By Eze Victor, Abakaliki.
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has officially launched the enrolment of over 29,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme completely free of charge for beneficiaries. This marked a significant step forward in the state’s efforts toward achieving universal health coverage.
The initiative was unveiled during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference in Abakaliki. It is supported by the Global Fund in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
Speaking at the event, EBSHIA Executive Secretary, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, hailed the programme as a historic and compassionate intervention aimed at ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Ebonyi State.
“No Ebonyian should be denied healthcare because of financial barriers. This enrolment ensures that people living with HIV can access quality care at all levels without paying at the point of service,” Dr. Igwe stated.
He praised Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for approving the free healthcare package for PLHIV, describing the move as both visionary and compassionate.
To combat stigma and discrimination, Dr. Igwe emphasized that all issued ID cards for enrollees are identical without any special markings and that beneficiaries’ data is fully encrypted and protected.
The agency is also partnering with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to facilitate the issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs) during the enrolment process.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive healthcare, Dr. Igwe said, “No Ebonyian should die due to an inability to pay hospital bills.”
He urged stakeholders and beneficiaries to support the programme’s smooth rollout.
According to early data from the Global Fund Project, 2,162 of the targeted 29,000 PLHIV have already been enrolled. Medical outcomes so far include 10 safe deliveries, four hernia surgeries, one fibroid operation, and three successful eye surgeries.
In his goodwill message, NEPWAN Coordinator, Comrade Chukwuma Nwafor, called the initiative “extraordinary and unprecedented,” applauding Governor Nwifuru’s administration for delivering free medical services without any charges.
“This is a lifeline for our members. It’s now up to us to make the most of these services,” Nwafor added.
The event brought together key stakeholders including traditional rulers, health professionals, and religious leaders.
Dignitaries in attendance included HRH Ezeogo Peter U. Oroke (Ezeohanyere III of Amawula community), Dr. Frank Bokime (Senior Technical Officer, ECEWS), Dr. Okeke Chinelo Vivian (Consultant Pediatrician and MCDAN Chairman), and Rev. Father James Ofoke (EBSHIA Board member).
Representatives from NHIA, NTBLCP, the Global Fund, NIMC, and other development partners commended the state government for its inclusive and forward-thinking approach to healthcare.
With this Global Fund–backed initiative, Ebonyi State has positioned itself among Nigeria’s frontrunners in delivering universal health coverage through sustainable, inclusive health insurance for vulnerable populations.