- Lagos Extends Ilera Eko Health Scheme to Down Syndrome Community
- Mrs Nike Dennis said the initiative aims to promote inclusive healthcare for persons with Down syndrome
- The programme will ease the financial burden on parents and caregivers
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 through the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Speaking at a health summit organised by DSFN with support from NSIA Insurance at the foundation’s headquarters in Fagba, the National Administrator of DSFN, Mrs Nike Dennis, said the initiative aims to promote inclusive healthcare for persons with Down syndrome.
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Dennis explained that October, recognised globally as Down Syndrome Awareness Month, focuses this year on equitable access to healthcare. She noted that under the new partnership, all DSFN beneficiaries will be enrolled in the Ilera Eko scheme, enabling them to receive medical care at hospitals of their choice across Lagos without out-of-pocket payments.
She commended LASHMA and the Lagos State Government for extending the scheme to individuals with Down syndrome, describing it as a major step toward healthcare inclusion. According to her, the programme will ease the financial burden on parents and caregivers while guaranteeing continuous access to quality medical services.
“It’s essential that people with disabilities are included in healthcare systems so they can access the same quality of care as everyone else,” Dennis said, adding that parents can now have peace of mind knowing their children are financially protected.
She further called for greater inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in health policy design and implementation. Dennis urged the government to fully enforce the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Nigeria has ratified but not fully implemented, stressing the need to translate policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
