Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene (8 June 1951 – 29 December 2019) was a Nigerian physician, microbiologist, politician, and public health reformer. He served as the Commissioner for Health in Anambra State from 2000 to 2003. Dr. Anyene was instrumental in the passage and implementation of the Nigerian National Health Bill.
Personal Life
Dr. Anyene was married to Lady Ngozi K. Anyene. The couple had four children.
Positions and Committees
Dr. Anyene was widely respected as a health activist, reformer, visionary, and advocate for Nigeria’s health sector. He held the following positions:
- Chairman, National Immunization Financing Task Force Team (NIFT)
- Chairman, Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC)
- Board Member and Chairman, Board Technical Committee, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (2001–2015)
- National Policy/Immunization Advisor (2008–2014) under a DFID and Norwegian Government program for:
- Revitalizing Routine Immunization
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health in Northern Nigeria
- Vice Chairman, White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria for Safe Motherhood
- Member, Nigeria Academy of Science Vaccines and Immunization Committee
- Member, Iwuanyanwu Committee that raised funds for Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994
Legacy
Dr. Anyene led the development and advocacy for the National Health Bill, ensuring its passage by the National Assembly and executive assent by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014. His work significantly shaped health financing, maternal health, and immunization policy in Nigeria.