The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has initiated a free enrollment program for people living with HIV, marking a major step toward improved healthcare access and universal health coverage in the state.
Announcing the development during a media briefing in Abakaliki, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, revealed that the scheme has secured global funding to fully cover the cost of antiretroviral drugs for HIV-positive patients. The initiative also extends to the treatment of other common health conditions.
“This enrollment removes the financial burden on HIV patients, allowing them to access life-saving antiretroviral medication at no cost,” Ekuma said. “In addition, enrollees will benefit from free treatment for malaria, hepatitis, hypertension, diabetes, and maternal health services such as antenatal and postnatal care.”
Dr. Ekuma attributed the program’s success to the support of Governor Francis Nwifuru, under whose administration the number of people enrolled in EBSHIA has surged from 37,000 to over 137,000. He also acknowledged the contribution of the state’s First Lady in expanding maternal healthcare services, leading to a decline in maternal and prenatal mortality rates.
Providing updates on current enrollment figures, Dr. Divine Igwe, the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, said that 86,000 people have enrolled in 2024 alone. This includes:
- 40,088 children under five
- 20,786 pregnant women
- 1,210 persons with disabilities
- 41,763 indigent individuals
- 2,214 informal sector workers
- 5,347 persons from the tertiary sector
Dr. Igwe appealed to philanthropists and corporate organizations to support the scheme by sponsoring the enrollment of vulnerable community members to help expand coverage and impact.
About EBSHIA
The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) was established in 2018 and formally launched in 2021. It operates under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to residents of Ebonyi State. The agency plays a central role in advancing Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
