GoMed and UNFPA Launch Digital Health Platform for University of Lagos Students
The platform aims to address barriers that prevent young Nigerians from accessing essential health products and information, including cost, distance, stigma, misinformation and concerns about privacy.
GoMed Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Lagos State Government, has launched a digital Self-Care Platform designed to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for students at the University of Lagos.
The platform aims to address barriers that prevent young Nigerians from accessing essential health products and information, including cost, distance, stigma, misinformation and concerns about privacy. These challenges can contribute to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and disruptions to students’ education.
Through the platform, University of Lagos students can access free contraceptives and other sexual and reproductive health commodities supplied through the Lagos State Ministry of Health and UNFPA. Students can also access discounts on selected health products and receive discreet deliveries directly to campuses and student hostels.
The platform connects students to sexual and reproductive health information and professional support through UNFPA’s SoftLife 247 and U-Plan platforms. Through U-Plan, students can communicate with qualified family planning service providers to obtain accurate information and discuss their concerns.
Students can also engage registered GoMed pharmacists for confidential guidance on medicines and other health products, providing professional support through the digital platform.
The partnership is intended to address the “last mile” challenge in family planning by helping translate the availability of free contraceptive commodities into greater uptake among young people. It also supports the Lagos State Government’s efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies and STIs among young people, keep students in school and expand access to youth-friendly healthcare services.
GoMed Nigeria CEO Anthony Edeki said the platform is designed to bring trusted health information, essential products and professional support closer to students while maintaining privacy and reducing barriers to access.
UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative Muriel Mafico said the initiative supports the agency’s mandate to improve access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services and address unmet needs for family planning. She said the digital platform is intended to make vital health information more accessible and help young Nigerians make informed health decisions.
The initial rollout is focused on University of Lagos students and is expected to provide a foundation for GoMed, UNFPA and their partners to expand the model to additional university communities across Lagos State and Nigeria.
