Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi Re-Elected as Chairman of Forum of SSHIA CEOs
Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi Re-Elected as Chairman of Forum of SSHIA CEOs
Choice Chioma | I-Witness News
Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, Managing Director of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), has been re-elected as Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs). The re-election took place on Thursday, May 30, 2025, during the Forum’s second quarterly meeting held in Lagos.
The meeting, which brought together CEOs of health insurance agencies from across Nigeria, provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made so far, identify gaps, and chart practical steps toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Onyemaechi thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him and emphasized that the task ahead is still significant.
“We’ve made real progress—moving from zero to over 11 million enrollees in just eight years. But we’re not there yet. To achieve UHC by 2030, we need every state on board. Health insurance that leaves no one behind, supported by a strong primary healthcare system, is the way forward.”
He highlighted peer learning and collaboration among states as major drivers of the progress recorded so far, noting that the forum has become a space for sharing best practices, replicating successful models, and avoiding known pitfalls.
While commending the strides made, Dr. Onyemaechi expressed concern over the reluctance of some states to enroll their civil servants in the state health insurance schemes.
“Six states are yet to onboard their own civil servants. That’s not just delay, it’s a lack of belief in the systems they’ve built,” he said, urging urgent action to correct the gap.”
He also encouraged state governments to link social protection programmes such as conditional cash transfers to health insurance premiums for vulnerable households—ensuring that the poorest are not left behind in the push for equity.
The Forum of SSHIA CEOs, created to promote collaboration and joint learning among state agencies, has evolved into a key driver of health insurance uptake in Nigeria. It continues to support innovation, policy alignment, and equitable access to care for all Nigerians.
With Dr. Onyemaechi’s reelection and renewed commitment from member states, the forum is expected to step up efforts in onboarding civil servants, expanding coverage for those in the informal sector, and ensuring that every Nigerian is covered by 2030—aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goal 3.8.
As he begins another two-year term, Dr. Onyemaechi’s leadership remains focused on one thing: making sure no one is left behind on Nigeria’s journey to Universal Health Coverage.
