represents a child given a pathway to thrive,” she said.
She also commended Lagos State for establishing a sustainable Early Pathway to Inclusive Care system, describing it as a model capable of outliving donor-funded programmes.
Earlier, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm.
Olabisi Okewole, said the event demonstrated a shared commitment to inclusive healthcare and social support.
She noted that access to assistive devices remains a critical component of quality healthcare delivery for persons living with disabilities.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Dr. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, Dr.
Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, said disability inclusion is a fundamental human right.
She stated that early interventions are crucial in helping children achieve developmental milestones, adding that the donated devices would improve mobility, learning and overall wellbeing of beneficiaries.
In his closing remarks, the Head of Special Projects, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Tolu Ajomale, described the donation as a major milestone in Lagos State’s inclusive care journey.
He appreciated CHAI and other development partners for their support and called for sustained collaboration to scale interventions across the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ademola Mariam, whose seven-year-old son lives with cerebral palsy, described the wheelchair support as life-changing.
According to her, the device would improve her child’s mobility and participation in school activities.
She, however, appealed for additional support, including therapeutic interventions such as leg casting and ankle and back support to further aid her son’s development.
Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships and scaling interventions that promote inclusion, early identification and improved quality of life for children with disabilities.
The Lagos State Government also reiterated its commitment to building a health system that leaves no child behind and ensures every child is supported and empowered to thrive.
