Sterling One Foundation partners Lagos to support vulnerable groups

By Rosemary Iwuala

Sterling One Foundation, has partnered with the Lagos State government to launch the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA), an initiative committed to mobilising funds towards helping identified vulnerable groups in Lagos access health insurance leveraging the “Ilera Eko”social health plan.

Akin Abayomi, the commissioner for health, Lagos State, explained that the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) took the initiative to commence the implementation of its resource mobilisation function as provided in Section 20 of the LSHS Law 2015.

He also noted that the  establishment of the Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) is aimed at complementing the government’s plan towards achieving universal health coverage.

Abayomi, who was represented by Funmi Shokunbi, director, medical administration, and training at the media launch of EKOSHA,  stated that the governor approved one percent of the state’s consolidated revenue fund (CRF) as an equity fund for vulnerable coverage. He added that over 230,000 residents who fall under this group, currently enjoy free health care on the scheme at no cost to them.

“Since the commencement of access to care for the vulnerable on the Ilera Eko Social Health Plan in 2020, a total of N750 million has been disbursed as equity fund in addition to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), and sponsorships from a few individuals/organisations,to provide health insurance for the vulnerable residents of the state.

“These groups of people are spread across the 57 LGA/LCDAs of the state, including members of elderly and orphanage homes; vulnerable persons living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, sickle cell anaemia, also victims of domestic and sexual violence,” Abayomi said.

Emmanuella Zamba, general manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), disclosed that the agency leverages its rapid poverty assessment tool, in determining the vulnerability of beneficiaries.

Zambia also emphasised that Sterling Foundation supported the agency to create a funding platform that serves as one of the accountability measures where donors can see in real-time how the resources are utilized as well as the vulnerable coverage.

On her part, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, commended the Lagos State government on the partnership to create a crowdfunding solution that will enable people to donate globally to the initiative, including Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.