Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed United States-based infectious disease specialist, Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu, as Special Assistant to the Governor on State HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development.
The appointment is part of the Soludo administration’s efforts to harness the expertise of professionals in the diaspora and strengthen international partnerships aimed at improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
According to the state government, Prof. Animalu will coordinate initiatives to mobilise global resources, technical expertise and strategic partnerships to enhance the state’s HIV response. She will also facilitate collaboration with the diaspora community and develop sustainable approaches to support Anambra’s healthcare programmes.
Prof. Animalu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, United States, and holds senior medical leadership positions within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare System.
She earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from Tulane University and is a Fellow of both the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA), in recognition of her contributions to internal medicine and infectious diseases.
The renowned physician was also honoured with the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach, alongside several other recognitions for her commitment to volunteerism and public health service.
The Anambra State Government expressed confidence that Prof. Animalu’s extensive international experience and professional network would strengthen the state’s HIV intervention programmes, deepen collaboration with healthcare partners in the diaspora and improve health outcomes for residents.
