The Anambra State Government has appointed United States-based infectious disease specialist, Prof. Chinelo Ngozi Animalu, as Special Assistant to the Governor on HIV Diaspora Coordination and Development.
The appointment, approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, reflects the administration’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships and the expertise of Anambra professionals in the diaspora to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
In her new role, Prof. Animalu will coordinate diaspora partnerships, mobilize international resources and technical expertise, and develop sustainable strategies to enhance Anambra’s HIV response and improve healthcare outcomes.
Prof. Animalu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, United States, and also 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. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA).
A distinguished physician, researcher and community advocate, Prof. Animalu received the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach and has been honoured with several awards for volunteerism and community service.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the appointment underscores the Soludo administration’s resolve to harness global expertise and diaspora partnerships to strengthen healthcare delivery, enhance the state’s HIV response, and build a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system for the people of Anambra State.
