The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) has partnered with Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Smile Train Foundation to train traditional healthcare providers on the management and referral of children with cleft palate conditions.
Eko Hot News reports that the training programme was organised to strengthen healthcare services in Lagos State and improve early identification of orofacial cleft cases within communities.
The capacity-building initiative took place at the office of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board and brought together traditional healthcare practitioners and birth attendants from different communities.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Registrar of the board, Hakeem Bello, highlighted the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare services.
He encouraged traditional birth attendants and healthcare providers to take advantage of the training to enhance their skills and provide better support for families within their communities.
Bello explained that empowering community-based health practitioners will help improve early detection and referral of children born with orofacial cleft conditions.
He noted that such partnerships contribute significantly to strengthening healthcare delivery across both urban and rural areas of the state.
The Acting Registrar added that the government remains committed to promoting healthcare initiatives that support mothers and children.
Also speaking at the event, Oluwadamilola Ayegoro, who led the initiative, explained the objectives of the training programme.
Ayegoro stated that the programme is designed to help traditional healthcare providers identify cleft palate conditions and refer affected children to appropriate medical facilities.
He noted that treatment for children with cleft conditions will be provided free of charge through collaboration between LUTH and the Smile Train Foundation.
According to him, the programme also aims to improve referral practices among traditional healthcare providers who often serve as the first point of contact for families in many communities.
Ayegoro explained that the initiative includes follow-up assessments to monitor the effectiveness of the training.
He added that participants’ progress and knowledge retention will be evaluated at intervals of one month, three months and six months.
The programme is also being implemented in collaboration with the Lagos State Association for Dental Research.
Officials explained that the partnership is expected to create broader awareness about cleft palate conditions across communities in Lagos State.
Through this approach, trained healthcare providers will share information with families and community members to encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
Health experts noted that improved awareness and early referral can significantly enhance treatment outcomes for children born with cleft conditions.
The organisers expressed optimism that the training will strengthen collaboration between traditional healthcare providers and medical institutions.
They also noted that empowering frontline community practitioners remains an important step toward improving access to specialised healthcare services in Lagos State.
