World Bank, PharmAccess Pledge Support for Kwara Health Insurance Scheme

 Martins Ifijeh

Representatives of the International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group and PharmAccess Foundation have pledged their support for the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme.

Stating this during a courtesy visit to the state governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, recently, the Programme Manager and Health Lead, Health in Africa Initiative, World Bank Group/IFC, Prof. Khama Rogo, said the focus was on health and the re-commitment to Universal Health Coverage which will avail quality healthcare to the state.

The visiting team, including the Country Director, PharmAccess Foundation, NjideNdili, said they were advocating strongly for a State-wide Health Insurance Scheme towards achieving Universal Health Coverage
World Bank’s Health in Africa Initiative and PharmAccess have been providing technical assistance to Kwara State to enable transition from its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme to a State-wide Health Insurance Scheme.

In his address, Rogo highlighted the many challenges in Africa due to high disease burden and low access to healthcare services. He commended Kwara State Government’s leadership with its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme which has been recognised globally, reaffirming the commitment of the World Bank to continue to support Kwara State in the launch of the mandatory scheme this year.

The governor in his response, appreciated the visiting team. He acknowledged the challenges with health care services in Africa and mentioned that the state is preparing its 2018 budget with a focus on health in terms of infrastructural development to move in tandem for a robust service delivery.