Enugu enrolls 1,000 pregnant women into its health insurance scheme

The Enugu State Government has enrolled 1,000 pregnant women into its health insurance scheme as part of efforts to eliminate malaria.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), which coincides with the celebration of World Malaria Day.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive free malaria testing and treatment, antenatal care, delivery services, and postnatal care for both mother and child.
Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the state governor, who spoke at the event through Chinyere Ugwu, wife of the speaker, reaffirmed her commitment to achieving zero malaria prevalence in the state.

She emphasised empowering women to play a frontline role in malaria prevention at the household level.

George Ugwu, commissioner for Health, noted significant progress, with malaria prevalence dropping from 25.5percent to 9.9percent. said added that free malaria testing and treatment are currently available in 527 health facilities across the state, with a target to reduce prevalence below 5percent by 2027 and eventually eliminate the disease.

Ugwu also highlighted ongoing investments by Governor Peter Mbah in healthcare infrastructure, including new primary healthcare centres, secondary and tertiary hospitals, and a 300-bed international hospital.

“The state acknowledged support from partners such as Jhpiego, World Health Organization, and UNICEF,” he said.

Earlier activities to mark the campaign included a malaria awareness walk and free medical outreach in selected facilities.

According to Ayodele Alegbeleye, these efforts focused on promoting prevention, early testing, and effective treatment.

Awards were also presented to outstanding contributors, including Beloved-Dan Anike and Kyrian Ezeh, for their roles in supporting malaria eliminations.