By Chisom Okafor

The Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) has concluded a five-day Integrated Mentorship Supervision Visit by the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), aimed at improving access to affordable and quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.

The exercise, held from Oct. 12 to 16, was conducted in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) under the Global Fund Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (GF-RSSH) Grant.

During the visit, the national supervision team met with the Executive Secretary of ASHIA, Dr. Augustine Ezeka, and the agency’s management to assess programme implementation, review performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Discussions centred on beneficiary enrolment, healthcare service utilisation, data management and strategies to strengthen the delivery of Global Fund supported health insurance services to tuberculosis (TB) patients and people living with HIV (PLHIV).

The engagement provided a platform for technical knowledge sharing and the assessment of progress made in extending health insurance coverage to the targeted populations. Participants examined areas requiring improved coordination to ensure beneficiaries receive accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services.

The successful completion of the exercise underscores the importance of collaboration between state and national health institutions in strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind.

ASHIA reaffirmed its commitment to improving programme implementation, promoting accountability and expanding health insurance coverage across Anambra State.

The agency’s efforts align with the healthcare priorities of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, where everyone can access essential health services without financial hardship.