Soludo names Animals special aide on HIV diaspora coordination

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By Madu Obi

Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has announced the appointment of United States-based infectious disease specialist, Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu, as Special Assistant on State HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime said the appointment pinpoints the present administration's strategic focus on leveraging global partnerships to elevate local healthcare delivery.

In her new role, Prof. Animalu will head initiatives aimed at mobilizing international resources and technical expertise. She will also lead the coordination of diaspora partnerships and develop sustainable, innovative strategies to strengthen the state’s ongoing HIV response.

According to Aburime, Prof. Animalu brings into the job, a wealth of clinical, academic, and leadership experience to the administration, adding that she currently serves as 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.

An accomplished academic and researcher, her credentials include: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tulane University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA).

She is a recipient of the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach, alongside numerous awards for volunteerism and community service.

The governor's spokesman added that her appointment further demonstrates the commitment of the Soludo administration to harnessing global expertise and diaspora partnerships towards strengthening healthcare delivery and achieving a healthier and more prosperous 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", Aburime said.