By Chinaza Osigwe
The Anambra State Government is rolling out free health insurance coverage for individuals living with HIV and tuberculosis (TB), under a new initiative supported by the Global Fund.
The program, coordinated by the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), was the focal point of a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka. The meeting brought together key players in the health sector, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; Managing Director of ASHIA, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi; representatives of the Global Fund, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other relevant partners.
Speaking at the session, Dr. Obidike reaffirmed the Soludo administration’s commitment to dismantling barriers to healthcare access, especially for the most vulnerable. He described the initiative as a significant step toward health equity in Anambra, urging stakeholders to collaborate in designing people-centered, stigma-free solutions.
Dr. Onyemaechi, in his remarks, acknowledged the challenges currently facing the project’s rollout, particularly the stigma still associated with HIV and TB. He stressed the importance of community engagement and awareness campaigns to encourage affected individuals to enroll without fear or shame.
“This program is completely free and designed to be easy to access,” Onyemaechi assured. “We are working to ensure that documentation requirements, including the National Identification Number (NIN), do not become barriers. Our focus is on inclusivity and transparency.”
Representatives from the Global Fund and WHO also emphasized the need for grassroots mobilization, proper training for health workers, and active involvement of community leaders to build trust and facilitate enrollment.
Key recommendations from the meeting included deploying mobile registration teams to remote areas, integrating psychosocial support services, and establishing mechanisms for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure quality service delivery.
The health insurance scheme is expected to ease the financial burden of treatment, promote early diagnosis, and support treatment adherence among people living with HIV and TB in Anambra. Stakeholders agreed to reconvene in the coming weeks to assess progress and refine strategies for broader reach.
With this initiative, Anambra State reinforces its reputation as a leader in health sector innovation, taking another step toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
