The Kwara State Health Insurance Agency (KWHIA) will begin enrolling individuals with Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS into the state’s health insurance scheme by June 12.

Dr. Olubunmi Jetawo-Winter, Executive Secretary of the Agency, made the announcement on Wednesday in Ilorin during a meeting with stakeholders on the initiative’s implementation in the state.

She explained that the scheme would cover individuals living with TB and HIV/AIDS across all 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara.

Jetawo-Winter clarified that while some vulnerable individuals in the state benefited from Global Fund support for managing their diseases, they often lacked coverage for other health issues outside of TB and HIV/AIDS.”

These individuals, she noted, were particularly susceptible to additional health challenges due to their compromised immune systems.

“These individuals don’t have the luxury of building immunity like others due to the medication they are already taking,

“They require comprehensive health interventions to manage their diseases effectively,” Jetawo-Winter said.

She emphasised that the new health insurance coverage would also provide essential services for TB and HIV/AIDS patients who might experience other health issues like malaria, infections, surgery, or pregnancy.

According to her, the insurance scheme will be renewable annually.

Jetawo-Winter encouraged eligible individuals to register for the scheme at the health facilities where they received their TB and HIV/AIDS treatments.

Mr. Seun Ogunniyi, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Health and Environment, lauded the Agency’s efforts and commitment to improving public health.

He urged KWHIA to ensure proper orientation and effective implementation of the scheme across all local governments in the state.