By Ifeoma Ejiofor
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State 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 underscores the Soludo administration’s commitment to leveraging the expertise of professionals in the diaspora and strengthening international partnerships to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
According to the state government, Prof. Animalu will spearhead initiatives aimed at mobilising global resources, technical expertise and strategic collaborations to enhance Anambra’s HIV response. She will also coordinate diaspora partnerships and develop sustainable and innovative approaches to support the state’s healthcare programmes.
Prof. Animalu brings decades of experience in clinical practice, medical education, research and healthcare leadership to her new role.
She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, United States, and occupies senior medical leadership positions within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare System.
A highly accomplished physician and academic, Prof. Animalu earned both 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), reflecting her distinguished contributions to internal medicine and infectious diseases.
In recognition of her commitment to community health, she received the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Award for Community Outreach and has been honoured with several other awards for volunteerism and public service.
The state government expressed confidence that her extensive international experience and professional network would strengthen Anambra’s HIV programmes and deepen collaboration with the diaspora community to improve health outcomes across the state.
