In a bid to demonstrate its commitment at providing high-quality healthcare services, while protecting the environment and promoting social well-being of the citizens, Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project, has organised a two-day State level training programme for Environmental Officers and Nurses on Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies in Abeokuta.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, said the training aimed towards equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement environmental and social safeguard policies in the State.

Dr. Ogunsola said the training was expected to enhance the ability of Environmental Officers, as well as Nurses, in order to identify and manage environmental and social risks associated with healthcare activities, ensure a safer and healthier environment for patients, staffers, as well as communities, saying that the healthcare waste management plan for the IMPACT project was meant to comply with the State, National and International environmental regulations’ best practices.

In her opening remarks, IMPACT State Project Manager, Dr. Kofoworola Olajide, said the Project was launched in Nigeria to reduce the under-five mortality rate and improve health services nationwide, noting that it would enhance access to quality healthcare for children and women in selected States by promoting the uptake of malaria prevention and treatment services, strengthening case management skills, as well as sensitising households on malaria prevention.

Contributing, the IMPACT project's Environmental and Safeguard Specialist, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Obileye, highlighted the importance of environmental and social safeguard policies in promoting sustainable healthcare wastes management practices, pointing out that the policy's primary objective was to protect healthcare workers, waste handlers and communities from the harmful impacts of infectious or hazardous healthcare wastes associated with IMPACT projects in the State.

Mrs. Obileye added that the policy would develop procedures that would minimise environmental and social risks by identifying potential risks and impacts, assessing mitigation measures, as well as ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards, noting that effective implementation of the policy would have impact positively on the healthcare system, promote sustainable development and environmental protection.