Health

NHIA Appoints Theophilus Egwudah as Plateau State Coordinator

Published

2 months ago

February 13, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has appointed Comrade Theophilus Egwudah Ife as its new Plateau State Coordinator, with effect from January 29, 2026.

The appointment was approved by the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, in recognition of Egwudah’s long-standing service, professionalism and contributions to Nigeria’s health insurance system.
Egwudah, who currently holds the rank of Deputy Director (Programme) at the Federal Capital Territory State Office of the Authority, brings over two decades of experience in health insurance administration, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination to his new role.

Born on March 18, 1973, in Ineme-Ibaji River Line area of Ibaji Local Government Area, present-day Kogi State, Egwudah began his early education in Ottah Ibaji before completing secondary school at St. Peter’s College, Idah. He later gained admission into the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning.

He joined the NHIA in 2001 as a fresh graduate and has since served in several departments and state offices. Notably, he played a key role in coordinating the Urban Self-Employed User Group Pilot Social Health Insurance Programme in Aba, Abia State, beginning in 2003, including the Ariaria Market survey. Colleagues and enrollees across the public and organised private sectors have commended his commitment to sensitisation, enrolment advocacy and resolution of healthcare service complaints.

Egwudah also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Studies from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and is a Chartered member of ANAN. He previously emerged as the unanimous Vice Chairman of the NHIA branch of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
Reacting to his appointment, Egwudah expressed appreciation to the Director General and management of the Authority for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to deepen access to quality healthcare services and strengthen enrolment across Plateau State.
He is married to Queen Ojochenemi Egwudah.

The NHIA management said the appointment is expected to further enhance the implementation of health insurance programmes in Plateau State, in line with the Authority’s mandate to achieve universal health coverage nationwide.

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Health

FG Intensifies Malaria Elimination Drive, Urges Stronger Community Action

Published

8 hours ago

April 17, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to eliminate malaria in Nigeria, rolling out strengthened strategies that prioritise prevention, community participation, and the adoption of proven global practices.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving veteran actor and Oloja-Elect of Lagos, Jide Kosoko, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of World Malaria Day 2026.

Speaking during the meeting, Salako disclosed that since 2023, the government has adopted a more proactive and innovative approach to combating malaria through the “Rethinking Malaria Strategy,” introduced with the support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the minister, the strategy shifts away from conventional methods by focusing on prevention, data-driven interventions, and multi-sectoral collaboration, while also leveraging lessons from countries that have successfully eliminated malaria.

As part of this renewed push, the government established the Advocacy Committee on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, a platform aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts and mobilising expertise to accelerate malaria eradication nationwide.

Salako highlighted that Nigeria has made steady progress in reducing malaria prevalence, noting a drop from about 42 per cent in 2010 to 22 per cent in 2022. He added that recent interventions have further reduced the burden, with only a few states still classified as high transmission zones, while several others are nearing pre-elimination status.

He cited Lagos State as a leading example, pointing out that its low malaria prevalence demonstrates the potential for replicating successful interventions across the country.

The minister also underscored improved compliance with the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
He revealed that over 64 per cent of Nigerians now use treated nets when made available, attributing the progress to sustained awareness campaigns.

In addition, Salako announced that the National Malaria Strategic Plan has been updated for the 2026–2030 period, aligning with broader health sector reforms aimed at ensuring a coordinated and sustainable response.

Despite these gains, he stressed that government efforts alone cannot achieve total elimination, calling on Nigerians to take greater responsibility for preventive measures.

“Maintaining clean environments, clearing drainages, removing stagnant water, and consistent use of treated nets are critical,” he said. He also warned against self-medication, emphasising the need for proper testing and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Earlier, Kosoko commended the government’s renewed efforts and pledged his support through grassroots advocacy and sensitisation campaigns. He noted that he has been engaging communities and students in Lagos and Abuja, educating them on malaria prevention and control.

He emphasised that sustained success in the fight against malaria will depend largely on public awareness, behavioural change, and active community involvement.

The meeting, held under the IMPACT Project, was attended by senior officials of the ministry, including representatives of the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Public Health, and the National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

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