The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Tuberculosis and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP).
This agreement also includes collaboration with state social health insurance agencies (SSHIA) in Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, and Kwara States.
The director-general, NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri shared details of this initiative during an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. He stated that this initiative aims to provide health insurance coverage for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and those affected by Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB).
Ohiri emphasised the importance of the agreement, calling it a significant step in addressing healthcare disparities in Nigeria. “The MoU is a major step toward ensuring the speedy implementation of the grant,” he said. He expressed NHIA’s commitment to improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.
He noted that the health insurance coverage for PLHIV and DR-TB patients in the four states will strengthen collaboration between federal and state health agencies and enhance healthcare access for marginalised populations.
He disclosed that the programme’s implementation is scheduled for February 2025 and will focus on ensuring high data quality, robust monitoring, and effective training to address potential challenges.
Ohiri affirmed that this expansion reflects NHIA’s commitment to promoting healthcare equity and improving the lives of Nigerians through innovative health insurance programmes. He also indicated that this initiative sets the foundation for scaling up similar programmes in other states in the future.
He reiterated NHIA’s dedication to achieving Universal Health Coverage by prioritising the needs of underserved populations.
