In a major stride toward achieving universal health coverage, the Ebonyi State Government, through the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), has unveiled a landmark plan to enrol 29,000 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) into the state’s health insurance scheme at no cost.
The initiative was officially announced during the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) Conference in Abakaliki.
The state government said it is part of the Global Fund–supported project facilitated by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Divine Okemefuna Igwe, described the move as “a bold statement of compassion and inclusion,” aimed at ensuring that no Ebonyian is denied healthcare because of financial barriers.
“Each enrollee will enjoy comprehensive health management without any co-payment — meaning access to quality care at all levels without paying at the point of service,” Dr. Igwe said.
He explained that the enrollment will cover all persons living with HIV across the state’s 13 local government areas and will be executed in collaboration with partners, including NHIA, NTBLCP, the Global Fund, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN).
Mr Igwe lauded Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for approving the inclusion of all Ebonyians living with HIV in the free health insurance program.
“His Excellency’s magnanimity and visionary leadership have made this historic intervention possible. His decision that all Ebonyians living with HIV should access healthcare free of charge is a milestone in our collective journey toward universal health coverage,” he said.
He reiterated that EBSHIA’s mission remains clear: to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and equitable for every resident of Ebonyi State through sustainable insurance coverage.
He said that to ensure a seamless registration process, EBSHIA is working closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The agency, he noted, will provide on-site services to issue National Identification Numbers (NIN) to those who do not yet have them.
“Once you complete your enrolment, EBSHIA will issue you a health insurance ID card that grants access to healthcare services across accredited facilities,” Dr. Igwe explained.
He also assured that the ID cards for PLHIV are identical to those of other beneficiaries to avoid stigmatization.
“There is no distinction, no differential recognition, and no special marking. Everyone is treated with equal dignity and confidentiality,” he emphasised.
Igwe, a Medical Doctor, further reassured beneficiaries that their personal data and medical information are fully protected.
“Your data is highly protected and encrypted. Nobody will have unauthorized access to your personal or health information. There is absolutely no reason to fear or hesitate — your privacy is guaranteed,” he affirmed.
The EBSHIA boss urged all persons living with HIV in the state to take advantage of the opportunity and register early.
“We are here not only to celebrate this achievement but to ensure that people are registered early, not during emergencies. Early registration guarantees continuous access to healthcare when it is needed most,” he noted.
The conference, attended by top government officials, health partners, and civil society representatives, marked what stakeholders described as a turning point in Ebonyi’s public health system.
Mr Igwe concluded by reaffirming his personal commitment to the cause:
“As Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, I am personally committed to ensuring that no Ebonyi resident will die because of a lack of money to go to the hospital when sick. That is my pledge, and that is the heart of our mission.”
He thanked all partners, including NHIA, NTBLCP, Global Fund, NEPWAN, and NIMC, for their collaboration and urged continued cooperation to achieve full coverage.
“Together, we are building a healthier, stronger, and more inclusive Ebonyi State,” he declared.
