Lagos State Government has emphasised the therapeutic role of art in its healthcare system, with the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stating that art is a powerful tool for promoting wellness and driving social change.
Speaking at the inaugural Lagos Arts and Health Festival, Abayomi announced that the state is integrating art into hospital design, patient care, and public health communication.
Recounting his personal experiences, Abayomi shared how art helped him cope with the stresses of his medical career.
He also revealed that art therapy was crucial during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, where it helped traumatised survivors in Sierra Leone and Liberia to recover enough to donate life-saving blood serum.
The Commissioner explained that a similar strategy, the state-backed “Art for Life” initiative, was used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, art such as paintings, music, and poetry provided a sense of hope for patients in isolation centres when physical contact was limited.
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He added that new government healthcare facilities, including the Massey Children’s Hospital, are being deliberately designed with artistic elements to aid the healing process.
The week-long festival, which runs from August 24 to 30, aims to create a platform for art and health to intersect.
Festival Director, Iniabasi Leye, noted that the event, similar to those held in other countries like Brazil and the UK, is a “dream come true” for Lagos.
She expressed her hope that participants would engage with the festival’s diverse offerings, which include art exhibitions, therapy sessions, and academic discussions.
Aduke Gomez, Chair of the festival’s Advisory Board, highlighted the scientific evidence supporting the use of art—from music and dance to gardening—to reduce stress, improve dementia care, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses.
She described art in healthcare as an innovative approach that aids both prevention and recovery.
The festival, a collaboration between the Lagos State Government and Global South Arts and Health, is set to feature a variety of events aimed at showcasing how creativity can be a therapeutic and developmental tool, further positioning Lagos as a leader in healthcare innovation in Africa.
