The Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) has enrolled over 14,000 persons living with HIV into its health insurance scheme, with a target of reaching at least 29,000 beneficiaries in the coming months.
The Executive Secretary of EBSHIA, Dr. Divine Igwe, disclosed this during a press conference in Abakaliki while highlighting the achievements of the scheme under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Dr. Igwe attributed the progress to strategic partnerships, including funding support from global health organizations.
“We’ve accessed partnerships from global funds, which enabled us to begin enrolling more persons living with HIV. So far, over 14,000 have been enrolled, and we’re targeting 29,000,” he said.
He noted that under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, enrollment in the health insurance scheme rose from 34,000 to 137,333 between 2023 and 2024. The current figure includes children under five (42,088), pregnant women (20,786), people with disabilities (1,210), indigents (41,783), informal sector workers (2,214), and tertiary institution staff (5,347). Active enrollment in 2024 alone stands at 86,000.
These figures, he said, reflect the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access across the state.
Representing the Governor, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma Ikenna, said the scheme has significantly improved maternal and infant health in Ebonyi.
“Before Governor Nwifuru assumed office, there were no drugs, no ambulances for referrals, and insurance coverage was poor.
“As we speak, our primary health centres now have what it takes to care for patients.
“Before this administration, only about 34,000 people were enrolled in the health insurance scheme, but within two years, that figure has increased to over 137,000.
“We cannot talk about universal health coverage without mentioning health insurance because most of our people cannot afford healthcare services. With this scheme, enrollees access free healthcare, which has increased enrollment and the number of women registering for antenatal care, thereby reducing maternal mortality.
“Her Excellency also keyed into this vision by enrolling sickle cell patients under the scheme.
“Through the health insurance programme, we have adopted community initiatives, and the agency has secured global funds to enroll HIV-positive patients. These enrollees can also access treatment for other health conditions.”
Chairperson of the EBSHIA Board, Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga, described the scheme as one of the most impactful programmes in the state.
“We are proud of what EBSHIA has achieved. The commitment of the agency’s staff and board is commendable,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Emeka Philip Ovuoba, confirmed that PHCs across the state are being revitalized to improve rural access to healthcare.
Traditional ruler of Amechi Autonomous Community, HRH Ezeogu Nwokeocha, also praised the initiative, noting that the health insurance scheme is reaching the grassroots and transforming healthcare delivery.
Speaking on behalf of civil society organizations, Mr. Oliver Ajah described the Nwifuru-led government as “people-oriented,” commending its inclusive approach to governance.
Over 20 beneficiaries also shared personal testimonies of how the scheme has impacted their lives. Among them were Aloke Precious and Okoro Jacob, who underwent successful hernia surgeries; civil servants Anyigor Alphonsus and Mathew Izuchukwu, who received treatment for hernia and eye conditions; and Okoro Somotochukwu, Ogbonna Fastina, and Igwe Hannah, all sickle cell patients who benefited from the programme.
Others, including Adoke Precious, Nnaji Chioma Cynthia, Alegu Mary Chinwe, and Aleke Celine, recounted how they delivered their babies free of charge under the scheme.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi, Professor Egwu, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Igborji Chidi, commended the agency for its far-reaching impact, particularly on workers.
“The agency has touched lives across all sectors, including civil servants and students. From appendectomies to eye and hernia surgeries, we have witnessed firsthand the transformation it has brought,” they said.