Lagos Unveils Revised Task-Shifting, Task-Sharing Policy

Lagos State formally launched and disseminated its revised Task-Shifting Task-Sharing (TSTS) Policy on Thursday, December 11th, at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja. This launch marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to effectively address persistent human resource gaps and expand access to essential healthcare for its over 30 million residents. The event successfully convened policymakers, development partners, professional bodies, and technical experts who collectively endorsed the new policy as a transformative mechanism for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted that the revised TSTS policy was strategically adapted from the national framework to suit Lagos’ unique population needs and service realities. She noted that the updated document is a result of lessons learned from the 2017 edition, incorporating wider stakeholder input, clearer operational guidelines, and improved alignment with global best practices. Dr. Ogunyemi stressed that Lagos’ rapidly growing population has intensified the need for innovative workforce solutions, especially given the current shortage and uneven distribution of healthcare professionals across public and private facilities, a situation that necessitates urgent action to optimise available human resources.

​She explained that the revised TSTS policy is designed to empower frontline health workers, such as nurses, midwives, and Community-Oriented Resource Persons (CORPs), enabling them to take on expanded roles in three priority areas: RMNCAH+N (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health + Nutrition); Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV; and Non-Communicable Diseases. This new framework is expected to significantly strengthen primary healthcare delivery, reduce unnecessary patient referrals, and ensure more equitable access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities.

​The Special Adviser added that the policy is fully backed by a costed implementation plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which clearly outline the necessary training requirements, supervision mechanisms, and the boundaries for tasks assigned to each cadre. She urged stakeholders, professional bodies, and development partners to actively support the effective rollout of the policy, noting that sustained collaboration is absolutely vital to achieving the intended system-wide impact and improving health outcomes for all residents.

​The Coordinating Director, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, affirmed that the policy adaptation process was conducted with rigorous regard for legal safeguards and in full alignment with the National TSTS framework. She described the new document as a strategic tool for effectively addressing the ongoing human resource shortages without compromising the critical quality or safety of patient care.