By Vincent Ujumadu
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed United States-based infectious disease specialist, Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu, as Special Assistant on State HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development.
The appointment was announced in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, who said it reflects the administration’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
According to Aburime, Prof. Animalu will lead initiatives aimed at mobilising international resources and technical expertise, coordinate diaspora partnerships, and develop sustainable strategies to support and strengthen Anambra State’s HIV response.
He said the appointee brings extensive clinical, academic and leadership experience to the role. She is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and holds senior medical leadership positions within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system.
Prof. Animalu holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tulane University. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA).
Aburime noted that she was a recipient of the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach, in addition to several other recognitions for volunteerism and community service.
He said the appointment underscores the Soludo administration’s resolve to harness the expertise of professionals in the diaspora to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes in Anambra State.
“By bringing top-tier diaspora talent into the state’s governance framework, the Soludo administration aims to build a more resilient and sustainable healthcare ecosystem for Ndi Anambra,” the statement added.
