Backed by funding, Anambra announces free HIV, TB treatments for locals

The Anambra government has urged persons living with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) to register with the state Health Insurance Agency to access free treatments and reduce mortality rates linked to the diseases.

Dr Afam Obidike, the state commissioner for health, made the appeal on Wednesday in Awka while addressing newsmen.

Recall that the USAID had been the chief funder of the treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS but it was recently brought to a halt by the Donald Trump administration in the United States.

Obidike said that the Anambra Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) secured support from the Global Fund, which will enable the state to provide free treatment for HIV/AIDS and TB under its health insurance scheme.

“We had a meeting to re-strategise on how to ensure that residents in the state have access to quality and affordable healthcare,” he said.

“I commend the Managing Director of ASHIA for successfully securing Global Fund support for Anambra, which has enabled HIV/AIDS and TB treatments to be provided free of charge under the scheme.

“I am calling on persons living with HIV/AIDS and TB to go register with ASHIA to access these frees healthcare.”

Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, managing director of ASHIA, further explained that the agency will bear the full cost of medical care for registered patients.

“When a person living with HIV is diagnosed, there are other investigations done to monitor their treatments and they have to pay out of pocket for these health investigations,” he said.

“But the Global Fund support has come to take care of these patients through ASHIA.

“ASHIA will cover the cost of their treatments when they visit the hospital for care.

“I believe this development will promote better health outcomes and help lower the mortality rate.”