EBSHIA Enrolls 29,000 Persons Living With HIV Into Free Health Insurance Scheme
By Alex Odeh
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has commenced the enrollment of 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme entirely free of charge.
The initiative, formally flagged off during the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN) Conference in Abakaliki, is designed to guarantee comprehensive medical care for beneficiaries without any co-payment at the point of service.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the intervention as “a bold statement of compassion and inclusion” and commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his “visionary leadership and magnanimity” in approving free healthcare for the vulnerable population.
“This initiative reflects our collective resolve that no Ebonyian should be denied healthcare because of financial barriers,” Igwe declared.
He disclosed that the enrolment is being facilitated through a Global Fund project supported by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), with technical collaboration from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure easy registration and issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs).
To protect beneficiaries from stigma, Igwe revealed that the health insurance ID cards for persons living with HIV are identical to those of other enrollees, ensuring equal dignity and confidentiality.
“Your data is highly protected and encrypted. No one will have unauthorized access to your personal or health information. Our mission is clear: no Ebonyian should die because they cannot afford hospital bills,” he assured.
Early data from the Global Fund Project showed that out of the 29,000 target, 2,162 persons have already been enrolled, with encouraging medical outcomes including 10 safe deliveries, four hernia surgeries, one fibroid operation, and three successful eye surgeries.
The Coordinator of NEPWAN, Comrade Chukwuma Nwafor, hailed the program as “extraordinary and unprecedented,” praising the Nwifuru administration for providing free medical services without demanding any form of payment.
“It is now left for us to take advantage of these services,” he urged beneficiaries.
Royal fathers, medical experts, and faith leaders also graced the event, including 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, a board member of EBSHIA.
The program marked one of the most ambitious state-level HIV healthcare coverage drives in Nigeria and reinforces Ebonyi’s growing reputation as a model for equitable access to health services.
