In a landmark move toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, the Ebonyi State Government, through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has unveiled plans to enrol 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme — completely free of charge.
The initiative was announced during the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) Conference held in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the programme as a bold step toward equity and inclusion in healthcare delivery. According to him, the enrolment will ensure that people living with HIV across Ebonyi’s 13 local government areas receive comprehensive healthcare services without financial barriers.
“Each enrollee will enjoy quality health management without any co-payment. This means access to essential services at all levels of care without paying at the point of service,” Igwe explained.
The project is supported by the Global Fund, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and NEPWHAN.
According to EBSHIA, beneficiaries’ identity cards will be identical to those of other enrollees to protect privacy and prevent stigmatization. The agency also assured that strict confidentiality measures would be maintained in managing health data.
The initiative, which aligns with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda, marks a significant stride in the state’s effort to build a stronger and more inclusive healthcare system.
With this development, Ebonyi joins other proactive states taking concrete actions to support vulnerable populations and improve access to healthcare for all.
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