The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the states of the federation have commenced the establishment of processes and structures to maximise the benefits of a $669 million Global Fund support for the country’s health insurance system. The financing was announced by the Fund in February in line with its 2023-2028 strategy which aims to support health financing systems to improve sustainability, and reduce financial barriers to access and strengthen purchasing efficiency. Speaking at the opening of a two-day inception meeting attended by the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCM), representatives of State Health Insurance Agencies (SHIAs) as well as public and private sector experts, NHIA Director General, Dr.

Kelechi Ohiri, highlighted the execution priorities to ensure that set targets are achieved. He said the programme will boost efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, two diseases that remain significant challenges despite recent progress in combatting them. Ohiri, particularly identified impact, efficiency and sustainability as the core justifications and benefits for the Global Fund direct support for the nation’s health system.

He said, “The first is the issue of impact – impact in the sense that when you intervene to support and treat someone, you’re treating the entire person. So, by expanding the health care benefits that people receive, it means that we are recognising them as a whole and an individual. So, that means better hea.