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By Abdullahi Ahmed
The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KW-HIA) on Tuesday sensitized residents of Afon and other communities in Asa Local Government Area on the benefits of enrolling in the state’s health insurance scheme.
The programme, attended by community chiefs, religious leaders, artisans, and vulnerable groups, is part of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s drive to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare under the EU-SARAH initiative.
Kwara is one of the three Nigerian states partnering the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, with a €40 million European Union–funded technical support package aimed at strengthening reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services nationwide.
Speaking at the interactive session, KW-HIA Executive Secretary, Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, urged Kwarans—especially the vulnerable—to key into the scheme.
She described social health insurance as “the most sustainable financing mechanism for equitable healthcare access,” stressing that it helps bridge socioeconomic divides, improve service quality, and enhance affordability.
Dr Jetawo-Winter commended the state government for renovating and equipping medical facilities across rural areas, noting that the EU-SARAH programme specifically targets women, children under five, and marginalized groups with care for maternal health, chronic illnesses, and other pressing needs.
Traditional, religious, and community leaders at the event including Daudu Afon, Alhaji Kola Balogun; Chief Imam of Reke, Mallam Muhammad Musemil Adewale; CAN representative, Pastor Christopher Britus; and traditionalist leader, Mojiobaje Awotola hailed the initiative as timely and pledged to support grassroots sensitization.
The session also featured testimonials from beneficiaries such as Mrs. Babatunde Shukurah and Mrs. Toheeb Rukayat, who expressed satisfaction with services received under the scheme.
