Ebonyi State Enrolls 29,000 People Living with HIV into Free Health Insurance Scheme
By Ugonma Ewa, Abakaliki
In a landmark move towards inclusive healthcare, the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has launched a free health insurance enrollment drive targeting 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in the state.
The initiative was officially launched on Monday during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference, signaling the state government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and stigma-free healthcare for all.
Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, hailed the program as “a bold expression of compassion and inclusion,” highlighting Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s dedication to eliminating financial barriers to healthcare access.
“No Ebonyian should be denied medical care due to inability to pay,” Dr. Igwe emphasized. “Governor Nwifuru’s visionary leadership has made this life-changing initiative possible.”
The enrollment is backed by the Global Fund, in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP). To ensure easy access, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is assisting beneficiaries without National Identification Numbers (NIN) to obtain them instantly during registration.
Importantly, the health insurance ID cards issued bear no marks indicating the holder’s HIV status, protecting their privacy and dignity. All data is securely encrypted.
Dr. Igwe reiterated, “No Ebonyian will die because they cannot afford hospital care,” urging stakeholders to support full enrollment and access to quality healthcare for all PLHIV.
Early enrollment figures are promising, with 2,162 beneficiaries already registered. Initial healthcare services rendered include safe deliveries (including C-sections), hernia repairs, fibroid and eye surgeries, as well as provision of eyeglasses.
NEPWAN Coordinator, Comrade Chukwuma Nwafor, described the scheme as “historic and transformative,” commending the state government for making healthcare accessible to everyone without discrimination or out-of-pocket expenses.
The launch event also featured inspiring messages from community and health leaders, including HRH Ezeogo Peter U. Oroke (Ezeohanyere III of Amawula), Dr. Frank Bokime, Dr. Okeke Chinelo Vivian, and Rev. Fr. James Ofoke, board member of EBSHIA.
This initiative marks a significant step toward health equity in Ebonyi State, promising hope and improved quality of life for thousands living with HIV.
