Lagos health agency urges media to drive insurance uptake

Journalists have been tasked with a crucial role in boosting public awareness and enrollment for Lagos State's mandatory health insurance scheme, known as Ilera Eko. The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) stressed that the policy's effectiveness hinges on residents understanding and trusting the system.

Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, issued this directive during a two-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners. She highlighted that without informed and confident citizens, the ambitious health insurance policy cannot achieve its goals of ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents.

The agency's call to action underscores the significant gap in public knowledge and trust that currently hinders the scheme's uptake. LASHMA believes that by leveraging the media's reach and influence, they can effectively communicate the benefits of Ilera Eko and address any misconceptions or fears that may exist among the populace. The workshop aimed to equip journalists with the necessary knowledge and tools to become effective advocates for the health insurance program.