HIV, TB: NHIA eyes nationwide insurance coverage in 2027

"The exercise would assess the readiness and capacity of healthcare facilities to provide HIV/AIDS and TB services in line with its operational guidelines and approved benefit package." NHIA 

The National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, has commenced the accreditation of over 2,000 healthcare facilities nationwide ahead of plans to expand health insurance coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, TB, patients across the country in 2027.

The nationwide exercise, which commenced on August 31 and will end on September 21, 2026, is part of preparations for the implementation of the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 8, GC8, for HIV/AIDS and TB services.

NHIA said the exercise would assess the readiness and capacity of healthcare facilities to provide HIV/AIDS and TB services in line with its operational guidelines and approved benefit package.

While the exercise is being conducted nationwide, particular attention is being given to healthcare facilities in Benue, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Anambra and Nasarawa states.

The Authority said the accreditation would help identify gaps in the capacity of healthcare facilities, generate data to guide accreditation and quality improvement investments, strengthen accountability and ensure consistent standards of care for people living with HIV/AIDS and TB patients.

The initiative builds on NHIA’s experience under the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7, GC7, through which the Authority currently provides health insurance coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS and TB patients in Ebonyi, Anambra, Gombe and Kwara states.

With the transition to GC8, NHIA said the ongoing exercise would enable it to assess and strengthen the capacity of healthcare facilities ahead of the planned nationwide expansion of the programme.

Speaking on the development, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the expansion of health insurance coverage must be matched by the capacity of healthcare facilities to deliver quality care.

“For us, coverage is only meaningful if people can actually access the care they are entitled to. As we expand health insurance coverage for HIV/AIDS and TB services, we have to make sure that the facilities providing that care have the capacity to deliver it,” Ohiri said.

“This accreditation exercise allows us to identify the gaps, address them and ensure that expansion in coverage is matched by quality care.”

The exercise is being conducted in collaboration with the Global Fund, State Social Health Insurance Agencies, State AIDS Control Agencies and Programmes, State TB, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programmes, as well as State Primary Health Care Development Agencies.

NHIA said the planned 2027 expansion represents a major step in its efforts to strengthen access to health insurance for vulnerable patients while ensuring that increased coverage is backed by quality healthcare services.