UNICEF Tackles Child, Maternal Mortality In Nigeria Through Health Insurance

• Oyo To Insure 500,000 Lives In Informal Sector In 2024

TUnited Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF) has canvassed holistic adoption of the health insurance scheme to tackle the problem of maternal and child mortality, while reducing the burden of out- of- pocket healthcare expenses on vulnerable families.

While decrying the exorbitant costs associated with medical treatment, UNICEF said this deters individuals and families from seeking timely and necessary healthcare services, thus increasing the risk of child mortality. At a two- day media dialogue held in Ibadan and themed, ‘ Changing the Narrative on Child Mortality through Health Insurance,’ speakers noted that advocacy and awareness must be stepped up to attain universal healthcare.

UNICEF health specialist, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, who spoke on ‘ Access to Health Insurance: A Gateway to Achieve Universal Health Coverage for all in Nigeria,’ said though the percentage of enrollees has steadily increased over the years, a substantial part of the population, especially the vulnerable, remains uninsured.

Agbo emphasised that to accelerate progress towards universal health care in Nigeria, concerted efforts must be geared towards addressing systemic challenges as well as strengthening health systems.

“Achieving UHC requires a multi- sectoral and collaborative approach involving government agencies, healthcare providers, donor agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, communities and the media.

The Executive Secretary of Oyo State Health Insurance Agency ( OYHISA), Dr. Olusola Akande, said about 500,000 individuals would be insured in the state before the end of the year.

Akande, who gave a scorecard of the agency, said the state government had committed more than N1 billion to the scheme, and enrollees, including the vulnerable, pay N13, 500 yearly to enjoy the health package.

On her part, the Communication Officer, UNICEF, Blessing Ejiofor, said access to health insurance plays an important role in ensuring that children receive timely healthcare services they need to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential in life.

Ejiofor enjoined participating journalists to become active advocates by using their various platforms to draw the attention of everyone to the issue with a view to bridging the existing gaps in health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations.