The Governor of Western Equatoria State, Hon. Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, has donated SSP 15 million, equivalent to approximately US$115,000, to the Rural Health Solidarity Initiative (RHSI) to support its newly launched community health insurance programme for vulnerable communities.
The donation, which is also worth approximately ₦156.6 million based on recent exchange-rate estimates, is expected to strengthen access to affordable healthcare for more than 1,000 vulnerable people, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), single mothers, elderly people, widows and other disadvantaged families. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the dollar and naira equivalents are approximate.
The community health insurance programme was officially launched in Yambio on Thursday, August 13, 2026. It is designed to support vulnerable residents, including people displaced by conflict from Tambura and Mundri East counties, many of whom face challenges accessing and paying for healthcare.
RHSI is a women-led, community-based organisation established in Yambio to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare through community health financing, preventive health education and partnerships with government and other stakeholders.
Under the programme, beneficiaries will pay SSP 15,000 as a registration fee and receive a membership card covering a family of five — a husband, wife and three children.
The scheme provides coverage for outpatient consultations, basic laboratory services, essential medicines, maternal and child healthcare, as well as health education.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Rimbasa said the initiative was particularly important for vulnerable communities and IDPs who fled conflict in Tambura and Mundri East counties and were facing difficulties accessing affordable healthcare.
He noted that government hospitals sometimes experience shortages of medicines, adding that the RHSI scheme would help registered beneficiaries access affordable treatment and prescribed medicines when such challenges arise.
Governor Rimbasa reaffirmed his political support for the initiative and said the State Government and Ministry of Health would work closely with RHSI to strengthen healthcare services for vulnerable people.
He explained that the SSP 15 million donation, approximately US$115,000 or ₦156.6 million, would help RHSI register vulnerable beneficiaries, particularly Persons with Disabilities, and enable them to benefit from the community health insurance programme.
The Governor commended RHSI for introducing a community-led health financing initiative and called for continued stakeholder support to expand affordable healthcare services across Western Equatoria State.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.