The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) on Friday led a massive awareness walk in Alausa–Ikeja to commemorate the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, themed “Unaffordable health costs? We’re sick of it!”
The colourful rally featured a live music band, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders who engaged commuters, workers, and residents on the importance of UHC. Participants also distributed stickers and flyers promoting the mandatory Ilera Eko Social Health Insurance Scheme.
This year’s UHC Day comes after an Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, making social health insurance compulsory for all Lagos residents. According to LASHMA, the commemoration reinforces the need for continuous public sensitisation about affordable healthcare access for everyone, regardless of social or economic status.
Leading the procession, the Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, stressed that the global observance serves as a strong reminder that healthcare is a fundamental human right and must never be treated as a luxury. She encouraged Lagos residents to enrol in the Ilera Eko scheme, noting that the government is committed to eliminating the financial burden associated with medical care.
Dr. Zamba explained that Ilera Eko covers up to 80 percent of an average resident’s healthcare needs—from primary to tertiary services—at a cost designed to provide long-term financial protection, adding “We want people to set aside a small, manageable contribution so they can focus on living productive lives—sending their children to school, buying a car, owning a home—without the fear of health-related financial crises”.
Also speaking, the Head of Planning, Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation at LASHMA, Mrs. Adetoro Tayo-Adetoro, said UHC Day is a global call to ensure that no resident suffers financial hardship because they seek healthcare, noting that achieving UHC requires collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals.
During the walk, LASHMA’s Coordinator of Regulations, Mr. Tosin Awosika, stated that the agency is intensifying efforts to enforce compliance with the mandatory insurance directive. He said the regulatory arm is working closely with stakeholders to expand coverage and increase enrolment into Ilera Eko across the state.
Awosika added that the awareness rally demonstrates the government’s commitment to taking the message directly to the people. Public engagement, he said, remains a core strategy in driving mass enrolment and ensuring residents understand the benefits of health insurance.
With rising healthcare costs globally, he noted that Lagos is adopting a proactive model that protects residents from heavy out-of-pocket expenses while improving access to quality health services. He urged employers, community leaders, and households to support the state’s push toward universal health security.
