In a major step toward inclusive healthcare, the Lagos State Government has expanded its Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme to cover individuals living with Down syndrome, easing the financial burden on families and caregivers.
EpeInsights reports that the initiative follows a new partnership between the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), announced during a health summit organised by the foundation at its headquarters in Fagba, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the National Administrator of DSFN, Mrs. Nike Dennis, described the partnership as a milestone for equitable access to healthcare for persons with Down syndrome.
“It’s essential that people with disabilities are included in healthcare systems so they can access the same quality of care as everyone else,” she said. “Parents can now have peace of mind knowing their children are financially protected.”
Dennis explained that beneficiaries under the new arrangement will be enrolled in the Ilera Eko scheme, allowing them to access medical services at accredited hospitals across Lagos without paying out of pocket.
She noted that the move aligns with the theme of this year’s Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which focuses on inclusive and equitable access to healthcare.
The DSFN Administrator commended LASHMA and the Lagos State Government for taking proactive steps to close healthcare gaps affecting people with disabilities. She said the initiative will not only enhance access to quality medical care but also strengthen social inclusion and family wellbeing.
Dennis further called on policymakers to deepen the integration of persons with intellectual disabilities in national health plans, urging full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified.
“We have the right frameworks on paper,” she said. “The next step is to translate these policies into tangible benefits for citizens who need them most.”
The partnership was also supported by NSIA Insurance, as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts toward health inclusion and community welfare.
Observers hailed the collaboration as a model for how public-private partnerships can strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all citizens.
