In a landmark move towards universal health coverage, the Oyo State Government has enrolled 10,000 People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) into its comprehensive health insurance scheme, a program designed to improve access to essential medical services without the burden of catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses.
The enrolment spans all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, marking a major boost for the state’s healthcare landscape. While PLWHA previously had access to free Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), other essential services including treatment for opportunistic infections, routine medical check-ups, and general health management remained largely unaffordable.
The State Commissioner for Health emphasized:
“Health is a right, not a privilege. By enrolling 10,000 residents living with HIV/AIDS into the health scheme, we are breaking down financial barriers to care and affirming our commitment to health equity.”
The enrolled beneficiaries will now have access to a wide range of services under Oyo State’s health insurance package:
• Comprehensive Primary Care: Routine consultations, treatment for common illnesses, and necessary referrals.
• Management of Opportunistic Infections: Timely and affordable care for infections linked to weakened immune systems.
• Maternal and Child Health Services: Crucial support for pregnant women and children within the PLWHA community.
• Laboratory and Diagnostic Services: Essential tests and diagnostic procedures to monitor overall health.
These services are expected to improve ART adherence, enhance immune function, and promote better viral suppression rates, helping beneficiaries live longer, healthier, and more productive lives while reducing stigma.
The enrolment campaign was successfully executed through collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (Oyo SACA), and various development partners and NGOs. These partnerships were crucial in identifying beneficiaries, ensuring program sustainability, and providing support infrastructure.
Oyo State hopes this initiative will serve as a model for other states, contributing to Nigeria’s progress toward the global goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
Launched on Thanksgiving Day, this program is a reminder that prioritizing healthcare and compassion in governance can have a transformative impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.
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