Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has selected U.S.-based infectious disease expert Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu to serve as his Special Assistant for State HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development. Christian Aburime, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, stated that this appointment demonstrates the administration’s dedication to using international collaborations to improve local healthcare.
In her new position, Prof. Animalu is tasked with gathering global resources, managing diaspora partnerships, and creating long-term plans to bolster HIV management in Anambra. She offers a wealth of clinical and leadership expertise to the state government. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and holds a leadership role at the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system.
Prof. Animalu earned her medical degree and a Master of Public Health from Tulane University. She is also recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Beyond her academic credentials, she received the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach. Governor Soludo intends to incorporate high-level diaspora talent into the state’s governance to build a stronger and more effective healthcare system for the people of Anambra.
