Government and policymakers have been urged to integrate autism care into Nigeria’s National Health Insurance framework, as stakeholders warn that its continued exclusion is worsening the burden on affected families.
The Founder of the Ferdinand Efah Music Heritage Foundation, Stanley Effah, made the call in Abuja during a music concert held to commemorate World Autism Day.
Effah said the absence of structured support for persons living with autism has placed significant emotional and financial strain on families, many of whom struggle to access therapy and specialised care.
He stressed the need for a holistic health policy that recognises autism as a condition deserving the same level of attention as other serious illnesses already covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
According to him, the exclusion of autism from the scheme has contributed to stigma, leaving families feeling abandoned and unsupported.
“Autism is not accommodated within the health system in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the consequences extend beyond healthcare to affect the dignity and wellbeing of individuals and their families.
Effah noted that existing structures such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and the Vulnerable Group Fund could provide support for autism care if properly implemented.
He, however, lamented that these policy provisions have not been effectively utilised to address the needs of persons with autism.
He called on government authorities to move beyond policy frameworks and ensure practical implementation, insisting that inclusion must be deliberate.
“The government has a responsibility to ensure that every citizen is taken care of. Inclusion must be reflected in every policy decision,” he said.
Effah also compared Nigeria with countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, where autism care is integrated into public health systems, offering relief to families.
He expressed concern that advocacy efforts often attract limited audiences, with minimal participation from decision-makers, and called for more innovative platforms to drive awareness and policy change.
Also speaking, a representative of the Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation, Dr Kingsley Udegbunam, said the advocacy had become necessary due to the rising burden on families.
He noted that many families face high therapy costs, limited access to specialised services and persistent social stigma.
Stakeholders said integrating autism care into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund would improve access to early diagnosis, therapy and long-term care.
They maintained that urgent action is needed to ensure that persons with autism are not left behind in Nigeria’s pursuit of universal health coverage.