The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has partnered with the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) to expand healthcare access for individuals living with Down syndrome in Lagos State through the state’s Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
Speaking at a health summit organised by the DSFN with the support of NSIA Insurance at the foundation’s headquarters in Fagba, the National Administrator of DSFN, Mrs. Nike Dennis, said the collaboration was part of efforts to promote inclusive healthcare for persons with Down syndrome. She explained that October is globally recognised as the awareness month for people with the condition, adding that this year’s theme focused on ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
Dennis noted that under the partnership, all beneficiaries of the foundation would be registered under the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, granting them access to hospitals of their choice across the state without out-of-pocket expenses.
She commended LASHMA and the Lagos State Government for extending the scheme to persons with Down syndrome, describing it as a significant milestone toward healthcare inclusion. According to her, providing health insurance coverage for this group would relieve financial burdens on parents and caregivers while ensuring continuous access to quality healthcare services.
“It’s very important that we include people with disabilities in healthcare systems so they can access the same quality of care as everyone else,” she said, adding that parents could now have peace of mind knowing their children were financially covered.
Dennis emphasised the importance of considering people with intellectual disabilities in health policy formulation and implementation. He called on the government to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified but not fully enforced. She urged relevant authorities to move beyond policy declarations and ensure that existing laws translate into tangible benefits for persons with disabilities.
