The National Health Insurance Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Tuberculosis and Buruli Ulcer Control Centre.

Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA director-general, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Ohiri said the agreement included social health insurance agencies in Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, and Kwara.

He said the initiative was aimed at providing health insurance coverage for people living with HIV and those battling drug-resistant tuberculosis.

He highlighted the agreement’s significance, describing it as a major step toward addressing healthcare disparities in Nigeria.

“The MoU is a major step in ensuring the speedy implementation of the grant,” he said.

He expressed NHIA’s dedication to improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups.

According to him, the health insurance coverage for PLHIV and DR-TB patients in the four states will strengthen collaboration between federal and state health agencies.

He said it would improve healthcare access for marginalised populations, adding that implementation of the programme was slated for February.

“The focus is on ensuring high data quality, robust monitoring, and effective training to overcome potential challenges.

“The expansion reflects NHIA’s commitment to promoting healthcare equity and improving the lives of Nigerians through innovative health insurance programmes.

“The initiative also sets the stage for scaling up similar programmes across other states in the future,” he said.

Mr Ohiri reiterated NHIA’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage by prioritising the needs of underserved populations.

(NAN)