AANI-PAS convened assessment on the Lagos state’s fulfilment of family planning costed implementation plan (FP CIP). This is part of the Reproductive Health Technical Working Group (RHTWG) accountability component where AANI-PAS is involved as an advocacy CSO. AANI-PAS is consolidating on the gains and maintaining the FP space where NURHI-2 was operational.

The meeting was convened to ensure that challenges with regards the disbursement of BHCPF funds to PHCs are surmounted. AANI-PAS engaged virtually with key stakeholders regarding advocacy efforts for the fulfilment of the 3 key advocacy thematic activities identified in the FP CIP on 15th June, 2021. These advocacy activities include a planned meetings with Local Government Chairmen committee and Lagos State Ministry of Local Government Affairs. Present for this meeting were key stakeholders from the advocacy arm of the Lagos state RHTWG – Maj. Gen.(rtd), Dr. O.A. Ogunbiyi (Project Director, AANI-PAS), Dr. Olusegun Abraham (Program Officer, AANI-PAS), Barr. Ayo Adebusoye (Chairman, PHSAI), Dr.(Mrs) Ajoke Ashiru ( President, IPHAL) and Mr. Mayowa Adeniran (Chairman, MAPHEALTH).

The meeting also discussed plans to support Local Government Chairmen Committee and Community development Advisory Council with regards PHC account under BHCPF and to advocate to Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to prevail on LGA for creation of dedicated funding for FP (to include commodity logistics and procurement of consumables) in the LGA annual budget. Issues identified as cause for the non-transfer of funds to the PHCs included the refusal of local government chairmen to serve as third signatories to bank accounts of PHCs and there is an upcoming local government election in the state.

The outcome of this meeting was the decision to plan advocacy meetings after the swearing-in of local government chairmen and to ensure advocacy to Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to prevail on LGA for creation of dedicated funding for FP (to include commodity logistics and procurement of consumables) in the LGA annual budget after local government elections.

In conclusion, to ensure NHIS Pathway of BHCPF is fully implemented by Q3 2021, this meeting was initiated byAANI-PAS Lagos. We stated our findings and will be leading the development of the advocacy brief and visit to the Committee of local government chairmen.

Next Steps

Creation of advocacy brief at next meeting, tentatively on July 14,2021 and identify the advocacy targets (an influential LGA/LCDA chairperson).