Lagos State Government on Monday took a significant step in advancing disability inclusion as it received 88 specialized pediatric wheelchairs and other assistive devices including; 225 crutches, 360 eyeglasses and play materials from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for children with disabilities and special needs, all tailored to meet the specific needs of identified children across the state.

The official handover ceremony, held at the Lagos State Medical Store, Oshodi, drew government officials, development partners and caregivers committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.

The donation is part of ongoing efforts under the Build A World of Play (BAWOP) programme and the state’s Early Pathway to Inclusive Care (EPIC) framework aimed at strengthening early identification, intervention and support systems for children across Lagos.

In her keynote address, 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, said the ceremony was more than a formal handover but a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to inclusive care. She stressed that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, participate fully and reach their potential.

She described the donation as timely and impactful, noting that assistive devices such as wheelchairs go beyond mobility to enable children to sit upright, interact with peers, attend school comfortably and engage more meaningfully in everyday life. According to her, “for caregivers, it brings reassurance that their children have not been forgotten.”

Dr. Lajide further explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the BAWOP programme and Lagos State’s EPIC framework, which connects schools, healthcare facilities and communities to ensure early identification and appropriate referrals for children with developmental challenges.

She commended teachers, health workers and caregivers for their frontline roles in identifying and supporting children, emphasizing that their daily efforts translate policy into tangible impact. Lajide assured that the Ministry would continue to strengthen systems that support early detection, rehabilitation and access to assistive technology.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, she pledged that the devices would be responsibly deployed to reach children who need them most, adding that the partnership with CHAI would continue to drive inclusive health system reforms across Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of CHAI, the Director, Programs and Essential Medicines, Dr. Chizoba Fashanu, said the organization has maintained a strong partnership with Lagos State since 2013, supporting health systems strengthening, vaccine access and primary healthcare delivery.

She described the handover as another milestone in the collaboration, highlighting 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, and timely support, through mobility aids, inclusive play and medical care, can significantly improve outcomes for children living with disabilities.

Dr. Fashanu disclosed that the programme has already screened over 115,000 children and reached more than 10,000 through play-based interventions, noting that each intervention represents a child given a pathway to thrive.

She commended Lagos State for establishing a sustainable Early Pathway to Inclusive Care system, describing it as a model that will outlive donor-funded programmes and ensure continuity of services for children in need.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Olabisi Okewole, described the event as a demonstration of 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.

She added that the intervention offers renewed hope, dignity and improved participation for beneficiaries, while appreciating CHAI for its longstanding support in strengthening Lagos State’s health system and improving service delivery across multiple fronts.

In her goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Dr. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director, Monitoring, Evaluation and Orientation, LASODA, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Adekola, emphasized that disability inclusion is a fundamental human right. She noted that initiatives such as the donation ensure children with disabilities are not left behind in government programmes.

She stated that early interventions are critical to helping children achieve developmental milestones, adding that the provision of assistive devices would significantly enhance 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 the state’s inclusive care journey. He noted that Lagos remains committed to expanding opportunities for all children, particularly those living with disabilities.

He appreciated CHAI and other partners for their support, while calling for sustained collaboration to scale interventions and reach more children across the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ademola Mariam, whose seven-year-old son lives with cerebral palsy, expressed gratitude for the support, describing the wheelchair as life-changing. She said the device would improve her child’s mobility and participation in school activities.

She, however, appealed for continued support, noting that her child still requires additional therapeutic interventions, including leg casting, ankle and back support, to enhance his 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 reiterated its resolve to build a health system that leaves no child behind, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, is seen, supported and empowered to thrive.

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