Benue intensifies Universal Health Coverage drive as APIN donates awareness materials to boost Health Insurance enrolment

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through sustainable healthcare financing, urging residents to enrol in the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme as APIN Public Health Initiatives donated over 150 flex banners to support public awareness and increase enrolment across the state.

The donation, made at the Ministry of Health and Human Services headquarters in Makurdi, is aimed at strengthening public sensitisation on the benefits of health insurance and promoting continuity of essential healthcare services amid declining donor funding.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, described the intervention as timely and strategic, saying the banners would serve as an effective communication tool in educating residents on the benefits of enrolling in the state health insurance scheme.

He commended APIN Public Health Initiatives for its sustained support to the health sector, noting that the Benue State Government is deliberately shifting towards sustainable healthcare financing through expanded health insurance coverage.

According to him, "The present administration under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has made quality, affordable and accessible healthcare a priority.

Expanding enrolment into the State Health Insurance Scheme is key to ensuring that every Benue citizen can access healthcare services without suffering financial hardship."

Dr. Ogwuche added that the era when healthcare relied almost entirely on donor support was gradually giving way to stronger state-owned systems built on sustainability, local ownership and shared responsibility.

He assured that the Ministry would distribute the publicity materials to designated health facilities across the state to stimulate public awareness and encourage more residents to register for the health insurance scheme.

Earlier, APIN State Head of Office, Dr. Enebi Achimugwu, said the donation was intended to create greater demand for health insurance services, particularly in APIN-supported health facilities, as development partners increasingly shift from direct service delivery to strengthening government systems.

"Sustainable healthcare can only be achieved when citizens are enrolled in health insurance, thereby reducing the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare spending," Achimugwu said, adding that APIN is encouraging people receiving HIV treatment and other eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the affordable insurance premium to access comprehensive healthcare services while ensuring continuity of care.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Health Insurance Agency, Prof. Kenneth Korver, represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Sunday Odagba, appreciated APIN for its continued partnership and appealed for sustained collaboration in expanding enrolment, especially among workers in the formal sector.

He described health insurance as "the surest pathway to sustainable healthcare financing and improved health outcomes for the people of Benue State."

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Cephas Hough; Executive Secretary of the Benue State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Matthew Onoja; Director of Public Health, Dr. Joshua Agbadu; Director of Medical Services, Dr. Solomon Wombo; and other senior government officials, APIN representatives and stakeholders in the health sector.