Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has launched a landmark initiative to enroll 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance program at no cost.
The official flag-off took place on Monday during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference, marking a major stride in the state’s pursuit of inclusive healthcare for all citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the gesture as “a bold expression of compassion and inclusion” and a clear demonstration of the state government’s resolve to remove financial barriers to healthcare access.
According to him, “This intervention reaffirms our belief that no Ebonyian should be denied healthcare because of lack of money. We are deeply grateful to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose magnanimity and visionary leadership made this possible.”
Dr. Igwe explained that the enrolment is supported by the Global Fund through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), and that the process has been structured for maximum ease and confidentiality.
He noted that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is collaborating with EBSHIA to ensure that beneficiaries without National Identification Numbers (NIN) can obtain them immediately during registration.
“Once registered, beneficiaries will receive health insurance ID cards granting access to services in all accredited facilities,” he said. “To protect the privacy and dignity of our clients, the ID cards are identical to those of other enrollees there’s no mark or symbol that singles anyone out.”
He further assured that all personal data and medical records are securely encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. “Nobody should fear stigmatization or breach of privacy. Your data is safe, and your dignity is preserved,” he emphasized.
Dr. Igwe reaffirmed his personal commitment to ensuring that “no Ebonyian will die because they cannot afford hospital care,” calling on all partners and stakeholders to help ensure that every person living with HIV in the state is enrolled and empowered to access quality medical services.
Preliminary reports from the Global Fund project indicate that out of the 29,000 target beneficiaries, 2,162 have already been enrolled. Early results are promising: 10 successful deliveries (including one by C-section), four hernia repairs, one fibroid surgery, and three eye surgeries have been recorded, alongside the distribution of eyeglasses to beneficiaries.
The Coordinator of NEPWAN, Comrade Chukwuma Nwafor, described the development as “historic and transformative,” noting that it reflects the commitment of the present administration to provide healthcare without discrimination or out-of-pocket payment.
“It’s now left for us to take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.
The event also featured goodwill messages from traditional and professional leaders, including HRH Ezeogo Peter U. Oroke (Ezeohanyere III of Amawula, Ezza North), Dr. Frank Bokime (Senior Technical Officer, ECEWS), Dr. Okeke Chinelo Vivian (Consultant Pediatrician and MCDAN Chairman), and Rev. Fr. James Ofoke, a board member of the state insurance agency.