Ebonyi Flags Off Free Health Insurance for 29,000 Persons Living with HIV
By Ugonma Ewa, Abakaliki
Toward inclusive healthcare, the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has officially launched the enrollment of 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme entirely free of charge.
The official flag-off ceremony took place on Monday during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference in Abakaliki, marking a major stride in the state’s pursuit of universal health coverage and social inclusion.
Delivering his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, JP, described the initiative as “a bold statement of compassion and inclusion” by the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, which he said reflects the governor’s belief that “no Ebonyian should be denied healthcare because of financial barriers.”
“This intervention, supported by the Global Fund through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), is a landmark achievement for Ebonyi State,” Dr. Igwe said.
Adding, “Every enrolled person will access quality and comprehensive healthcare without any co-payment that means free medical services at all accredited facilities.”
Igwe noted the agency is building a healthier, stronger, and more inclusive Ebonyi State.”
Seamless Enrollment and Data Protection
Dr. Igwe revealed that the exercise has been designed to be stress-free, with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) providing on-the-spot National Identification Numbers (NINs) to facilitate registration.
“Anyone without a NIN can obtain it right here during enrollment,” he explained. “Once registered, beneficiaries receive a health insurance ID card identical to the general card no differential marking, no stigma, and no discrimination.”
The EBSHIA boss also assured participants of full confidentiality and data protection, noting that all beneficiaries’ personal and health information would remain encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
“There is absolutely no reason to fear or hesitate your privacy is guaranteed,” he emphasized.
Dr. Igwe, who reaffirmed his agency’s mission to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for all residents of Ebonyi State, gave a heartfelt personal commitment: “As Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, I am personally committed to ensuring that no Ebonyian will die because of lack of money to go to the hospital when sick. That is my pledge to you, and that is the heart of our mission.”
He thanked Governor Nwifuru for his “magnanimity and visionary leadership,” and commended all partners NHIA, NTBLCP, Global Fund, NEPWAN, and NIMC for their collaboration in making the project a reality.
Early Impact Already Visible
According to data presented by the Global Fund project team, 2,162 beneficiaries have already been successfully enrolled, despite initial challenges linked to NIN availability.
The program is already yielding results, with recorded outcomes including 10 safe deliveries (one via caesarean section), four hernia surgeries, one fibroid operation, three eye surgeries, and the provision of three pairs of eyeglasses to beneficiaries.
Project leaders encouraged participants to spread the word, emphasizing that the health insurance program “is a life-saving opportunity made possible through the support of EBSHIA.”
Partners Commend Ebonyi Government
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of NEPWAN, Comr. Chukwuma Nwafor, described the initiative as “extraordinary,” noting that it represents a clear demonstration of the state government’s compassion under Governor Nwifuru.
“This is happening in an era where health services are free of charge without collecting any percentage. It is now left for us to access these services,” he said.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included HRH Ezeogo Peter U. Oroke (Ezeohanyere III of Amawula community, Ezza North LGA); Dr. Frank Bokime, Senior Technical Officer and PCT Lead at ECEWS; Dr. Okeke Chinelo Vivian, Consultant Pediatrician and MCDAN Chairman; and Rev. Fr. James Ofoke, a board member of EBSHIA.
They commended the state government and its partners for demonstrating genuine commitment to the health and dignity of all citizens, particularly those living with Hiv.
The Ebonyi free health insurance scheme for PLHIV stands as one of the most ambitious state-level health inclusion projects in Nigeria bridging gaps in access, combating stigma, and setting a new standard for compassionate governance.
