Blog

Abuja, Nigeria – March 21, 2025

In a significant move towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), alongside the agency’s management team, recently paid an advocacy and congratulatory visit to Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and his management team.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable healthcare solutions for Nigerians. The NACA Director General commended the NHIA for its impactful work in expanding health insurance coverage across the nation.

Recognizing the reliance on donor funding for HIV treatment, the need for urgent domestic resource mobilization to ensure the long-term sustainability of the HIV response was emphasized. NACA’s plan to engage with all 36 states aims to optimize service delivery and ensure that People Living With HIV (PLHIV) receive comprehensive, integrated care, addressing not only treatment but also combating stigma.
NHIA reported significant progress, with health insurance coverage extending to approximately 19.2 to 19.4 million Nigerians, equity and equitable financial access, resulting in coverage for 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians, successful implementation of the VVF program, benefiting over 2,000 women and Initiatives aimed at reducing maternal mortality, with over 160 referral centers participating.
NHIA is also actively exploring the integration of HIV and Tuberculosis treatment into its benefit package, with a focus on sustainable implementation, partnership with the Global Fund in five states aims to provide non-HIV-related care for PLHIV through an integrated approach and including PLHIV and other vulnerable groups in its coverage plans, facilitating increased resource mobilization to ensure their access to essential healthcare services.

The visit signifies a crucial step towards a more robust and sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria. By working together, both can leverage their respective strengths to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV and other vulnerable populations. The focus on domestic resource mobilization, integrated service delivery, and expanded health insurance coverage will be vital in achieving long-term health equity and improved health outcomes for all.