The Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, ASWHAN, Borno State chapter, has urged the state government to enrol vulnerable people living with HIV into the contributory health insurance scheme.
The appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, Dr Saleh Abba Kaza, in Maiduguri.
ASWHAN Executive Director, Hajia Fusam Baba, said the initiative would improve healthcare access and ease the financial burden on vulnerable patients.
“We are here on behalf of ASWHAN, in collaboration with APYIN and NEPHWAN, to seek your guidance and partnership in improving access to healthcare and reducing financial barriers for vulnerable people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Baba also commended the availability of essential medicines in several primary healthcare centres, noting that they could improve access to treatment.
“The availability of essential medicines at the PHC level can help improve access to treatment and reduce the challenges associated with seeking healthcare.”
Responding, Kaza said the agency remained committed to expanding affordable healthcare for vulnerable residents.
“Our objective is to ensure that vulnerable people have access to healthcare without being denied treatment because of their inability to pay,” Kaza said.
He explained that the state’s contributory healthcare programme is designed to provide affordable care, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The agency has also announced plans to enrol an additional 100,000 vulnerable residents under its free healthcare programme.
Kaza added that “we will continue to work with relevant organisations and community groups to identify vulnerable people and ensure that they benefit from the available healthcare interventions.”
The engagement is expected to deepen collaboration between government and community organisations while promoting healthcare access and financial protection for vulnerable people living with HIV.
