The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has rolled out a free health insurance enrollment program specifically for people living with HIV, in a move to expand access to affordable healthcare and support Governor Francis Nwifuru’s push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.
At a press briefing held in Abakaliki, Dr. Moses Ekuma, the State Commissioner for Health, announced that the scheme is now offering complimentary health insurance coverage to HIV-positive residents. This initiative is supported by international funding, which covers the cost of antiretroviral therapy (ART), helping to reduce the financial strain on affected individuals.
Enrollees will also gain free access to treatment for other common conditions, such as malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, the plan includes comprehensive maternal healthcare, including pre-natal and post-natal services.
“We urge all eligible individuals to register,” Dr. Ekuma stated. “This scheme not only ensures consistent treatment for HIV but also enables beneficiaries to allocate their income to other personal needs.”
Dr. Ekuma highlighted the administration’s progress in expanding healthcare access, revealing that the number of enrollees has grown from 37,000 before Governor Nwifuru assumed office to over 137,000 individuals today.
“Health insurance is key to achieving universal healthcare. Without financial protection, many residents are unable to access proper medical services,” he added. He also acknowledged the First Lady’s contributions to improving maternal health outcomes across the state.
According to Dr. Divine Igwe, Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, 86,000 people enrolled in 2024 alone. The breakdown includes:
- 40,088 children under five
- 20,786 pregnant women
- 1,210 individuals with disabilities
- 41,763 indigent residents
- 2,214 workers in the informal sector
- 5,347 individuals from tertiary institutions
Dr. Igwe encouraged private citizens and NGOs to sponsor health insurance enrollment for vulnerable community members, helping to increase the scheme’s reach and impact.
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