UNICEF and the Oyo State Government want to use health insurance to reduce the number of children dying in the country.
This request was made during a media workshop in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The workshop was called, ‘Changing the narrative on child mortality through health insurance.’
During the workshop, Dr Ijeoma Agbo, a health specialist with UNICEF, talked about how the percentage of the population covered by health insurance had been steadily increasing.
However, there are still significant gaps in health insurance coverage, especially for vulnerable people.
According to Dr Agbo, Universal Health Coverage is achieved when everyone can get the essential services they need without facing financial problems.
She mentioned that several states have introduced their health insurance schemes to complement the NHIS and extend coverage to residents.
Dr Agbo stressed that to speed up progress towards UHC, efforts must focus on addressing systemic challenges and strengthening health systems.
She also said that achieving UHC requires a collaborative approach from the government, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
She added that UNICEF was committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that all Nigerians have access to healthcare without financial problems.
Dr Olusola Akande, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, mentioned that at least 500,000 individuals will have health insurance in the state by the end of 2024.
According to Dr Akande, Nigerians must fully support UHC.
Dr Akande revealed that the state government had committed over N1bn to the scheme, and the annual premium for the health insurance was N13,500 per person.
He added that everyone in Oyo State, including those with disabilities and the poor, will benefit from the health insurance.
Blessing Ejiofor, the Communication Officer at UNICEF, mentioned that having health insurance is important for ensuring that children receive timely healthcare.
Ejiofor urged journalists to draw attention to the gaps in health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations.
Mr. Dauda Stephen, Director of Marketing and Quality Assurance, mentioned that the agency was investing heavily in advocacy to educate people about the importance of accepting health insurance.
Olufemi Adeyemi, a Health Specialist at UNICEF, stated in his opening speech that the main obstacle to healthcare delivery today is financial issues.
UNICEF data shows that in 2022, 4.9 million children under the age of five died, which means 13,400 children under 5 passed away each day in 2022.
