Official information from the Anambra State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ANSACA) has it that the State currently records an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4%, placing it on the fifth position inn the country and first in the Southeast region in HIV prevalence
According to ANSACA the current percentage of people living with HIV in Anambra, which now stands at 2.4%, which is higher than the national average of 2.1%.
Making the disclosure, the newly appointed Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, alongside members of his management team, during a familiariration meeting between the House Committee on Health of the Anambra State House of Assembly and the newly appointed Executive Director of ANSACA, Dr. Nkem Okeke, alongside members of his management team.
According to sources, the group was led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Anthony Muobike , and attended by Hon. Emmanuel Anayo Okpalaeke , Member Representing Aguata I State Constituency.
DrumAfricanews reports that the focused of the meeting was on strengthening collaboration between the legislature and ANSACA to improve HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and coordination across relevant ministries and agencies in the state.
Executive Director of Dr Okeke highlighted ongoing interventions under the state’s HIV response strategy, including expanded moonlight outreach programmes and a ward-based volunteer network designed to decentralize awareness campaigns, testing services, and prevention efforts across communities.
He further noted that ANSACA is working towards achieving a target of zero new HIV infections by 2028, despite challenges such as inadequate budgetary provisions and a heavy reliance on donor funding for programme implementation.
Earlier, Hon. Anthony Muobike commended the agency’s renewed strategic direction and commitment to combating HIV/AIDS in the state. He assured the agency of the Committee’s support in addressing critical challenges, particularly those related to funding, policy implementation, and public health advocacy.
Also speaking through his participation and support for the Committee’s efforts, Hon. Emmanuel Anayo Okpalaeke reaffirmed the importance of sustained awareness, prevention, and community-based interventions in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He hinted on the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration to achieve the state’s health objectives and improve the well-being of Ndi Anambra.
