The Leadership Initiative for Youth Empowerment (LIFE) has concluded its three-day training for healthcare workers in Lagos, aimed at improving strategic communication, strengthening safe-care standards, and addressing stigma and misinformation surrounding abortion-related services.
The workshop was held from November 25th to 27th, 2025, at Sunfit Hotel, 329 Rabiu Babatunde Tinubu Road, Festac Town, Lagos, with sessions running daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Dr. Adelakun M. B, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology; FWACS, MHE (BUK), MPH (ABU), General Hospital Mushin, Lagos, led the final session, presenting updated global and national guidance on safe abortion care.
He noted that several states and civil-society organisations have adopted similar clinical standards and said Lagos requires clear, practical procedures to support life-saving care.
He highlighted the World Health Organization’s 2022 Abortion Care Guideline as the current global standard, covering safe abortion care, management of complications, contraception, and counselling that supports both emotional and physical needs.
Dr. Adelakun underscored respectful maternity care as a critical element of safe abortion services.
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“You don’t blame or judge patients. Confidentiality and privacy are in your hands as healthcare providers,” he told participants.
He stressed harm reduction and adherence to protected clinical protocols, urging health workers to follow WHO-recommended dosages, maintain infection-prevention practices, manage pain effectively, and provide post-abortion contraception.
He also advised facilities to refer patients appropriately when services are unavailable and to ensure accurate documentation.
LIFE said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to deliver evidence-based, compassionate and confidential care, particularly for young girls and sexually vulnerable women who face high levels of stigma and misinformation.