..UNICEF lauds initiative

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring universal healthcare access for children, while commending the newly launched Oyo State Public Primary School Pupils Health Insurance Scheme.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the scheme held at Civic Centre Idi-Ape in Ibadan the Oyo State capital, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere described the initiative as a crucial step toward eliminating financial barriers to healthcare for children in the state.

Lafoucriere emphasized that universal health coverage is not just a healthcare target but a social and economic necessity, noting that when children have access to quality healthcare, they are better positioned to focus on education, grow into productive adults, and break the cycle of poverty.

According to her, the initiative aligns with UNICEF’s core principle of equity by prioritizing children in public primary schools, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.

She urged stakeholders to see the launch as a call to action and to collaborate in expanding healthcare access for all children.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to partnering with the government and local communities to strengthen healthcare systems.

Emphasizing the collective responsibility of ensuring no child is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare, she called for collaboration, saying “Together, let’s build a healthier, more inclusive, and equitable future for every child,”.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Oyo State Health Insurance Agency OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande  described the initiative as the ninth health insurance model introduced by the Governor Makinde-led administration, aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare services across the state.

Describing it as the first of its kind in the country, he affirmed that the scheme is expected to benefit 10,000 pupils in its initial phase, with plans to enroll an additional 5,500 students in the coming weeks.

Highlighting the agency’s achievements, the Executive Secretary noted that over 250,000 residents have already benefited from various OYSHIA initiatives, reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 75% to an average of 10%.

He affirmed that the new scheme was made possible through the support of UNICEF, which has also enhanced the agency’s awareness campaigns and doubled the number of communities under the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS).

UNICEF further demonstrated its commitment by providing food and drinks for the pupils at the event, he revealed.

He, therefore, urged other stakeholders to emulate UNICEF by investing in healthcare initiatives that prioritize vulnerable populations. “When you do this for a soul, you have actually given to the Lord,” he said.

Currently, 90 schools across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been enrolled in the scheme, with a long-term goal of expanding coverage to all 33 LGAs in Oyo State. UNICEF’s involvement goes beyond financial support, as it has also played a key role in awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation.