Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – On World AIDS Day 2025, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced the historic integration of donor-funded resources into national health insurance, providing free, comprehensive coverage for People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
“This landmark initiative represents the first-ever integration of donor funds into the NHIA’s coverage structure,” the Authority said, highlighting a pilot phase across five states that registered thousands of beneficiaries and ensured seamless claims for antiretroviral therapy, laboratory monitoring, and opportunistic infection management.
NHIA emphasised that the nationwide rollout is a critical milestone in the push for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Automatic enrolment and zero out-of-pocket costs aim to remove financial barriers to essential HIV care.
“On #WorldAIDSDay, we reiterate our commitment to health equity through strategic health financing mechanisms,” the NHIA statement said, noting that pooled donor financing could prevent catastrophic health expenditure, which historically pushes vulnerable households below the poverty line.
Health economists describe the model as a potential game-changer for sustainable healthcare financing in Nigeria, ensuring vulnerable populations access life-saving services without incurring debilitating costs.
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