The Lagos State Government has received a healthcare waste incinerator donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), marking a major boost to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible medical waste management in the state.
The equipment, now fully installed at the Agboyi-Ketu Primary Health Care Centre, is expected to significantly enhance the management of infectious and hazardous waste generated across primary healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF, describing the intervention as both timely and strategic. He noted that the incinerator addresses a critical gap in primary healthcare delivery, effective disposal of dangerous medical waste.
“This incinerator is not only an investment in safer healthcare service delivery, but also a strong reinforcement of our commitment to protecting patients, frontline workers, and the environment,” he said.
Dr Mustafa reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a resilient and efficient primary healthcare system capable of safeguarding communities from the risks posed by improper healthcare waste disposal.
He highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen infection prevention and control, environmental health safety, and compliance with national waste management standards.
He also commended UNICEF for its longstanding partnership with the state in immunisation, maternal and child health, data systems, and now, healthcare waste management.
He assured that the government would ensure proper utilisation, maintenance, and sustainability of the incinerator, including staff training, adherence to operational guidelines, and continuous monitoring.
Dr Mustafa further appreciated the cooperation of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, noting that community ownership and local government leadership are vital for long-term success. He added that at least two additional incinerators will soon be provided in other parts of the state to further strengthen medical waste management.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mrs Adunni Abubakar, expressed delight that the council area was selected to host the facility.
She assured stakeholders that the LCDA would ensure proper safeguarding and maintenance of the incinerator, recognising its value to public health and community wellbeing.
She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services and pledged full support for all initiatives of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, including the implementation of the prototype Primary Health Centre model aimed at improving service delivery and health outcomes for residents.
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