The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) has appealed for financial support and partnerships from organizations, philanthropists, and the public to achieve its goal of enrolling six million vulnerable residents in the state’s health insurance scheme, known as Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA).

During a fundraising event aimed at reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable residents, LASHMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, highlighted that 923,000 residents have already been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera-Eko, since its inception. Of this number, more than 340,000 vulnerable individuals were covered using equity funds from the state government, federal support through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, and donations from philanthropists.

Zamba emphasized that the primary goal of the continuous fundraising is to ensure that all vulnerable residents of Lagos, regardless of social or financial status, have access to quality healthcare services. The funds raised through EKOSHA will help mobilize additional resources to provide healthcare at affordable rates for at least six million people.

“EKOSHA is designed to raise funds through partnerships with private institutions, road safety corps, and crowdfunding to ensure that healthcare is accessible for vulnerable residents,” Zamba said. She urged corporate bodies, individuals, and faith-based organizations to contribute to this cause and help provide healthcare coverage for those who cannot afford it.

LASHMA is targeting to raise N200 million through the fundraising efforts to support this initiative. “The government has made provisions, but it is never enough. We all need to come together to bridge the gap for a healthier Lagos,” Zamba added, encouraging residents to enroll in the state health insurance scheme.

Chairman of LASHMA, Dr. Adebayo Adedewe, explained that the event was organized to secure more funding to pay premiums for the poor who are unable to afford them, and to increase public awareness of the scheme. He encouraged Lagosians to adopt the ACE (Adopt, Contribute, and Engage) model to sponsor the healthcare of vulnerable individuals.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, stressed that the funds raised would provide critical support for those on the fringes of the state’s healthcare system, enabling them to access essential medical services without facing financial hardship.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised the philanthropic efforts of Lagosians, highlighting how such contributions significantly impact the lives of vulnerable children in orphanages and beyond. Sanwo-Olu noted that the state’s orphanage homes provide much more than basic necessities—they empower children to reach their full potential.

“Our orphanage homes are beacons of hope, where children are nurtured and empowered to dream and contribute to society,” he said, commending the resilience and determination shown by children in the orphanages, especially during the EKOSHA Art Clinic.

The event served as a call to action for both individuals and organizations to support vulnerable residents in Lagos by helping provide access to healthcare services through the EKOSHA initiative.