In a landmark move to improve access to quality healthcare for children, the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated a Health Insurance Scheme for public primary school pupils. The initiative, launched on Thursday at the Civic Centre in Idi-Ape, Ibadan, aims to provide 10,000 pupils with access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
A New Chapter in Healthcare Access
Dr. Olusola Akande, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), flagged off the initiative, describing it as a significant addition to the agency’s innovative healthcare models. OYSHIA has previously implemented several schemes targeting various groups, including the conventional OYSHIA scheme, community-based health insurance, pensioners, tertiary students, and even a diaspora initiative. These efforts have already provided healthcare access to over 250,000 residents, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by 65%.
“This scheme is another door that OYSHIA has opened to better healthcare, marking our 9th initiative aimed at providing access to affordable and quality healthcare for all,” Akande stated. “This new initiative will provide health insurance to 10,000 public primary school pupils, a vital step towards ensuring that even our youngest residents have access to the care they deserve.”
UNICEF’s Support and Impact
Dr. Akande expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s support, which has been instrumental in raising awareness of the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS) and providing resources for the distribution of food and drinks to pupils. He highlighted OYSHIA’s achievements over the past year, including 261 cesarean sections, 195 cataract surgeries, and 12 prostatectomy surgeries, among other life-saving procedures.
OYSHIA’s interventions have also strengthened local healthcare infrastructure, with the agency disbursing over N735 million to accredited hospitals in 2024. Akande acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and called for further collaboration to expand the scheme to more pupils in the coming weeks.
“As we continue this journey, we invite everyone to join hands with us, just as UNICEF has done, to ensure that access to healthcare reaches even the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.
UNICEF’s Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, emphasized the importance of access to affordable, quality healthcare as a fundamental right for every child. She described the initiative as a step towards achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that no child is hindered by financial barriers to essential healthcare services.
“Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal; it’s a social and economic necessity,” Lafoucriere remarked. “When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on their education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria.”
She highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to equity, ensuring equal opportunities for every child, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. The scheme, which has already enrolled 90 schools across 18 local government areas (LGAs), aims to expand to all 33 LGAs in Oyo State, leaving no child behind.
“We are proud to support this health insurance initiative and are eager to continue working together to expand it further,” Lafoucriere said. “Let today’s event serve as a rallying call for action. Our commitment to ensuring every child in Oyo State has access to healthcare is unwavering.”
A Healthier Future for Oyo State
The launch of the Health Insurance Scheme for public primary school pupils marks a significant milestone in Oyo State’s efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for its residents. By targeting children at a critical stage of their development, the initiative aims to lay the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future.
The Oyo State Government and UNICEF have called on stakeholders, including community leaders, educators, and healthcare providers, to support the initiative and ensure its success. Together, they are working towards a vision where every child in Oyo State has access to the healthcare they need to thrive.