Date: 2017-10-24

World Bank Group and PharmAccess Foundation, PAF, are partnering with the Kwara State government on a functional State-wide Health Insurance. Speaking during a courtesy call to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alhjai AbdulFatah Ahmed by the Programme Manager and Health Lead, Health in Africa Initiative, World Bank Group/IFC Prof. Khama Rogo and a team of PharmAccess Foundation officials (PAF) in Nigeria led by the Country Director, Njide Ndili, at the Government house, World Bank Group/IFC Prof. Khama Rogo said the visit was to advocate strongly for a State-wide Health Insurance Scheme towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Rogo said, "The focus is on health and the re-commitment to Universal Health Coverage which will avail quality health care to everyone on the planet" World Bank's Health in Africa Initiative and PharmAccess Foundation has been providing technical assistance to Kwara State to enable transition from its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme to a State-wide Health Insurance Scheme.

Rogo highlighted the many challenges in Africa due to high disease burden and low access to health care services. He commended Kwara State Government's leadership with its Community Based Health Insurance Scheme which has been recognised globally.

Rogo also reaffirmed the commitment of the World Bank to continue to support Kwara State encouraging the launch of the mandatory scheme this year.

Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed 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 focus on health in terms of infrastructural development for a robust service delivery.