Enugu State Provides Health Insurance for Pregnant Women

On World Malaria Day, Enugu State announced that the Excel Community Education Welfare Scheme will provide health insurance coverage for 1,000 pregnant women. This initiative, aimed at removing financial barriers to healthcare, was highlighted by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andi Eyo.

The health insurance premiums will be paid by the state’s Universal Health Coverage Agency, allowing these women to receive antenatal care and delivery services at no charge in hospitals. The event also emphasized the state's efforts to reduce malaria prevalence, which has decreased from 24.5% to 9%.

Dr. Bright Orji from Jhpiego discussed the importance of preventing antimalarial drug resistance, noting that Nigeria contributes significantly to global malaria deaths. The state’s malaria prevalence rate is now lower than the national average, attributed to free malaria testing and treatment across 527 health facilities.

Prof. Georg Ugwu and Dr. Adaez Ugwu also highlighted ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment and collaboration among various ministries.