Soludo Appoints US Based Infectious Disease Expert to Strengthen Anambra’s HIV Response
By Ejike Abana
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has appointed renowned United States based infectious disease specialist, Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu, as Special Assistant on State HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development, in a move aimed at strengthening Anambra State’s healthcare system through global collaboration and diaspora engagement.
The appointment underscores the Soludo administration’s commitment to attracting world class expertise and forging strategic international partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and expand the state’s HIV response.
In her new role, Prof. Animalu will coordinate HIV related diaspora partnerships, mobilise international resources and technical support, and develop innovative, sustainable strategies that will enhance ongoing HIV prevention, treatment, and care programmes across Anambra State.
Prof. Animalu is an accomplished physician, researcher, and academic with decades of experience in infectious diseases and public health.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, United States, while also occupying senior medical leadership positions within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare System.
Her impressive academic credentials include 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 and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, reflecting her outstanding contributions to medical practice and infectious disease research.
In recognition of her commitment to community health, Prof. Animalu received the prestigious 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach, in addition to several honours for volunteer service and public health advocacy.
The appointment is widely seen as another strategic step by the Soludo administration to harness the knowledge, experience, and networks of accomplished Anambra professionals in the diaspora for the development of the state.
By integrating globally recognised experts into governance, the administration hopes to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system capable of improving health outcomes and advancing the wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.
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