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 through the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.

Speaking at a health summit organised by 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 Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and this year’s theme focused on ensuring equitable healthcare access 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 state government for extending the scheme to persons with Down syndrome, describing it as a major milestone in healthcare inclusion. According to her, the initiative would ease financial burdens on parents and caregivers while ensuring continuous access to quality medical 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 also emphasised the need to include people with intellectual disabilities in health policy formulation and implementation, calling on the government to enforce the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified but not fully implemented.

She urged relevant authorities to move beyond policy declarations and ensure that existing laws translate into tangible benefits for people living with disabilities.