The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWHIA) has announced that individuals living with tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS will be enrolled into the state’s health insurance scheme from 12 June.
Dr Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, Executive Secretary of the Agency, revealed this development on Wednesday in Ilorin during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on the implementation of the new initiative.
She stated that the scheme would extend to cover individuals living with TB and HIV/AIDS across all 16 local government areas of Kwara State.
Jetawo-Winter pointed out that while many vulnerable persons had benefited from Global Fund support for treating their primary conditions, they were often left without coverage for other medical concerns not related to TB and HIV/AIDS.
She stressed that this gap in healthcare access was critical, given the weakened immune systems of such individuals.
“These individuals don’t have the luxury of building immunity like others due to the medication they are already taking.
“They require comprehensive health interventions to manage their diseases effectively,” Jetawo-Winter said.
She further explained that the expanded coverage would include other essential services for those affected, such as treatment for malaria, infections, surgeries, and maternal care, all of which are not currently supported under the Global Fund.
The health insurance scheme, she added, will be renewable on an annual basis.
Jetawo-Winter urged all eligible individuals to enrol at the same healthcare facilities where they currently receive treatment for TB and HIV/AIDS.
In response, Mr Seun Ogunniyi, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Health and Environment, commended the Agency’s commitment to public health and the welfare of vulnerable communities.
He called on KWHIA to ensure that the scheme is properly introduced and effectively implemented across every local government in the state.