L-R: Head Finance, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Mrs. Aramide Ojo; Coordinator Regulations, LASHMA, Mr. Tosin Awosika; Permanent Secretary LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Head Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation LASHMA, Ms. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro and Head ICT LASHMA, Mr. Sefiu Oladejo during the Awareness Walk to commemorate Y2025 Universal Health Coverage Day in Lagos by LASHMA

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The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Friday led a large-scale Awareness Walk around the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, to commemorate the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day with a bold message: “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!” The colourful procession, accompanied by a music band, volunteers, partners and stakeholders, took the UHC enlightenment to commuters, workers and community members while distributing stickers and flyers on the mandatory Ilera-Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme.

Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who led the walk, said the global commemoration was a reminder that healthcare must be treated as a fundamental human right, not a luxury. She urged all Lagos residents to take advantage of the now-mandatory Ilera-Eko scheme, describing it as the state’s strongest tool to protect families from catastrophic medical expenses. “Ilera-Eko is here for you,” she declared during the rally.

Dr. Zamba explained that UHC Day reinforces the need for continuous public awareness on the importance of affordable healthcare access for all, irrespective of social status. She emphasised that the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had now made social health insurance compulsory for every resident, underscoring government’s determination to eliminate financial hardship associated with medical care.

She stated that Ilera-Eko covers up to 80 percent of an average resident’s healthcare needs, ranging from primary to tertiary services, at an affordable rate that guarantees long-term financial protection. “We want people to set aside a small, manageable contribution so they can focus on a quality life, send their children to school, buy a car, own a home, without the fear of health-related financial catastrophe,” she said.

The PS further urged residents to “join the Ilera-Eko train” for better health and improved living standards, stressing that the plan leaves no one behind. She reiterated that the agency’s primary mission is to ensure that every family in Lagos can access care without slipping into poverty due to hospital bills.

Head, Planning, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at LASHMA, Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, said the annual UHC Day serves as a global call to ensure that no resident suffers financial ruin because they seek healthcare. She noted that Lagos is fully committed to achieving universal access to quality services through Ilera-Eko, describing the scheme as the “engine” that will drive the state toward its UHC goals.

She stressed that UHC goes beyond government policy, requiring the cooperation of healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents themselves. According to her, every Lagosian has an important role to play; either by demanding care, providing it, or spreading the message, towards building a healthier and financially protected population.

Mrs. Tayo-Adetoro added that the Lagos State Government is aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals and is not relenting in strengthening health systems to ensure that no one is left behind. She encouraged families to enrol in the scheme for reliable access to affordable care.

Also speaking during the walk, LASHMA’s Coordinator of Regulations, Mr. Tosin Awosika, said the agency is intensifying efforts to ensure compliance with the mandatory insurance directive. He explained that the regulatory arm of LASHMA continues to work with facilities, partners and communities to expand coverage and accelerate the uptake of Ilera-Eko across the state.

Awosika noted that LASHMA’s presence in the field demonstrates government’s commitment to taking the message directly to the people. He said public engagement remains a central strategy for driving mass enrolment and ensuring that residents understand the benefits of health insurance.

He added that with rising healthcare costs globally, Lagos is adopting a proactive model that shields residents from out-of-pocket spending while improving access to quality services. He called on employers, community leaders and households to support the state’s drive toward universal health security.

The UHC Day Awareness Walk ended with continued engagement of commuters, business owners and residents across Alausa as LASHMA reaffirmed that with Ilera-Eko, Lagos is firmly on the path toward leaving no resident behind in access to healthcare.

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