By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has strengthened its inclusive healthcare drive with the receipt of 88 pediatric wheelchairs and other assistive devices to support children with disabilities across the state.
The donation, made by the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), also includes 225 crutches, 360 eyeglasses, and play materials tailored for children with special needs.
The handover ceremony, held at the Lagos State Medical Store in Oshodi, brought together government officials, development partners, and caregivers under initiatives aligned with the Build A World of Play (BAWOP) programme and the state’s Early Pathway to Inclusive Care (EPIC) framework.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide, represented by Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, said the intervention reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to dignity, participation, and quality care.
She noted that assistive devices such as wheelchairs go beyond mobility, enabling children to attend school, interact with peers, and participate more actively in daily life.
According to her, the initiative supports the state’s broader EPIC framework, which links schools, healthcare facilities, and communities to improve early identification and intervention for children with developmental challenges.
The Lagos State Government assured that the devices would be deployed to identified beneficiaries, while also pledging continued collaboration with partners to expand access to inclusive healthcare services.
Speaking on behalf of CHAI, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu said the organisation has worked with Lagos State since 2013, supporting health system strengthening and primary healthcare delivery.
She said the BAWOP programme has already screened over 115,000 children and reached more than 10,000 through play-based interventions, describing the latest donation as part of efforts to improve early childhood development outcomes.
Stakeholders, including representatives of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, described the intervention as a step forward in advancing disability inclusion and ensuring equal access to opportunities for children with special needs.
One beneficiary, Mrs. Ademola Mariam, whose son has cerebral palsy, described the wheelchair as life-changing, saying it would significantly improve her child’s mobility and school participation.
The state government reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive health system that ensures no child is left behind.
